(1) Upon receipt by the department of a complaint, the complaint is reviewed to decide jurisdictional coverage.

(a) If it appears the work is subject to federal prevailing wage laws, the complainant is advised to contact the U.S. department of labor.

(b) If it appears that state prevailing wage laws apply and not more than three years have elapsed since the alleged occurrence of improper payment, the process is continued.

(2) Information is obtained to decide if the job is exempt from prevailing wage requirements. If the job is exempt, the complainant is notified and the file is closed. If the job is not exempt, the complaint process is continued.