261—404.5(15) Application process and review.
	404.5(1) The board will issue funding announcements for grant applications at least once per fiscal year, provided funds are available.
	404.5(2) Application forms will be available at iowagrants.gov or another website as identified by the authority.
	404.5(3) Applications will only be accepted during the established application period, as identified at www.iowaeda.com.
	404.5(4) Review criteria may include but are not limited to:
	a. 	The proposed project demonstrates a need for further research, development, training or pilot projects.
	b. 	The proposed project provides a benefit to ratepayers.
	c. 	The application has a well-developed budget that is relevant to the project and that provides documentation of planned project expenses.
	d. 	The application describes a plan for the dissemination of project results or to sustain the project after the grant period ends.
	404.5(5) The authority may require applicants to submit a preapplication to determine eligibility and competitiveness for the program.
	404.5(6) The authority will review applications for completeness, eligibility, and technical and financial merit. The authority may engage an outside technical review panel to complete technical review of applications. The authority will prepare recommendations for the grant committee. The grant committee will review staff recommendations, score applications, and make recommendations to the board. Upon review of the recommendations of the grant committee, the board may approve grant awards.
[ARC 8072C, IAB 6/26/24, effective 7/31/24]