R856-4-6. Application Review Procedure

  (1) University Pre-screening.

  (a) Universities may perform an initial analysis and assessment of the project to be submitted with the application.

  (2) Initial eligibility screening.

  (a) USTAR will conduct an initial eligibility screening for each application to ensure:

  (i) Completeness; and

  (ii) Verification of minimum eligibility requirements.

  (b) Any application that fails to meet the criteria in Section R856-4-6(2) will be rejected.

  (3) Panel Review.

  (a) Accepted applications will be reviewed by a panel of independent subject-matter experts ("expert panel") who will evaluate and score the applicant's proposed research project using the criteria in Section R856-4-7.

  (i) Each expert panel will consist of at least two technical experts who will use the scoring rubric provided by USTAR.

  (ii) USTAR will have discretion to select the independent experts for the expert review panels and shall consider, as applicable:

  (A) academic qualifications including whether the expert has a terminal degree in a relevant field;

  (B) relevant work experience and practical training in the field;

  (C) knowledge of the target grant program/agency.

  (D) experience evaluating grant proposals; and,

  (E) any other factors USTAR deems important.

  (iii) USTAR will screen the experts for conflicts of interest before reviews are initiated using the conflict of interest policy available on USTAR's website.

  (4) Governing Authority review.

  (a) A subcommittee of the governing authority will convene to review the expert panel's scores and develop recommendations.

  (b) The GA Subcommittee will consider prior performance of applicant on in evaluation.

  (c) The subcommittee will recommend projects for award and award amounts to the full governing authority for final approval.