Project Information

Bid Title

Commercial Facade Improvement Program (CFIP)

Issuing Agency

City of Greenbelt

Location

Maryland

Published Date

May 28, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 30, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

ED2026-01

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Number:	ED2026-01
Bid Title:	Commercial Facade Improvement Program (CFIP)
Category:	Request for Proposal
Status:	Open

Description: FY2026 Funding Opportunity Announcement Commercial Façade Improvement Program (CFIP) Guidelines Download the full announcement PDF Program Information The City of Greenbelt, Maryland(“Greenbelt” or the “City)recognizes the positive impact that individual façade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality, and economic vitality of the City's commercial districts. This impact can stimulate new private investments while preserving the historic character of the area. The City is pleased to announce the Commercial Façade Improvement Program ( “ CFIP ” or the “ Program ” ) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 . The Purpose of the CFIP is to award funds for the capital improvement or rehabilitation of the exterior of existing qualified commercial properties occupied by businesses within the Greenbelt City Center project area. ThePrimaryGoals of the Program are to remove accessibility barriers, facilitate investment, increase employment opportunities and achieve significant visual improvements in commercial facade appearance enhancing viability and walkability of the City Center. Projects that meet thePrimaryGoals will be preferred. Preference will be given to projects that prioritize aesthetic improvements over routine maintenance and businesses that serve important community needs. Applications will be competitive and can be submitted by property owners, lessees, or business associations on behalf of owners or lessees. Although the program is competitive it is expected thatApplicants work together, sharing ideas and visions for the area in order to formulate visually cohesive P roject P lans. All sites must be commercial property located within the boundaries of Greenbelt City Center(“City Center”). A map of the City Center is attached. Dates estimated for key program activities are outlined below and subject to change based on application volume, evaluation team availability, and other ongoing City activities: Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue Date:May21, 2026 Pre-bid Conference: June 1, 2026, 12 pm in-person and via Zoom ( https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425513075 ) Application Deadline : June30, 2026 at 3 pm Eastern Time Zone Expected Date for Selection Notifications:  July 7, 2026 Projects ongoing 7/7/26 –4/30/27 Final Reports due 5/1/27 The CFIP application process involves two steps before any project expenditures will be approved for reimbursement: Submission, Review and approval of the Application to receive funding. Submission, Review and approval of theProject Plan. Publication Date/Time: 5/28/2026 12:00 PM Closing Date/Time: 6/30/2026 3:00 PM Pre-bid Meeting: June 1, 2026, 12 pm Contact Person: Timothy George, Assistant City Manager tgeorge@greenbeltmd.gov (240) 542-2025 Related Documents: FY2026 Funding Opportunity Announcement (PDF)

Attachment Preview

FY26 Funding Opportunity Announcement

City of Greenbelt

Commercial Façade Improvement Program (CFIP)

Guidelines

I.

Program Information

A. The City of Greenbelt, Maryland (“Greenbelt” or the “City) recognizes the positive impact that

individual façade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality, and economic

vitality of the City's commercial districts. This impact can stimulate new private investments

while preserving the historic character of the area. The City is pleased to announce the

Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“CFIP” or the “Program”) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

B. The Purpose of the CFIP is to award funds for the capital improvement or rehabilitation of the

exterior of existing qualified commercial properties occupied by businesses within the

Greenbelt City Center project area.

C. The Primary Goals of the Program are to remove accessibility barriers, facilitate investment,

increase employment opportunities and achieve significant visual improvements in

commercial facade appearance enhancing viability and walkability of the City Center. Projects

that meet the Primary Goals will be preferred. Preference will be given to projects that

prioritize aesthetic improvements over routine maintenance and businesses that serve

important community needs.

D. Applications will be competitive and can be submitted by property owners, lessees or

business associations on behalf of owners or lessees.

E. Although the program is competitive it is expected that Applicants work together, sharing ideas

and visions for the area in order to formulate visually cohesive Project Plans.

F. All sites must be commercial property located within the boundaries of Greenbelt City Center

(“City Center”). A map of the City Center is attached.

G. Dates estimated for key program activities are outlined below and subject to change based on

application volume, evaluation team availability, and other ongoing City activities:

i. Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue Date: May 21, 2026

ii. Pre-bid Conference: June 1, 2026, 12:00pm in-person and via Zoom

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425513075)

iii. Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

iv. Expected Date for Selection Notifications: July 7, 2026

v. Projects ongoing 7/7/26 – 4/30/27

vi. Final Reports due 5/1/27

H. The CFIP application process involves two steps before any project expenditures will be

approved for reimbursement:

i. Submission, Review and approval of the Application to receive funding.

ii. Submission, Review and approval of the Project Plan.

