SECTION 35:40-15-6. Supplemental program information

(a)   The Department shall not award grants exceeding $500 per year for a maximum period of three years. The Department may limit or reduce the monies available during the effective term of a contract.

(b)   Plasticulture Program grant funds may be used to purchase approved expenses of the project such as soil testing, water testing, animal depredation, fencing, fertilizer, scales, and plants.

(c)   Following approval of the application, a contract shall be executed between the Department and the grantee. The Department shall not disburse grant funding to the grantee until the contract is executed and a purchase order is issued.

(d)   The grantee cannot expend funds for the project until after the participant receives notice the purchase order has been issued.

(e)   The contract shall specify the agreed upon objectives and tasks to be performed. The release of funds shall be tied to the completion of contract objectives. Failure to complete contract objectives may result in the Department withholding further funding.

(f)   Before December 31 of each year, grantee shall submit a production report describing produce sold in pounds and in dollar amounts.

(g)   Grantee shall allow the State Auditor or any other auditor specified by the Department to conduct an examination of any and all pertinent records, including books, documents, papers, records, accounting procedures and practices, claims, and other data regardless of type whether in written form, computer data, or any other form filed or produced relating to the grantee's performance under the contract, any subcontractors engaged in the performance of the contract, or involving any transactions related to the contract.

(h)   Grantees shall retain all necessary records, books and any other reasonably necessary documentation relating to the nature, time, and scope of the contract, regardless of form, for a period of three (3) years following the completion or termination of the contract. If an audit, litigation, or other action involving the records is commenced before the end of the three (3) year retention period, the records shall be maintained for three (3) years from the date that all issues arising out of the action are resolved.

(i)   To the extent allowed under Oklahoma law, the Department may limit the dissemination of information concerning an application or contract, but in any event, does not assume any liability for inadvertent disclosure.

(j)   Subject to the policies, if any, of participating public programs and entities, rights to use products, processes, or services developed under this grant program shall remain with the grantee. Subject to the same policies, all rights to project outcomes may revert to the Department if grantee fails to market the product, process, or service in accordance with individually negotiated funding contracts.

(k)   In the event that a grantee recipient fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, including but not limited to failure to submit reports in a timely manner, the grantee shall not participate in any events sponsored by any program of the Department related to market development.

(l)   Failure to complete the terms of the agreement shall result in an audit and collection activities by the Department.

[Source: Added at 29 Ok Reg 587, eff 7-1-12]