(1) The department shall make available the incumbent worker training grant application form, which a business entity and recommending entity must complete in conjunction for the purpose of applying for a grant award.

(2) A business entity may submit an application to a recommending entity. The recommending entity shall verify that the business entity is an employer that meets the definition of ARM 24.22.301 and that the information contained in the application is accurate and complete. The recommending entity shall evaluate the application based upon the incumbent worker training program grant award criteria provided in 53-2-1218, MCA, and makes a recommendation as to:

(a) whether a grant should be awarded; and

(b) the proposed amount of the grant award.

(3) Applications submitted to the department for grant funding must be signed and dated by both the employer and an authorized representative of the recommending entity.

(4) The recommending entity shall submit a cover letter to the department with each completed grant application. The cover letter must address, at a minimum, an analysis of the following:

(a) the goals of the proposed training of incumbent workers;

(b) the anticipated economic benefits from the training; and

(c) the recommendation for a specific amount of grant funding.