The Agency will score each eligible application seeking funding under this subpart as described in this section.

(a) Underlying program scoring. The Agency will score each application using the criteria for the applicable program identified in §1980.1002. The maximum number of points an application can receive under this paragraph is based on the scoring criteria for the applicable underlying program, including any discretionary points that may be awarded.

(b) Section 6025 scoring. The Agency will score each application using the criteria identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. The maximum number of points an application can receive under this paragraph is 20 points.

(1) Project's direct support of a Plan's objectives. The Agency will score each application on the basis of the number of a Plan's objectives the Project directly supports. The maximum score under this paragraph is 10 points.

(i) If the Project directly supports implementation of 3 of the Plan's objectives, 10 points will be awarded.

(ii) If the Project directly supports implementation of 2 of the Plan's objectives, 5 points will be awarded.

(iii) If the Project directly supports implementation of less than 2 of the Plan's objectives, no points will be awarded.

(2) Characteristics of a Plan. The Agency will score the Plan associated with a project based upon the characteristics of the Plan, which are identified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section. Applicants must supply sufficient documentation that demonstrates to the Agency the criteria identified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section. The maximum score under this paragraph is 10 points.

(i) Collaboration. If the Plan was developed through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders in the service area of the Plan, including the participation of combinations of stakeholders, such as State, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit institutions, institutions of higher education, and private entities, two points will be awarded.

(ii) Resources. If the Plan demonstrates an understanding of the applicable regional assets that could support the Plan, including natural resources, human resources, infrastructure, and financial resources, two points will be awarded.

(iii) Other Federal Agency Investments. If the Plan includes Investments from Federal agencies other than the U.S. Department of Agriculture, two points will be awarded.

(iv) Philanthropic organization Investments. If the Plan includes Investments from Philanthropic organizations, two points will be awarded.

(v) Objectives and performance measures. If the Plan contains clear objectives and the ability to establish measurable performance measures and to track progress toward meeting the objectives, two points will be awarded.

(c) Total score. The Agency will sum the scores each application receives under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section in order to rank applications.