1. Why is my application still in review? The database/workflow system that we created places every completed application in the first workflow process – this is labeled as ‘in review’ in the OneStop system. The reality is that this is more of a ‘queue’ to be reviewed. The status will stay as ‘in review’ until the review team gets that specific application to move it forward. All applicants then have the ability to track their application through OneStop.
2. Why is it taking so long to get reviewed? Within the first few hours of the applications being announced on March 23 (3 weeks ago), we had thousands of applications. Within 48 hours, we realized that our current Commerce programs couldn’t handle the workload. We quickly obtained a vendor to help us create the new OneStop system. Remarkably, the new system was up and running within 2 weeks, but it was going to take more bodies to address the high volumes. On March 25, our department sent out an emergency notification to our state agency partners asking for state employee volunteers to begin working on the business relief efforts. We have been working to onboard more than 150 volunteers into our effort, which included extensive training with our new database. As a point of reference, the Department of Commerce only has a little over 200 employees. Additionally, we are putting in place internal controls so that the process has checks and balances. We are aware that we are utilizing tax payer funds and we are taking precautions to insure that these funds are spent appropriately.
3. When will I know if my application is accepted? Unfortunately, this is a date that I cannot provide. Our operations are getting stronger by the day, but we are still making improvements to the system. We simply ask for patience with the expectation that our state employees are working around the clock to deliver on their commitment.
4. Can you look up my application to see where it is in the process? Every time my team takes time to look up one of 40,000 applications in the system, we are missing an opportunity to approve someone else. I recognize that your constituents are putting a great deal of pressure on you. We are moving as fast as we can to get the job done. I ask you to not expect a personal review on any application. We are expected to have transparency for the entire process and do not want it to seem as if we were singling out specific requests from legislators.
5. Why isn’t the department getting this information out to the public? To date I have conducted 54 information sessions. This includes congressional webinars, legislative town halls, business industry conference calls, etc. I have not turned one down. If you would like us to participate in one in your district, we would be honored to do so. Our website https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business is a very extensive resource for our community.
6. What happens when we run out of state funds? This system was set up so that we could handle large quantities of applications. IF we receive additional federal funds, we could possibly look at putting additional funds into these programs. One of the reasons we kept the application open until last Monday was so that we could make it easier for businesses IF we get additional funds. There would be no additional start up time, or need for additional applications from the businesses.
7. What’s next? Last week, we kicked off the Tourism Recovery Task Force. We want businesses to know that we are thinking about the future. We WILL open our doors soon, and we want to be ready. This week, we are starting a Manufacturing Recovery Task Force. This industry also needs some guidelines to be Open for Business!
