Upon receiving a contract application, the Commissioner shall:
Notify the applicant in writing that the application has been received. This notice shall be made within fourteen (14) days after the Central Office receives the application.
Review the application for completeness and request within 20 days any additional information from the applicant which will be needed to reach a decision.
On receiving an application for operational support, make formal written determination and findings supporting the need for such funds. In arriving at such a determination, the Commissioner must be assured that each local education agency has made a good faith effort in computing State and local contributions without regard to funds requested pursuant to this part.
Assess the completed application to determine if the contract proposal is feasible and if the proposal and the application comply with the appropriate requirements of the Johnson-O'Malley Act and of the regulations in this part.
Approve or disapprove the application after fully reviewing and assessing the application and any additional information submitted by the applicant.
Promptly notify the applicant in writing of the decision to approve or disapprove the application. If the application is disapproved, the notice will give the reasons for disapproval and the applicant's right to appeal pursuant to part 2 of this chapter.