As used in this part 4, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 means the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub.L. 117-2, as the act may be subsequently amended.

2. (2) Applicant means a collaboration of entities that:

   1. (a) Includes industry and educational entities and may also include local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit and for-profit entities and organizations; and
   2. (b) Applies for a grant from the grant program.
3. (3) COVID-19 means the coronavirus disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also known as SARS-CoV-2.

4. (4) Departments means:

   1. (a) The department of labor and employment created in section 24-1-121;
   2. (b) The department of higher education created in section 24-1-114; and
   3. (c) The department of education created in section 24-1-115.

5. (5) Evidence-based means that an initiative is:

   1. (a) Proven, as specified in section 2-3-210 (3)(a)(V);
   2. (b) Evidence-informed, as specified in section 2-3-210 (3)(a)(I); or
   3. (c) Promising, as specified in section 2-3-210 (3)(a)(IV).
6. (6) Fund means the regional talent development initiative grant program fund created in section 24-48.5-406.
7. (7) Grant program means the regional talent development initiative grant program created in section 24-48.5-405.

8. (8) Intermediary means:

   1. (a) A nonprofit entity that has a proven record of connecting education providers, employers, or other civic organizations to develop career pathways and address workforce development needs; or
   2. (b) A post-secondary education provider that addresses economic and workforce development needs.
9. (9) Office means the Colorado office of economic development created in section 24-48.5-101.

10. (10) Program administrator means:

    1. (a) The office;
    2. (b) A state agency designated pursuant to section 24-48.5-405 (1)(a)(II)(B); or
    3. (c) One or more third parties with whom the office contracts pursuant to section 24-48.5-405 (1)(a)(II)(B).
11. (11) Selection committee means the selection committee appointed pursuant to section 24-48.5-405 (5) to review and make recommendations on grant applications.
12. (12) Steering committee means the steering committee established pursuant to section 24-48.5-404.
13. (13) Third-party administrator means one or more third parties with whom the office contracts pursuant to section 24-48.5-405 (1)(a) to serve as the program administrator.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1350), ch. 233, p. 1720, § 1, effective May 26. L. 2024: (5) amended, (HB 24-1428), ch. 89, p. 292, § 4, effective August 7.