Section 163-26-7 - Evaluation ProcessA. Evaluation Panel Review.1. The evaluation panel will review applications for completeness and satisfaction of evaluation criteria.2. Applications will be evaluated in the order they are received, and awards will continue until either one of the following occurs:i. All applications received within the application period have received awarded funds; orii. All allocated funds have been awarded.3. If a majority of the evaluation panel determines that an application meets the application requirements and satisfactorily addresses the evaluation criteria, the evaluation panel shall forward to the Board the application and all materials compiled during the application review along with a written recommendation for the Board to approve the application and award a grant in a specific sum.4. If a majority of the evaluation panel fails to determine that an application should be approved, the evaluation panel may:a. Request additional information from the applicant;b. Offer the applicant an opportunity to modify its application within 30 business days to resolve identified concerns or to complete its application; orc. Preliminarily deny the application by issuing a written statement that contains the panel's reasoning in a manner sufficient to inform the applicant and the public of the basis for the panel's decision. An applicant may appeal the preliminary denial of that applicant's application by submitting a written request for a hearing within 30 business days of receipt of the written statement of preliminary denial issued by the evaluation panel. Failure to submit a request for hearing within 30 business days will result in final denial of the application.B. Board Review. 1. The Board shall review all materials forwarded to it by the evaluation panel regarding an application the evaluation panel has recommended the Board approve.2. The Board shall hold a hearing on any preliminarily denied applications that have been appealed to the Board.3. If a majority of the Board determines that an application should be approved and a grant in a specific sum should be awarded to the applicant, it shall direct Maine EMS to facilitate the provision of those funds to the community.4. If a majority of the Board fails to determine that an application should be approved and a grant in a specific sum should be awarded to the applicant, the Board may direct the evaluation panel to request additional information from the applicant or the Board may deny the application.5. The Board's decision shall be in writing and contain the Board's reasoning in a manner sufficient to inform the applicant and the public of the basis for the Board's decision.6. The Board's decision constitutes final agency action, appealable to the Superior Court in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, 5 M.R.S. Ch. 375 Subchapter VII.16-163 C.M.R. ch. 26, § 7