[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 15, Volume 3]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 15CFR2301.17]



[Page 508-509]

 

                  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 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.



[[Page 509]]



    (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.