(a) The department shall oversee the program and is authorized to contract with a contract management agency to administer the program.

(b) The contract management agency selected by the department shall meet the definition of a contract management agency as defined in paragraph (3) of Code Section 31-2A-31 and shall:

(1) Create a grant application process;

(2) Evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the department;

(3) Communicate acceptance or denial of grant applications to direct client service providers;

(4) Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant;

(5) Maintain records for each grant applicant and award; and

(6) Coordinate activities and correspondence between the department and direct client service providers.