21—52.43(159) Application and review process.
	52.43(1) The department will establish a uniform application process and make information about applying available on its website.
	52.43(2) Applications will only be accepted during the times established by the department. Late submissions will not be accepted.
	52.43(3) An applicant must demonstrate the ability to provide matching support for the project on a one-to-one basis. The matching financial support shall be from private sources.
	52.43(4) A scoring committee established by the department will review and evaluate applications based on the scoring criteria described in rule 21—52.44(159).
	52.43(5) Projects for processing and projects for labor-reducing technology will be scored independently of each other.
	52.43(6) The department, after considering the recommendations made by the scoring committee, will determine which applications to fund and how much should be awarded to each applicant. The department has final decision-making authority on requests for financial assistance for the program. The department will notify the applicant in writing of the approval or denial.
[ARC 7127C, IAB 12/13/23, effective 1/17/24]