(1) The following departmental actions are subject to administrative appeal:

(a) A decision not to invite an application;

(b) A determination that an application does not meet initial screening criteria and will not be reviewed; or

(c) A decision not to fund all or any portion of a project.

(2) The appeal process is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), chapter 246-10 WAC, and this chapter.

(3) To initiate an appeal, the applicant must file a written request for an adjudicative proceeding within twenty-eight days of receipt of the department’s decision. The request shall be mailed, by a method showing proof of receipt, to the Adjudicative Clerk Office, P.O. Box 47879, 2413 Pacific Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98504-7879.

(4) The request must contain:

(a) A specific statement of the issue or issues and law involved;

(b) The grounds for contesting the department’s decision; and

(c) A copy of the department’s decision.