SECTION
F
SECTION CRITERIA
SELECTION CRITERIA
We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications under the DRRP program. The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
Importance of the problem. (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the importance of the problem.
(2) In determining the importance of the problem, the Secretary considers the following factors:
The extent to which the applicant clearly describes the need and target population (4 points).
The extent to which the proposed project will have a beneficial impact on the target population. (4 points).
Responsiveness to an absolute or competitive priority (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the responsiveness of the application to an absolute or competitive priority published in the Federal Register.
(2) In determining the application's responsiveness to the absolute or competitive priority, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant addresses all requirements of the absolute or competitive priority (4 points).
(ii) The extent to which the applicant's proposed activities are likely to achieve the purposes of the absolute or competitive priority (4 points).
Design of research activities (40 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of research activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the research activities constitute a coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a substantial addition to the state-of-the-art (6 points).
(ii) The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research activity is meritorious, including consideration of the extent to which--
(A) The proposed design includes a comprehensive and informed review of the current literature, demonstrating knowledge of the state-of-the-art (5 points).
(B) Each research hypothesis is theoretically sound and based on current knowledge (5 points).
(C) Each sample population is appropriate and of sufficient size (8 points).
(D) The data collection and measurement techniques are appropriate and likely to be effective (8 points); and
(E) The data analysis methods are appropriate (8 points).
(d) Design of dissemination activities (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the extent to which the design of dissemination activities is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project.
(2) In determining the extent to which the design is likely to be effective in accomplishing the objectives of the project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the methods for dissemination are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration (4 points).
(ii) The extent to which the information to be disseminated will be accessible to individuals with disabilities (4 points).
Plan of operation (8 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of operation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of operation, the Secretary considers the following factor:
(i) The adequacy of the plan of operation to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for accomplishing project tasks (8 points).
(f) Adequacy and reasonableness of the budget (4 points total)
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and the reasonableness of the proposed budget.
(2) In determining the adequacy and the reasonableness of the proposed budget, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed project activities (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the budget for the project, including any subcontracts, is adequately justified to support the proposed project activities (2 points).
(g) Plan of evaluation (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the plan of evaluation.
(2) In determining the quality of the plan of evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the plan of evaluation provides for periodic assessment of progress toward--
(A) Implementing the plan of operation (5 points); and
(B) Achieving the project's intended outcomes and expected impacts (5 points).
(h) Project staff (10 points total).
(1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project staff.
(2) In determining the quality of the project staff, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability (4 points).
(3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following:
(i) The extent to which the key personnel and other key staff have appropriate training and experience in disciplines required to conduct all proposed activities (3 points).
(ii) The extent to which the commitment of staff time is adequate to accomplish all the proposed activities of the project (3 points).
(i) Adequacy and accessibility of resources (4 points).
(1) The Secretary considers the adequacy and accessibility of the applicant's resources to implement the proposed project.
(2) In determining the adequacy and accessibility of resources, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(i) The extent to which the applicant is committed to provide adequate facilities, equipment, other resources, including administrative support, and laboratories, if appropriate (2 points).
(ii) The extent to which the facilities, equipment, and other resources are appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities who may use the facilities, equipment, and other resources of the project (2 points).
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Authorised User |
| Last Modified By | Authorised User |
| File Modified | 2010-01-27 |
| File Created | 2010-01-27 |