Sec. 05.20.01.05. Application Processing

A. Each application shall be submitted to the Department to determine whether all of the information required under Regulation .04 of this chapter is contained in the application.

B. All complete project applications will be competitively evaluated by the Department on a point basis, which shall include the following criteria:

(1) Capacity of the applicant to carry out the project;

(2) Community context;

(3) Public purpose;

(4) Leveraging and cost-effectiveness;

(5) Geographic distribution;

(6) Unique or time-sensitive projects;

(7) Revitalization needs of the community;

(8) Economic development and revitalization opportunities created by the project; and

(9) Other factors established by the Department in the competitive round announcement.

C. The Department, in its discretion, may:

(1) Accept public input on each application;

(2) Request from the applicant additional information concerning an application, including oral presentations; and

(3) Consider recommendations from other State units on each application.

D. Upon the Department’s completion of the review and scoring of the applications, the Department shall make a recommendation to the Secretary on the applications.

E. Upon receipt of the Department's recommendation, the Secretary:

(1) May request additional information from the applicant or Department concerning the application, including oral presentations;

(2) May give priority to applications that provide for the likely repayment of the financial assistance; and

(3) Shall act on the application by approving it, disapproving it, or approving it with modifications.

F. If the Secretary determines not to approve all or part of an application, the Department shall issue a written notice of denial.

G. Reconsideration.

(1) An applicant may request initial reconsideration of a denial by submitting a written request to the Department, which must be received by the Department within 30 days following the date of the denial notice.

(2) The request for reconsideration shall address each reason for the denial and provide documentation supporting reasons for reconsideration of the application.

(3) The Department shall respond in writing to the applicant's request for reconsideration within 90 days of receipt by the Department of the request for reconsideration.

(4) An initial decision or reconsideration of a decision is not a contested case within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act or COMAR 05.01.01.02.