1. (a) The following are the criteria which identify an applicant's eligibility for a demonstration and monitoring grant.

   1. (1) The applicant must show that the proposed project provides a demonstration of the improvement of the treatment and disposal of wastewater and/or reduction of the cost of providing that treatment to consumers. The applicant must provide the protocol for monitoring (testing and calibration) this project to demonstrate the project's effectiveness.

   2. (2) An applicant must be able to provide the following services:

      1. (A) a proper area for outdoor research and demonstration;
      2. (B) a proper area for controlled research and demonstration;
      3. (C) basic laboratory facilities;
      4. (D) testing and calibration equipment;
      5. (E) untreated domestic sewage for demonstrations;
      6. (F) a permitted area for land disposal application or a license specifically for alternative/special applications;
      7. (G) adequate assistance personnel; and
      8. (H) other facilities for instruction and seminars.
   3. (3) An applicant must show that all calibration, testing, and demonstration will be conducted so that groundwater and surface water is protected and the health and welfare of the public will be protected.
   4. (4) The applicant must conduct the testing and calibration in Texas.
   5. (5) Corporations organized under the Texas Business Corporations Act must not be delinquent in taxes owed the state under the Texas Tax Code, Chapter 171.

2. (b) Information required for demonstration and monitoring grants. The following information must be submitted in writing for each demonstration and monitoring grant:

   1. (1) If the proposal is in response to the council's solicitation or request, the applicant shall include the proposal title and the method of improving the quality of wastewater treatment and/or reducing the cost of providing wastewater treatment to consumers through the demonstration project.
   2. (2) If the proposal is submitted on an unsolicited basis and does not address a specific project identified by the council, the applicant shall include the method of improving the quality of wastewater treatment and/or reducing the cost of providing wastewater treatment to consumers through the demonstration project.
   3. (3) a discussion of how the applicant intends to fulfill the requirements of the proposal;
   4. (4) resumes of principals, potential subcontractors, and principal investigators (including names, addresses, and telephone numbers), and a summary of pertinent experience of each entity;
   5. (5) site(s) of proposed project;
   6. (6) a detailed description of the facilities to be provided including land area, laboratories, classroom space, auditoriums, and other applicable facilities proposed;
   7. (7) a description of how the applicant intends to provide the raw, untreated sewage to the units being tested, the amount of flow available to the units, and emergency plans for failed units;
   8. (8) a description of how the applicant intends to protect groundwater and surface water, as well as the protection of public health and welfare during demonstration;
   9. (9) a detailed description of the testing equipment to be provided, including any equipment to be purchased through the awarding of the grant;
   10. (10) an explanation of the proposed calibration and testing techniques;
   11. (11) the total project cost, the amount(s) and source(s) of the local matching funds and services, and the total amount requested from the council;
   12. (12) a detailed project budget;
   13. (13) a commitment date for work to begin and a progress time schedule;
   14. (14) the designation of a contact person for additional information;
   15. (15) all information required to satisfy the criteria for eligibility as specified in this section;
   16. (16) any other information as deemed necessary by the council; and
   17. (17) evidence that the applicant is insured or can become insured for the tasks undertaken as a result of receiving a grant.

3. (c) Criteria for selection for demonstration and monitoring grants. The council will review the grant proposals. Grants may be awarded based upon the following criteria:

   1. (1) the availability of matching funds and other sources of funding for the proposal;
   2. (2) the degree to which the proposal is responsive to the overall objectives listed in this section;
   3. (3) the qualifications of project staff and directly-related project and staff experience;
   4. (4) the reasonableness of the proposed budget and time schedules;
   5. (5) project organization and management, including project monitoring procedures;
   6. (6) technical and environmental merit of the proposal;
   7. (7) the method of assuring the protection of groundwater, surface water, as well as the protection of public health and welfare; and
   8. (8) any other information as may be required for the specific project.

Source Note:The provisions of this §286.52 adopted to be effective May 4, 2000, 25 TexReg 3789.