Section 218-RICR-70-00-12.8 - Review of ApplicationsA. Each early learning facility project is unique. Each Eligible Project submitted for funding consideration under this Program will be reviewed independently and with flexibility. With this approach in mind, the Department reserves the right to work with Eligible Organizations, both prior to application submission and after the submission of a completed application, to determine the amount of financing appropriate through this Program and from other financing sources as may be available.B. Applications seeking Program funding for Eligible Projects will be reviewed by the Department to confirm completeness of the submission and to determine conformance with the threshold eligibility criteria found in § 12.7.1 of this Part. Any application determined to be incomplete as of the close of the Request for Proposals deadline shall be eliminated from consideration.C. Applications determined by the Department to be complete and filed by Eligible Organizations will be further reviewed by a program review committee and said committee will make recommendations for approval or denial of Program funding to the Director. The committee's recommendations will be based on the funding priorities specified in the Request for Proposals and the level project leveraging. All reviewed projects will be ranked by the committee. Scoring criteria may include: project readiness, project sustainability, local support, identified slots of care for low-income families, accuracy of costs, demonstrated financial need for assistance, space for infants/toddlers, matching funds, participation of business certified by the State Office of Diversity, Equity & Opportunity.D. The Director will approve Eligible Projects for funding based on ranking and subject to the availability of Program funding.218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-70-00-12.8
Adopted effective 6/12/2022