Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) All applications received from applicants will be reviewed to determine the merits of the applications and the proposed use of funds. The One Georgia Authority and/or DCA will rate and review all applications that meet the Threshold Requirements outlined in Section 413-04-.07(2). Applications will be rated according to a point system with the maximum number of points available to an application is set at 400 points. In order to be fundable, an application must receive a minimum score of 275 points. The rating criteria are outlined below.
(2) Threshold Requirements (Application must generally meet all requirements in order to be rated.):
(a) The application is from eligible applicants;
(b) The project takes place within two or more counties, at least one of which does not currently have 9-1-1 emergency telephone service;
(c) The proposed E-9-1-1 facility would be:
a) jointly owned by two or more counties;
b) owned by an authority that contains at least two counties; or
c) involve an intergovernmental service agreement between multiple jurisdictions that include two or more counties.
(d) The proposed project evidences a revenue- and cost-sharing agreement between multiple jurisdictions that include two or more counties;
(e) Applications must include a Cooperating Agreement entered into by the cooperating units of government. This agreement should designate the unit of local government or authority that will serve as lead applicant. (A sample cooperating agreement is included in this Application Packet.)
(f) The proposed use of funds are for eligible activities and will be carried out in a manner consistent with the state constitution, state law and in accordance with the applicants' (or sub-recipients') enabling legislation and authority; and
(g) (Reserved.)
(3) Tier Status (60 Points Possible). Applications will be awarded points based upon the Tier Designation of the "lowest" County (pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-7-40) participating in a particular intergovernmental agreement or project. Greatest consideration will be given to tiers of greater need. Points will be allocated as follows: Tier 4 and/ or 3 - 20.0 points; Tier 2 - 40.0 points; and Tier 1 - 60.0 points. In order to participate in a project, Tier 4 and 3 counties must meet the criteria for regional projects in 413-04-.07(2). Applications will be awarded points based upon the Tier Status of the lowest Tier county in a qualified application per section 413-04-.07(2) of these regulations.
(4) Project Feasibility (120 Points Possible). Applications will be awarded "feasibility" points according to the following scale: poor - 0.0 points; below average - 30.0 points; average - 60.0 points; good - 90.0 points; excellent - 120 points. The criteria detailed below (413- 10-.07 (4) A-K) will determine where on the "Feasibility" Scale an application ranks:
(a) The description of the proposed project and activities are clearly described and documented;
(b) The project demonstrates financial and economic viability for initial capital costs and ongoing operations through the economies of scale available in a multi-county project.
(c) Each participating government has demonstrated favorable public support for the proposed project through public hearings, referendums, or other means;
(d) The responsibilities for carrying out each activity are clearly ascribed to a participating entity and each entity has firmly committed in writing to carry out its part;
(e) Project readiness concerns are addressed (as applicable):
i) engineering/ architectural/environmental,
ii) infrastructure/utility/network access issues, including submission by each applicant of supporting documentation from local phone company(ies) that they are currently or will be capable of providing E-9-1-1 service within the proposed project timeline;
iii) the development of an address and street-name database with geographic locations for each address coordinated with the private carrier;
iv) commitments to fund ongoing operations/maintenance, etc.;
v) other public and private sector investors are committed and ready to invest,
vi) all needed real property is acquired or under option,
vii) any needed regulatory approvals obtained (GEMA approval of plans, government permits, etc.),
viii) administrative capacity is adequate, and
ix) (soft projects) professional service providers have adequate credentials and work history, etc.
(f) Provisions are in place for joint ownership and revenue- or cost-sharing and/or a draft or executed contract for services between two or more counties is in place;
(g) Each participating local political jurisdiction has endorsed the project in writing and has pledged the required revenues to maintain the project;
(h) Each participating "private carrier" has endorsed the project and pledged its cooperation;
(i) Underwriting analysis (as applicable) is adequate;
(j) Project costs are verified through original source documents, architectural and engineering reports, or certified appraisals; and
(k) Applicant certifies that project complies (or will comply) with all applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations.
(5) Project Impact (110 Points Possible). Applications will be awarded "Impact" points according to the following scale: poor - 0.0 points; below average - 27.5 points; average - 55.0 points; good - 82.5 points; excellent - 110.0 points. In order to determine where on the "impact" scale a project ranks, the following criteria will be analyzed:
(a) The amount of total state assistance per person served;
(b) Amount of private leverage per person served;
(c) The amount of public leverage per person served;
(d) Cost savings (per capita) of regional system as compared to a single-government system;
(e) Improved regional competitiveness;
(f) Impact on regional emergency response efficiencies for various public safety departments;
(g) Budget savings for each county involved in the regional system; and
(h) The removal of impediments to regional cooperation.
(6) Program Strategy (110 Points Possible). Applications will be awarded "Strategy" points according to the following scale: poor - 0.0 points; below average - 27.5 points; average - 55.0 points; good - 82.5 points; excellent - 110.0 points. In order to determine where on the "strategy" scale a project ranks the following criteria will be analyzed:
(a) The project represents an innovative approach to the provision of public safety and E-9-1-1 services in rural Georgia, for example through the establishment of centralized dispatching for the public safety entities served by the E-9-1-1 system;
(b) The proposed strategy complies with the standards set forth in GEMA's "9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Number Plan";
(c) The proposed project will result in the enhancement of the public safety workforce through job training, skill upgrades, education, etc.;
(d) The proposed project will likely lead to indirect local and regional impact by:
i) attracting development/investment;
ii) supporting/ enhancing local or regional development strategies and priorities; and
iii) supporting/enhancing local or regional institutions and quality of life.
(e) Financial and programmatic alternatives have been considered for the proposed project and eliminated;
(f) The proposed project supports the overall objectives of the State, DCA, GEMA and the OneGeorgia Authority and supports the State's development strategy for rural development and regional cooperation; and
(g) For non-construction portions of a project, no similar studies, plans or documents have been produced in the last five years, and if they have, they have been used to the extent possible and/or are in need of updating or expanding.
(7) The criteria in this rule (413-04-.07) are designed to assist DCA in making a decision and only constitute minimum standards. Additional factors may be considered depending on the nature of a particular project and its relative merit compared to competing proposals and the availability of funding at the time of application. The decision made by the OneGeorgia Authority shall be final and conclusive.
O.C.G.A. Sec. 50-34-1et seq.
