Applications will be evaluated by the executive administrator, considering, at a minimum, the following criteria:

1. (1) Research project evaluation criteria for unsolicited applications:

   1. (A) relationship of project to current needs for water resource research;
   2. (B) description of the proposed research project;
   3. (C) approach to organizing and managing the research project;
   4. (D) detailed estimate of the cost of the proposed research project;
   5. (E) estimated time required to complete the research project;
   6. (F) ability to perform the research and complete the project;
   7. (G) potential economic impact; and
   8. (H) environmental enhancement and conservation impact.

2. (2) Research project evaluation criteria for solicited applications:

   1. (A) description of the proposed research project;
   2. (B) responsiveness of the application to the request for proposals for requests for qualifications;
   3. (C) approach to organizing and managing the research project;
   4. (D) detailed estimate of the cost of the proposed research project;
   5. (E) estimated time required to complete the research project; and
   6. (F) ability to perform the research and complete the project.

3. (3) Flood control planning project criteria:

   1. (A) degree to which proposed planning duplicates previous or ongoing flood plans;
   2. (B) project service area is regional versus local;
   3. (C) history of flooding in project area;
   4. (D) participation in National Flood Insurance Program;
   5. (E) project organization and budget; and
   6. (F) scope and potential benefits of project.

4. (4) Regional facility planning project criteria:

   1. (A) degree to which proposed planning duplicates previous or ongoing plans;
   2. (B) regional nature of project;
   3. (C) conformance to certified water quality management plans;
   4. (D) adequacy of water conservation plan and commitment to water conservation;
   5. (E) project organization and budget;
   6. (F) scope and potential benefits of project;
   7. (G) the degree to which the regional facility planning is consistent with an approved regional water plan for the area in which the political subdivision is located; and
   8. (H) ability of a recipient of funds to repay the assistance if a project is not constructed according to §355.10(f) of this title (relating to Funding Limitations).

Source Note:The provisions of this §355.5 adopted to be effective October 11, 1991, 16 TexReg 5329; amended to be effective October 18, 1995, 20 TexReg 8075; amended to be effective February 11, 1999, 24 TexReg 765; amended to be effective September 11, 2002, 27 TexReg 8598.