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II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants: Applications for grant funds may be made by: (1) the owner of a property;

(2) the occupant of the property with a valid lease (“Lessee) or (3) a community group

representing all parties interested in participating (each an “Applicant”). Applications made by

a Lessee or Community Group must be accompanied by an affidavit of the property owner

consenting to the Applicant’s participation in the Program. If the grant application is awarded,

but before any work has commenced, a Project Plan shall be submitted that has the signed

consent of the property owner.

i. A commercial property that has been subdivided into more than one business area may

have more than one eligible Applicant as long as the property is subdivided in such a

manner that there are separate primary entrances for each tenant, and each of the

tenants has a separate and distinct occupation and business license.

ii. Applicants must be legal business entities in Maryland SDAT “Good Standing” Status.

iii. City Business License: A current City business license is required, if applicable.

B. Eligible Properties:

i. The site shall have no outstanding fines, violations, or assessments on the property, or

outstanding liens or mortgages. Existing violations are not eligible for grant funding.

ii. Existing structures currently zoned for commercial use and in current commercial use

within the City Center are eligible. If a building code compliance violation is present,

correction of the violation must be made prior to an application of the CFIP.

iii. Properties must be located in the City Center project area.

C. Eligible Activities: Grants will be awarded for well-designed improvements that increase the

longevity or commercial viability of a building and are consistent with the City Center current

design.

i. Work that qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building

which are visible from the public right-of-way.

ii. Eligible project types:

1. Refurbishing of an exterior wall or storefront, including repainting, repairs, re-

siding, or similar cosmetic improvements.

2. Removal of false enhancements (i.e. historically inconsistent façade

improvements)

3. Enhancement pressure cleaning

4. Stucco restoration

5. Replacement or repair of windows or doors

6. Attached Signage

7. Awnings or canopies over windows or walkways

8. Window boxes

9. Electrical (directly related to the exterior or display window lights, security

lighting or the illumination of attached signage or awnings)

10. Removal of accessibility barriers

11. Repair and Replacement of guttering

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iii. Project Plans are subject to the approval of the City. To be eligible for reimbursement,

no work may be performed until approved by the City in writing. Work that has

commenced prior to City approval is not eligible for reimbursement.

iv. The City encourages Applicants to consider projects that involve local input and local

contractors.

D. Ineligible Activities:

i. Interior work

ii. New construction.

iii. Banners or vinyl signs

iv. Signage or wayfinding not attached to or on the Applicant’s leased or owned property

v. Fencing

vi. Costs associated with infrastructure or building upgrades that are not related to façade

improvements.

vii. Activities that duplicate work completed within the last twelve (12) months.

viii. Improvements that require the concealment or removal of historic fabrications[?]

and/or design detail

ix. Alterations that decrease accessibility for persons with disabilities

x. Landscaping

xi. Outdoor seating

xii. Trash containers

xiii. Parking lots or hardscaping

xiv. Improvements to vacant properties not seeking an occupancy permit.

xv. Installation of security gates or bars on window or door openings

xvi. Creation of non-historic window and door openings except where required to provide

accessibility for persons with disabilities

xvii. Enclosure of existing historic window and door openings

E. Project costs for work under construction or completed prior to execution of the grant

Agreement with the City will not be reimbursed.

III. Program Funding and Incentive Structure

A. Anticipated Program Budget: The City anticipates a total of $150,000 will be available for the

CFIP.

B. Properties located within the City Center are eligible for grants up to a maximum of $35,000

per business, with only one grant per business. Grant funds will be disbursed as

reimbursements in arrears and will be limited to eligible expenses with supporting evidence,

such as receipts and invoices.

C. All awardees are required to provide a 10% match to their awarded grant. Prior to the

commencement of the work, the Applicant must provide evidence of the matching funds. In-

kind contributions of vendors or contractors will be considered.

