(a) Purpose.

1. (1) The purpose of the Centers for Applied Technology (CAT) Program is to encourage greater collaboration between private enterprises and Arkansas-based colleges and universities in the development and application of new technologies.
2. (2) This is effectuated through identifying, designating, and funding centers in technological areas with significant potential for economic growth and development in Arkansas, or in or within which the application of new technologies could significantly enhance the productivity and stability of Arkansas enterprises.

(b) Eligibility requirements.

1. (1) Applicant eligibility requirements include the following.

2. (2) Applications will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

   1. (A) The application is complete and has been submitted by a state-supported or independent, not-for-profit, Arkansas-based state college or university that offers degrees at the baccalaureate level or higher; and
   2. (B) The project proposes the creation of a center concentrating its effort on specific scientific and technological areas.

(c) Application submittal process.

1. (1) Potential applicants for CAT funds:

   1. (A) Shall submit one (1) completed signed application, using forms provided by the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission; and
   2. (B) May be subject to an interview, a site visit, or both, during the application review process.

2. (2) Applications shall consist of the following documents:

   1. (A) The name and address of the college or university applying for funds;
   2. (B) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the institutional contract officer;
   3. (C) A description of:

(i) The scientific and technological focus;

1. (ii) The research and development plans of the proposed CAT; and

   1. (iii) Its relevance to the Arkansas economy;
   2. (D) A discussion of the proposed CAT technology transfer and technology development efforts geared to benefit specific industries within Arkansas;
   3. (E) A description of the organizational structure and management plan for the proposed CAT;
   4. (F) A detailed budget for an initial two-year period and a projected budget for the subsequent three (3) years; and

   5. (G) A description of institutional and other government and private funds to be used by the proposed CAT.

      1. (d) Application review and approval process. No financial commitment shall be made by the Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to an applicant until the applicant has completed the following review and approval process:

2. (1)

   1. (A) All applications will be evaluated by division staff for completeness and adherence to eligibility criteria.

   2. (B) Review criteria include without limitation:

      1. (i) An established record of research, development, and instruction in the area of technology;
      2. (ii) The capacity to conduct research and development activities in collaboration with private enterprises;
      3. (iii) The capacity to secure substantial private and other government funding for the proposed CAT;
      4. (iv) A willingness to work cooperatively with other colleges and universities in conducting research and development activities, disseminating research results, and working with institutions of higher learning to enhance the quality of technological education in the area or areas of technology involved; and
      5. (v) The ability to cooperate with the division and other economic development agencies in promoting the growth and development in Arkansas of enterprises based upon or benefiting from the areas of technology involved;
3. (2) Applicants may be subject to an interview, a site visit, or both, during the application review process;
4. (3) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission may request an independent review of the application, including the technology employed by the applicant, by an external expert or external experts in accordance with 15 CAR § 147-301;
5. (4) Division staff will provide a project summary to the Research Committee of the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for each project reviewed;

6. (5)

   1. (A) All applications will be reviewed by the Research Committee in accordance with program rules.

   2. (B) Prior to final approval:

      1. (i) Applicants may be asked to present their projects before the Research Committee; and
      2. (ii) The Research Committee may ask applicants for additional information before recommending projects for funding;
7. (6) Projects receiving Research Committee support will be reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
8. (7) If the board votes, by simple majority, to approve the application for funding, division staff will prepare a resolution for funding for signature by the secretary of the board and the executive director; and

9. (8) The executive director, after reviewing board recommendations, will specify which applicants may receive funding.

   1. (A) Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing by division staff.
   2. (B) Approved applicants will be required to execute a written agreement outlining the amount, terms, and conditions of the funding.