1. The commission may by commission minute grant tentative approval of the potential private partner whose request for approval or response to a request for proposal provides the best value to the state for financing, developing, and/or operating the project. The commission shall establish criteria for making a determination including:

(1) The general reputation, qualifications, industry experience, and financial capacity of the potential private partner;

(2) The proposed plans for developing and/or operating the project; and

(3) Other criteria that the commission deems appropriate.

2. Prior to the granting of tentative approval by the commission for a potential private partner to finance, develop, and/or operate a project, the commission may review and approve by commission minute an interim agreement with the private partner. Such interim agreement shall be in a form prescribed by the commission and:

(1) May authorize the potential private partner to commence activities for which it may be compensated relating to the proposed project;

(2) Shall establish the process and timing of the negotiation of the comprehensive agreement between the commission and the private partner; and

(3) Shall contain any other provisions that the commission and the potential partner deem^* appropriate.