(a) The Agency will identify qualified providers to participate in the Program through a statewide Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process conducted in accordance with state requirements. The Agency will publish an RFQ no later than October 15th of each year to identify Program providers.     
      (b) Potential providers will apply directly to the Agency using the RFQ process, and, once identified as a qualified provider, must meet all deadlines, requirements, and guidelines set forth in the published RFQ.     
      (c) The Agency will publish a list of qualified providers no later than November 15th of each year to participate in the Program the next calendar year.     
      (d) Each provider on the qualified provider list will be eligible to receive monthly reimbursements for this Program based on monthly invoices submitted to the Agency, as prescribed in the RFQ's terms.     
      (e) Each year, the Agency shall review and update the list of qualified providers. Qualified providers that do not meet the minimum performance standards outlined in §800.503 of this subchapter will be placed on probation for the remainder of the calendar year. Failure to meet both minimum performance standards for two consecutive years will result in disqualification from the Program.     
      (f) The Agency's determinations in the RFQ process will be based on the affirmation of the qualified provider to effectively perform all services and activities outlined in Texas Labor Code, Chapter 317.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §800.502 adopted to be effective January 25, 2021, 46 TexReg 577