[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 15, Volume 3]
[Revised as of January 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 15CFR2301.17]

[Page 488-489]
 
                  TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND FOREIGN TRADE
 
       CHAPTER XXIII--NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION 
                 ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 2301_PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
               Subpart C_Evaluation and Selection Process
 
Sec. 2301.17  Evaluation criteria for construction and planning applications.

    (a) For each application that is filed in a timely manner by an 
applicant, is materially complete, and proposes an eligible project, the 
Agency will consider the evaluation criteria listed in Sec. 2301.17(b):
    (1) The criteria in paragraphs (b)(1), Applicant qualifications, 
(b)(2), Financial qualifications, of this section are qualifying 
criteria. Applications meeting the minimum qualifications on these 
criteria will be considered for further review.
    (2) The remaining four criteria listed in Sec. 2301.17(b) will be 
weighted in the evaluation as follows:
    (i) Criteria in paragraph (b)(3), Project objectives, and (b)(4), 
Urgency, of this section will be given the most weight in the 
evaluation.
    (ii) The remaining criteria in paragraph (b)(5), Technical/Planning 
qualifications, and (b)(4), Special consideration, of this section will 
be given less weight and are listed in descending order.
    (b) Evaluation criteria--(1) Applicant qualifications: Documentation 
that the applicant has or will have the ability to complete the project, 
including having sufficient qualified personnel to operate and maintain 
the facility, and to provide services of professional quality.
    (2) Financial qualifications: Documentation reflecting the 
applicant's ability to provide non-Federal funds required for the 
project, including funds for the local match and funds to cover any 
ineligible costs required for completion of the project; and to ensure 
long-term financial support for the continued operation of the facility 
during the Federal interest period.
    (3) Project objectives: The degree to which the application 
documents that the proposed project fulfills the objectives and specific 
requirements of one or more of the categories set forth in Sec. 2301.4, 
documents the applicant's ability to implement the proposed project and 
adequately justify the need for Federal funds in excess of fifty (50) 
percent of total project costs (see Sec. 2301.6(b)(2)), if requested 
for equipment replacement, improvement, or

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augmentation projects; and, in the case of planning, adequately 
justifies the need for Federal funds in excess of seventy five (75) 
percent of total project costs (see Sec. 2301.6(a)(2)), if requested.
    (4) Urgency: Documentation that justifies funding the proposed 
project during the current grant cycle or, when appropriate, that the 
condition of existing equipment justifies its prompt replacement.
    (5)(i) Technical qualifications (construction applicants only). 
Documentation that the eligible equipment requested is necessary to 
achieve the objectives of the project; that the proposed costs reflect 
the most efficient use of Federal funds in achieving project objectives; 
that the equipment requested meets current industry performance 
standards (and FCC standards, if appropriate) and that an evaluation of 
alternative technologies has been completed that justifies the selection 
of the requested technology (where alternative technologies are 
possible).
    (ii) Planning Qualifications (planning applicants only). 
Documentation of the feasibility of the proposed planning process and 
timetable for achieving the expected results; that costs proposed 
reflect the most efficient use of Federal funds; that the applicant has 
sufficient qualified staff or consultants to complete the planning 
project with professional results; and that an evaluation of alternative 
technologies will be incorporated into the plan, if appropriate.
    (6) Special Consideration: For this evaluation criterion, applicants 
should demonstrate that its broadcast or non-broadcast application will 
achieve significant diversity in the ownership of, operation of, and 
participation in public telecommunications facilities. Applicants may 
demonstrate how their project will better serve the characteristics, 
values and attitudes of diverse listeners by promoting the development 
of more effective programming strategies, conducting station outreach 
projects, through audience development efforts, and through the 
participation of minorities and women on the Board of Directors, and in 
other policy making positions.
    (c) The Agency will provide each applicant with guidance in the 
application materials on the type of documentation necessary to meet 
each of the above evaluation criteria.