(1) Eligible apprenticeship programs as defined under RCW 28B.92.200 (5)(b)(ii) and chapter 49.04 RCW applying for participation in the Washington college grant will undergo a rigorous review process including, but not limited to, evaluations of administrative capacity and electronic systems; adequacy of staffing; and historical performance which may include, but is not limited to, changes in ownership or majority control, legal or regulatory issues, apprentice complaints, financial strength, and apprentice outcome performance measures.

(a) An apprenticeship program terminated due to unsatisfactory performance must wait a minimum of one year from the date of termination prior to initiating a new application.

(b) Apprenticeship program performance measures are to be defined by the office.

(c) Apprenticeship program applicants must be in a fully participating, not a provisional, status under chapter 49.04 RCW.

(d) The office will provide a public notification of programs undergoing review for participation in the Washington college grant and will accept and consider public comment during the period specified in the notification.

(2) Program applicants which meet the required standards for participation and are approved by the office may be required to have eligible apprentice data incorporated into legislative cost and forecasting models prior to receipt of Washington college grant funding. All newly approved programs will be evaluated on the performance measures listed under subsection (1)(b) of this section for a minimum of five years of successful participation.

(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent the office, in the exercise of its sound discretion, from denying eligibility to a program which the office determines is unable to properly administer the Washington college grant or provide advertised services.