The Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination (MIRC) process was established through Presidential Executive Order 12372 and Gubernatorial Executive Order 01.01.1983.17, which designated the Maryland State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance as the single point of contact (SPOC).

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan (President 1981-1989) issued federal Presidential Executive Order 12372, entitled Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. This required that Federal agencies provide states and local governments an opportunity to comment on proposals for Federal financial assistance or direct development.

After Executive Order 12372 was signed on July 14, 1982, Maryland Governor Harry R. Hughes (Governor 1979-1987), in 1983, issued a Gubernatorial Executive Order 01.01.1983.17, entitled Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs and Activities, which established the Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination Process. "In order to carry out federal law and this Executive Order, the Department of State Planning was designated as the single point of contact (SPOC) for federal agencies seeking the views of State, regional, and local public officials." For the full text, please click on the Gubernatorial Executive Order 01.01.1983.17.

The Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) maintains a list of official State entities designated by the States to review and coordinate proposed Federal financial assistance and direct federal development. These entitles are often referred to as the Single Point of Contact, or SPOC, and OMB is the national central contact for all SPOCs. There is only one (1) SPOC in any State.