1. (a) The Department shall solicit concept proposals on its website from interested applicants when grant funding is available. In its request for concept proposals, the Department shall identify priority project types for the funding opportunity as provided in section 1546.3, any program priorities listed in section 1546.6(b)(2), or fiscal limitations applicable to the available funding. Concept proposals shall be short-form documents intended to allow technical staff to ascertain whether the applicant and/or project are eligible for program funding prior to submitting a more detailed application and proposal. At a minimum, all concept proposals shall include the following information:

   1. (1) Name of applicant and preferred email or mail address or other preferred contact information.
   2. (2) Applicant's eligibility pursuant to section 1546.2.
   3. (3) Project type.
   4. (4) Project summary.
   5. (5) Project location and description of anticipated public access if the project includes acquisition or restoration of real property.
   6. (6) An explanation of the project's eligibility under section 1546.3.
   7. (7) Amount sought for the Grant.
   8. (8) Project duration.
   9. (9) Does the project have matching funds? (Yes/No -- if yes, specify source and amount).
   10. (10) Whether the applicant anticipates the project will serve or provide meaningful and direct benefits to a Vulnerable Population, a Disadvantaged Community, or a Severely Disadvantaged Community.
2. (b) Concept proposals will undergo an administrative review to determine whether applicant and project eligibility requirements in section 1546.2 and 1546.3, respectively, are met. Applicants or projects determined ineligible will be disqualified.

3. (c) The Director or the Director's designee(s) will review concept proposals from eligible applicants for eligible projects to determine whether the applicant will be invited to submit a full application, according to the following criteria:

   1. (1) Consistency with the goals and objectives of the 2024 Climate Bond.
   2. (2) Demonstrated need for the project.
   3. (3) Demonstrated effectiveness of the project's methodology to accomplish the project's goals.
   4. (4) Whether the applicant or project is anticipated to serve or provide meaningful and direct benefits to a Vulnerable Population, a Disadvantaged Community, or a Severely Disadvantaged Community.
   5. (5) The project's readiness to proceed with the project upon funding.
   6. (6) The reasonableness of the estimated project budget and extent to which the project leverages funding from alternate sources.
   7. (7) Amount of funding available compared to amount of funding requested by applicants.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4799.02, 91500 and 91520, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4799.05, 90100, 90133, 90135, 90140, 90610, 91500 and 91520, Public Resources Code.

History

1. New article 3 (section 1546.4) and section filed 2-9-2026 as an emergency; operative 2-9-2026 (Register 2026, No. 7). This action is a deemed emergency and shall remain in effect until repealed or revised by the council pursuant to Public Resources Code section 90135(e).