Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers FAQs - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

1. Is the grant reimbursement-based?
Yes, funds are disbursed to grantees on a reimbursement basis after approved expenses are incurred and invoiced, quarterly.

2. Does an applicant or partner/sub grantee need to be an approved facilitator with Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB)?
While applicants and/or partners do not need to be MABPCB-approved Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training providers at the time of application, they must be approved by the time training occurs. Please keep in mind, MABPCB review to approve trainings takes time, so RAMP applicants should plan accordingly. View More: Submit a training or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) curriculum to MABPCB for review and approval .

3. Can a for-profit organization apply directly as the lead applicant for RAMP funding?
Yes, for-profit organizations may serve as the lead applicant.

4. What is the reporting frequency?
RAMP subgrantees will submit quarterly activity and expenditure reports to the RAMP Program Manager. Reporting templates for both activity and fiscal reports will be made available at the start of the grant project.

5. Can our organization be both the applicant and one of the three employer partners?
Yes, as long as the organization can meet both the applicant and employer requirements. You will need to demonstrate in a Letter of Support that as both the applicant and employer, you will provide internships and/or employment to participants working towards CPRS certification through the RAMP grant program.

6. Is there a minimum and maximum number of RAMP program participants that applicants are required to serve?
There is no set minimum or maximum number of participants a program is required to serve through the RAMP funds.

7. What is the expected cost per participant?
There is no expected cost per participant. MD Labor determines the cost per participant by taking the total award amount requested and dividing it by the number of participants served by the grant. MD Labor will determine if calculated cost per participant is reasonable based on the entirety of the program being proposed by the applicant.

8. Can one year of apprenticeship count toward 500 hours of CPRS internship?
Prospective RAMP applicants should consult the MABPCB Certified Peer Recovery Specialist training page to ensure that their programs meet the requirements for individuals to qualify to take the peer certification exam.

9. Is the purchase of E-Bikes, E-Scooters, etc. an allowable cost if they are used to provide transportation to participants?
Vehicles are not an allowable expense per the RAMP policy and as defined in Maryland state law, Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 11-176 (West).

10. My organization will be venturing into this space for the first time, does that put us at a disadvantage?
While having an existing network or program structure can offer certain advantages, every organization has to start somewhere. The goal of the RAMP program is to expand the peer recovery workforce, which means bringing new individuals and organizations into this important work. We strongly encourage fresh perspectives and welcome applicants who are new to this field. Your enthusiasm and unique experiences are valuable assets to this effort.

11. Do employer partners need to be located in rural counties?
It is strongly encouraged for lead applicants to form partnerships with employers in rural counties. All attempts should be made to connect program participants to internships and/or employment close to where they live. If that is not possible, the lead applicant should explain in their narrative application how they selected their employer partners and what, if any, provisions will be made to ensure that participants can travel to internship and/or employment sites with ease.