(US) Passport application process

I searched and searched but didn’t find this info anywhere. I don’t have a passport and I’m about to go apply for one. I’ve read up on all that’s needed and am ready to go. I’m just curious, where the application goes, who all looks at it, who’s notified of your application etc.

It goes to the State Dept.
Who looks at it? Probably their employees.
Who is notified? Probably you went the process is done.

Our local PO gave me one, who looked at it I don’t have a clue.

Go here.

I’ve looked there, that’s more on the user side. I couldn’t find anything on what they do with the application.