73C-1.002. Application Process

(1) This chapter applies to any Applicant, as defined in rule 73C-1.001, F.A.C., that is seeking to receive funds under the Program. An Applicant shall submit an Application for Certification or an Application for Recertification to the Department during the Application Period. The Department will only process complete submissions received, using the appropriate forms, as identified below, which are available from the Department of Economic Opportunity at 107 East Madison Street, Mail Station #160, Caldwell Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4128, or by going to: http://sitefinity.floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/for-businesses-and-entrepreneurs/business-resources/minority-owned-business-assistance:

(a) Application for Certification as a Recipient of Funds, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Form DEO/CD 7102-1, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-04106; effective date: June 25, 2014, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference.

(b) Application for Recertification as a Recipient of Funds, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Form DEO/CD 7102-2, http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-04107; effective date: June 25, 2014, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference.

(2) An Applicant must submit its application using the application processes as provided in this chapter. Each application will be evaluated for completeness. No Applicant will receive certification until the Department is able to verify the requirements set forth in section 288.7102, F.S. Applicants must provide assistance to the Department when verification is necessary. Some examples of Applicant assistance are as follows:

(a) Provide more detailed information or explanation to the Department in writing; or

(b) Provide the methods of the calculations used in the application process;

(c) Discuss any concerns the Department may have with a submitted application.

(3) The Department shall process all applications submitted during the Application Period on or before July 31.

(4) If it is determined that an Applicant is ineligible to receive funds under the Program or if an application is found to be incomplete, the Department shall notify the Applicant in writing or via email, and shall identify the specific reasons for its determination or of what is missing from the application. This notice shall include ineligibility based on a determination that an Instance of Material Noncompliance or a Material Weakness exists.

(5) An Applicant that receives notice that it is ineligible or that its application is incomplete shall have an opportunity to cure any issue determined to exist, if possible, and shall submit a revised application to the Department no later than 10 business days prior to July 31. If an Applicant fails to submit a revised application within the required time, or if the revised application is incomplete, the Department shall deny the application.

(6) If the Department determines that all required information has been timely submitted by an Applicant, it shall deem the application complete and begin the process of approving or denying the application. In order for an application to be considered complete by the Department, all sections must be complete when the application, or a revised application pursuant to subsection (5), above, is received by the Department.

(7) When the Department approves an application it shall notify the Applicant either in writing or via email that the Applicant is now a Certified Applicant. In order to become a Recipient and receive funds under the Program a Certified Applicant shall do all of the following:

(a) Meet all of the requirements set forth in section 288.7102, F.S.

(b) Provide the Department with a Conflict Statement concerning the use of future funds received under the Program.

(c) Enter into an agreement with the Department.

(8) A Certified Applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Department within 45 days after its receipt of the agreement. An extension of the 45 day deadline for the return of the agreement may be granted by the Department if good cause is provided by the Certified Applicant.

(9) Where the Department denies an application, it shall notify the Applicant either in writing or via email and shall identify the specific reasons for its denial. The Department’s denial decision shall be subject to review under chapter 120, F.S.

Rulemaking Authority 288.7102(7) FS. Law Implemented 288.7102 FS. History–New 9-1-08, Amended 10-10-10, Formerly 27M-3.002, Amended 6-25-14, 8-25-14.