(a) The Secretary uses selection criteria to evaluate the applications submitted for new grants under a discretionary grant program.

(b) To evaluate the applications for new grants under the program, the Secretary may use—

(1) Selection criteria established under § 75.209;

(2) Selection criteria in § 75.210; or

(3) Any combination of criteria from paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section.

(c)(1) The Secretary may award a cooperative agreement instead of a grant if the Secretary determines that substantial involvement between the Department and the recipient is necessary to carry out a collaborative project.

(2) The Secretary uses the selection procedures in this subpart to select recipients of cooperative agreements.