​Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

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, Presidential Executive Order 12372, entitled Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, was enacted. This required that federal agencies provide states and local governments an opportunity to comment on proposals for federal financial assistance or direct development.

In 1983, Maryland Governor Harry R. Hughes, issued 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 Maryland Department of Planning was designated as the single point of contact (SPOC) for federal agencies seeking the views of the state, regional, and local public officials. 

The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) maintains a list of official state entities designated by states to review and coordinate proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development. These entities are often referred to as the Single Point of Contact.  OMB is the national central contact for all SPOCs​.