Desired components of the funding directory include:

• A comprehensive directory of climate resilience funding opportunities that is in an intuitive, easy to use, and easily accessible website formatted to DEP website requirements and standards;

• Identification and information on state and federal funding opportunities that can assist New Jersey governmental and other entities research, plan, design, and implement climate resilience programs and projects;

• The ability for users to sort the funding opportunities and associated information to suit their goals and needs;

• Clear and easy to understand instructions for using the directory; and

• Guidance and/or best management practices or strategies to apply for funding opportunities.

Additional components that must be included in the scope of work:

• Stakeholder Engagement. Appropriate user groups shall be engaged to inform the functions and design of the directory. Engagement efforts should be planned to ensure involvement from governmental and other entities that serve socially vulnerable and underserved populations to make sure that the directory includes information to meet their needs.

• Additionally, focus groups should be used to beta test the website and gather feedback for revisions to the format, content, and function of the funding directory. The purpose of this feedback is to ensure that the intended audiences (e.g., municipalities, counties, state agencies, academic entities, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations) are able to inform the layout, content, and function of the funding directory.

• Communication and Training Plan. The purpose of this plan is to ensure that the potential users are aware of the funding directory and the benefits of its use. Training sessions and regular promotion of the resource is crucial for its success. The Communication and Training Plan will identify key internal and external networks to amplify release of the directory, identification and development of materials required for use in the release and continued promotion of the directory, and trainings to ensure decision-makers are aware of and understand use of the directory. Additionally, the plan will identify an approach for continued promotion and update of the directory to make sure that outreach occurs to attract new users\

• Regular Updates, Maintenance, and Evaluation. The intent is for the directory to be updated with all applicable state and federal funding opportunities as they are made available. A maintenance plan should be developed that identifies how the directory will be regularly updated and maintained. The maintenance plan shall include an evaluation process to monitor the use of the funding directory to determine how the website is being accessed and by who, and to determine its effectiveness so that DEP can determine what modifications are needed in the future.