D. Partial grants are possible under this Program, depending on the number of complete and

eligible applications received, grant funds requested and grant funds available. Full grants will

be made for approved projects, based on rankings of applications, in descending order from

highest to lowest, until grant funds are exhausted. If sufficient grant funds are not available to

fully fund a project, the Applicant will be given an option to accept partial funding. If the

Applicant declines, the City may offer partial grant funding under this same structure to the

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next qualified Applicant until all funding has been expended or all remaining eligible projects

have rejected the offer.

E. Total funding across all utilized funding sources, City or otherwise, may not exceed 100% of the

total project costs.

IV. Application Submission:

A. Application Submission Instructions: Applications must be submitted on the City’s CFIP

application. Online applications, with all necessary attachments, are preferred.

B. Applications must include all of the materials described in the “Required Application

Documents” section (below). An incomplete application package is ineligible for grant funding.

Submission of an application does not guarantee an Applicant will receive a grant.

C. The Application must include the following components:

i. Project Narrative: Provide an overview of how your organization will approach the

project (500 word maximum).

ii. Applicant Overview: Give a brief overview of how the organization is structured and

potential personnel and departments involved in the project.

iii. Project Overview: Provide a project scope statement that explains the project purpose,

goals and objectives, strategies for achieving those goals and objectives, what

challenges Applicant has faced, and propose how this grant might help to mitigate

those challenges. Applicant should provide the site address. The project scope should

align with the Program’s Goals and Purpose stated in Section I.

iv. Budget Narrative: Explain how you intend to use the award. If the Applicant is applying

for additional grants, rebates, financing, or loans, from other programs, please specify

anticipated amounts.

v. Project Timeline: Applicants must include a realistic and feasible timeline for

milestones and deliverables from soliciting and securing contractors, completing site

visits, to completion. The City expects awarded Applicants to complete their projects

within the timeframe stated in Section I.

vi. Project Partners: Provide a list of project partners, if applicable, along with their defined

roles and responsibilities.

D. REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

i. A completed application

ii. Proof of property ownership or a signed lease agreement

iii. If the Applicant is the tenant, the property owner’s affidavit of consent

iv. Certificate of Insurance

v. MHT Approval (if applicable)(May be submitted after application is approved but prior to

disbursement of funds)

vi. A minimum of three color photos to include the areas to be remodeled

vii. Active City and County Business Licenses

viii. Statement of Good Standing from Maryland SDAT

ix. Budget: Include details on total anticipated project costs and break down how the grant

funds will be used.

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x. Point of Contact and Signatory Person: Application should list at least one point of

contact and one designated signatory.

xi. Additional information may be requested.

xii. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-9 Form: Applicants must provide an IRS W-9 Form for

the Applicant Organization. The Applicant Organization name and address provided on

the IRS W-9 Form must match the Applicant Organization name and address provided

in the submitted application. A W-9 can be requested from the IRS.

V. Application Review Process:

A. Each application package will be evaluated by an Evaluation Team. The Evaluation Team will

be made up of City staff and/or business representatives and residents with relevant

experience.

B. Competitive Evaluation Criteria: Each application that has met the Minimum Eligibility

Requirements of this FOA will be evaluated using the criteria below.

i. Overall Project (30%):

1. The application includes a detailed description of the project’s scope of work

and project timeline that align with the grant period and is realistic and

attainable.

2. The application demonstrates readiness to begin activities covered by the grant

and includes an overview of any in-house staff, project partners, or plans to

engage experienced consultants.

3. The Project Narrative identifies anticipated challenges and proposes how they

will be mitigated, including the role that the proposed investment will play in

overcoming those challenges.

ii. Project Justification (30%):

1. The application demonstrates that the proposed activities are aligned with the

Program’s Goals and Purpose and Eligible Activities.

2. The application identifies a sufficient need for the project.

3. The Project Narrative articulates how success will be measured, including

quantitative and qualitative outcomes such as increased foot traffic, sales, and

job creation.

iii. Budget and Cost Effectiveness (20%):

1. The Budget includes a breakdown of the intended use of grant funds and

leveraged funds.

2. The Budget is in scale relative to the desired project outcomes.

3. The Budget makes a clear and convincing case that the proposed expenses are

reasonable and justifiable.

iv. Applicant and Contractor Qualifications and Experience (20%):

1. The Applicant, or its intended partners and/or construction contractors,

demonstrate past success with the execution of similar project scopes.

2. The Applicant identifies qualifications required of potential project partners,

including contractors and subcontractors. Letters of support from project

partners are encouraged but not required.

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541618Other Management Consulting Services

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