(a) Project Criteria: ARB project solicitations must describe eligibility requirements in sufficient detail for potential applicants to determine if any specific vehicle or piece of equipment, research project, or workforce training project would be eligible for funding. The project solicitation must define the criteria by which projects are evaluated and selected. These must include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the following: potential emission reductions, cost-effectiveness, contribution to regional air quality improvements, ability to promote the use of clean alternative fuels and vehicle technologies, and applicant's ability to successfully implement the project.

(b) Project Evaluation Requirements: A panel of not less than three individuals shall score each project application deemed compliant with the applicable statute, these regulations, and the applicable project solicitation. The panel shall use the applicant's responses and ability to meet the project-specific criteria to determine a project score. Eligible projects shall be ranked by score, with the highest scoring project or projects first in line to receive AQIP funding. The Board may delegate authority to the Executive Officer to resolicit for a project or to direct funding to another project in the Funding Plan if project applications fail to meet a minimum project score.

(c) Application and Project Evaluation Deadlines: The project solicitation must specify the dates by which applications must be submitted and applicants must be notified if they have or have not been selected to receive funding.

(d) Match Funding: The project solicitation must describe the match funding requirements for each project, if applicable.

(e) Project Administration: The project solicitation must describe project administrative requirements. These include but are not limited to implementation milestones, reporting requirements, and project oversight responsibilities. The project solicitation must also indentify maximum funding available for expenses associated with program administration.

(f) Provisions for Air Quality Loans: Projects funded via revolving loan, loan guarantee, or other loan mechanism must be implemented via one of the two mechanisms described below.