(1) Advise the authority as the authority establishes criteria under section 1608-S.¹

(2) Review and approve a verification plan submitted with a response to a request for proposals or competitive bidding process under section 1606-S(1)² and advise the authority regarding the acceptability of a verification plan, including what changes, if any, must be made in order for it to be acceptable. To be approved, a verification plan must describe the procedures that can be easily used by the bidder, the department or a technically qualified inspection contractor engaged by the department, to inspect any projects or practices utilized by a bidder and determine the amount of any reduction of nutrients or sediment being achieved under the terms of the contract.

(3) Evaluate the responses to the request for proposals or competitive bidding process based on the criteria under section 1608-S and advise the authority regarding the acceptability of the responses.

(4) In accordance with a contract under section 1606-S(3), ensure, through inspections, compliance audits or other means, that a qualified bidder is in compliance with an approved verification plan. The department may enter into an agreement with a third party to perform the duty under this paragraph.