August 25, 2021 By: Michael L. Gentry WHAT IT IS: The MD Expansion Grant Related Instruction Reimbursement Fund (RIRF) is available for “NEW” first year apprentices that have not begun related instruction classes. The grant will reimburse up to $3,000 per apprentice for the allowable cost of tuition, books, or fees (tools are not an allowable cost under the grant). The grant has been available since June 2019 when the MD Department of Labor (MD Labor) received a State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant award of $2,854,797.39 from the USDOL for a three-year grant period, July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: The KatzAbosch team is aware that this opportunity is being missed within the construction and government contracting communities and should be taken advantage of before it ends next summer. The RIRF would help minimize some of the costs associated with on-boarding apprentices. HOW DO I APPLY: The apprentice must have a completed Apprenticeship Agreement submitted and registered with the State of MD to be eligible. RIRF funding is available on a first come, first served basis. Email completed applications to Wayne L. Salter, Grants Manager at wayne.salter@maryland.gov. For an application, click here. HOW KATZABOSCH CAN HELP: Contracts, labor supply, new regulations, material costs: you’ve got a lot to manage, and we can help. Ten of our team members hold the prestigious distinction of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), a certification held by less than 41 professionals in Maryland and only 1,140 professionals in the United States. You can rest assure with our Construction and Government Contracting Service groups background and reputation in the community we can proactively assist your organization’s goals and objectives. Visit our construction service page, government contract page or contact us to learn more how we can help your organization. Article by: Michael L. Gentry, CPA, CCIFP, CCA Michael Gentry, a Director with KatzAbosch, joined the firm in 1998. Mike serves on the firm’s Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Construction Services Group. He has provided accounting and tax services to contractors and construction firms for more than 15 years. In addition, he services closely-held businesses. A dedicated professional, Mike holds the prestigious distinction of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), a certification held by less than 50 professionals in Maryland and less than 1,000 professionals in the United States. He is also a CCA, certified construction auditor. This nationally recognized certification is sponsored by the National Association of Construction Auditors. By applying his knowledge of the latest trends and changes in the construction industry, he helps clients achieve their financial and personal goals.
