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(1) The department may issue a request for a proposal (RFP) at any time to initiate projects to meet program goals and objectives and may fund solicited proposals at any time.

(2) The RFP will describe the objectives of the project, the maximum funding that is available for the project, the deadline for submittal, and the criteria that will be used to evaluate applications submitted in response to the RFP. � The RFP will be sent to consultants who are on the department's bid list, maintained in compliance with Title 18, chapter 8, part 1, MCA, and will be advertised and sent to other selected groups or individuals that the department considers to have the necessary credentials and experience to successfully carry out the project.