(a) Foundation staff shall be responsible for ensuring that proposals are evaluated on the basis of the criteria contained in section 5905.6 of this Part and shall make a recommendation to the foundation's executive director as to whether a State research contract should be awarded.

(b) After receipt of the foundation staff's recommendation, a determination shall be made by the foundation's executive director, with approval by the foundation's board.

(c) The foundation shall provide written notification to a firm which has submitted an application for a State research contract of the approval or disapproval of the application as soon as possible after that decision is reached.