The Fort Meade Alliance’s priority is to keep our members informed during COVID-19 pandemic. Below are essential resources and tools that will be helpful for your business.
Vaccination Resources
CovidLINK
The state’s CovidLINK vaccination page provides the latest information on Maryland’s Phased COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, links to helpful resources and an FAQ. Check back regularly for information and updates.
Dispelling 6 Myths About COVID-19 Vaccines
University of Maryland Medical System. Additional vaccination resources area available at umms.org/vaccine.
Resources for Reopening
A number of government agencies and business groups have published information containing best practices and strategies for reopening the workplaces including:
Back to Business
State of Maryland – Best practices for Maryland’s companies reopening in correlation with the COVID-19 outbreak
SAFE WORKPLACE: Best Practices and Baselines for Reopening Maryland
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Readiness: A How-To Guide For Reopening Your Workplace
Cushman & Wakefield
Making Maryland Stronger
Maryland Manufacturing Network
Communities, Schools, Workplaces, and Events: Guidance for Where You Live, Work, Learn, Pray, and Play
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
FMA Resources
June 23, 2020: Acquisition Guidance Webinar Series: NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
June 11, 2020: Acquisition Guidance Webinar Series: U.S. CYBER COMMAND
April 24, 2020: Acquisition Guidance Webinar Series: DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
April 21, 2020: Acquisition Guidance Webinar Series: NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
March 31, 2020: COVID-19 Impacts on the Fort Meade Region Webinar
State of Maryland Resources
Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery (April 24) – Governor Hogan’s plan outlines the steps necessary to begin Maryland’s economic recovery and to protect public health.
Governor Hogan’s March 30 Order – This stay-at-home order directs Marylanders not to leave their homes other than for essential purposes, such as going to a job that is considered essential.
Employer documentation and out-of-state employees (March 30) Employers may provide a letter for employees who are commuting to and from work and out-of-state workers are permitted to travel to their jobs.
Additional Businesses, Staff Access for Non-Essential Businesses (March 24) Provides direction about what to do when “non-essential” status is unclear.
Governor Hogan’s March 23 Order: The Closing of Non-Essential Services
The Defense Industrial Base Sector includes, but is not limited to: i. Companies that research, develop, manufacture, or integrate weapons, defense, or intelligence systems or assets. ii. Private contractors that support defense and intelligence agencies.
Additional Businesses, Organizations and Facilities That May Remain Open
Additional Businesses, Organizations and Facilities That May Remain Open (March 23) Businesses that may remain open include residential and commercial construction firms, engineering, surveying, architectural and interior design firms.
Maryland Department of Commerce – Maryland Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Business – Comprehensive site including the Governor’s executive orders, business closures, financial and tax assistance, employer and worker assistance details and licensing and permits information.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
State of Maryland Layoff Aversion Fund- Grant Applications – This fund designed to support businesses by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant) will minimize the need for layoffs.
Federal Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration — Coronavirus Relief Options
SBA Disaster Assistance – The entire state of Maryland has received designation for U.S. Small Business Administration assistance.
Paycheck Protection Program – Provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds are provided in the form of loans that could be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities (at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Guide to the Paycheck Protection Program – Detailed guide to help small businesses and the self-employed prepare to file for the federal loan.
Internal Revenue Service – Includes specifics on paid leave, tax credits for small and mid-sized businesses, July 15 filing deadline extension and deferring tax payments.
Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration – This site contains OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to COVID-19.
OSHA – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 – Contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – What you need to know about COVID-19, symptoms, how to protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are sick.
World Health Organization – Latest updates from WHO including travel advice and myth busters.
Federal Government’s Response to COVID-19 – A guide to government information and services such as travel, health and safety.
Department of Labor – Families First Coronavirus Response Act will apply to leave taken between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020
Employee Paid Leave Rights
Employer Paid Leave requirements
Questions & Answers
Military Resources
Army Public Health System – This site provides Army-specific information and communication resources related to COVID-19.
National Military Family Association – Important updates for military families