1. (1) Request for proposals. The department shall issue at least one request for proposals in each fiscal biennium. The request for proposals shall describe the required form and content of grant proposals, and shall specify a deadline for submitting grant proposals, and specify any restrictions or limitations on how the grant funding may be spent. Applicants must submit grant proposals to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department’s request for proposals. The department shall publish the request for grant proposals on its webpage. The department shall also issue a press release announcing its request for proposals to news media likely to give notice to the public. The department shall notify grant applicants of their award status within 60 days of the deadline for submitting grant proposals.

2. (2) Criteria. The department shall consider all of the following when evaluating grant proposals and making grant awards:

   1. (a) Whether the proposed project will improve water quality within the respective watershed.
   2. (b) The extent to which a proposed project will increase nonpoint pollution abatement activities and producer participation.
   3. (c) Whether the proposal complies with the department’s request for proposals and budget requirements.
   4. (d) Whether the proposed project meets the standards prescribed in this subchapter.
   5. (e) The viability of the proposed project.
   6. (f) The management and technical qualifications of the grant applicants.
   7. (g) The qualifications of the persons, collaborators and legal entities who will carry out the project.
   8. (h) The financial capacity of the grant applicant to complete the project as proposed.
   9. (i) The adequacy of the project plan and budget.
   10. (j) Whether the grant proposal and budget adequately identifies the nature of project expenses to be reimbursed under the proposed grant.
   11. (k) Whether grant funds have been awarded to grant applicant in previous funding cycles.
   12. (L) Past performance under previous grant awards and contracts.
   13. (m) Other factors deemed by the department as consistent with the purpose of s. 93.59, Stats.

History

History: CR 16-049: cr. Register May 2017 No. 737, eff. 6-1-17; CR 25-057: am. (1), (2) (d) Register March 2026 No. 843, eff. 4-1-26.