(a) The Department shall develop a weighting formula by which to rate each application received under § 13–4004 of this subtitle.
(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall prioritize awarding grants to applicants based on the quality of the application and the degree to which the tests proposed to be procured by the applicant meet the following criteria:
(1) The scientific and clinical evidence supporting the claimed accuracy and reliability of the test;
(2) Whether the test employs innovative or novel technologies;
(3) The ability of the test to simultaneously screen for two or more cancer types;
(4) The cost–effectiveness of the test; and
(5) Whether the test is developed, manufactured, or commercialized by a business entity located in the State.
(c) If the Department receives applications for grants totaling more than the amount of funds appropriated for the Program for a fiscal year, the Department shall award the grants on a pro rata basis.