(A) A business meeting the requirements of this chapter through its current valid certification in another entity's MBE, EDGE, or WBE program that is substantially the same or similar to Ohio's program(s) (the equivalent program) (including another state's WBE program if Ohio has entered into a reciprocal agreement for the WBE program with that state) may be eligible for expedited certification processing, provided that the following requirements are met:

(1) The Ohio department of administrative services, equal opportunity division (DAS/EOD) has determined the equivalent program meets or exceeds the requirements of this chapter and/or division (E)(1) of section 122.71 and sections 123.151, 123.152, and 123.54 of the Revised Code, as applicable; and

(2) The business applying for certification under this rule shall submit a current valid certification from the equivalent program demonstrating certification in that program and any other documents DAS/EOD considers necessary.

(B) In the case of expedited certifications, the certification period will not exceed the currently issued certification from the equivalent program, plus thirty days.

(C) Failure to maintain the certification used to apply for expedited certification for the entire length of time of the certification, or revocation of certification by any other jurisdiction, is cause for denial of re-certification or revocation of the certification issued under this rule. If a certified business does not maintain the certification by the equivalent program, or that certification is revoked, the certified business shall submit that information to DAS/EOD within three days.