(a) The department shall require an industrial firm or group of industrial firms, or purchasing group in the case of a local buy out, to cost-share industrial effectiveness technical assistance as follows:

1. (1) for preliminary feasibility studies and preliminary productivity assessments, the firm or group shall pay at least 25 percent of the total cost in cash or through in-kind services according to a schedule established by the department;
2. (2) for full feasibility studies and full or limited productivity assessments, other than short- term management consulting services, the firm or group shall pay at least 50 percent of the total cost in cash or through in-kind services according to a schedule established by the department; and
3. (3) for limited productivity assessments involving short-term management consulting services, the firm or group shall pay at least 50 percent of the total cost in cash.

(b) Total cost, for purposes of calculating the cost sharing shall:

1. (1) include all reasonable and necessary costs incurred in the course of assistance, including but not limited to direct and indirect costs to the State related to professional services of staff and outside consultants, plus the value of services to be provided by the firm, group of firms or purchasing group which are not a part of employees' ordinary duties and services; and
2. (2) exclude costs of State assistance in assisting a firm, group of firms or purchasing group to qualify or prepare an application for assistance, selecting consultants, preparing cost-sharing service agreements, and providing general information to applicants.