"Previously, proposals for research grants were generally required to undergo at least three external reviews by scientists from outside the agency. Now, two reviews are enough and, under some circumstances, one can be an internal review by a scientist at the NSF. The change in policy was described in an update of the agency's Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide that was published on 8 December."
"Substituting an internal review for an external review could save time, programme officers say. "I'm glad to have a little more flexibility," one says, especially when they are handling proposals that do not meet basic criteria for funding. "But I would hate to see two reviews becoming the norm for the proposals that are legitimate candidates for funding." Programme officers say that they value a range of external expert perspectives."
The NSF is relaxing some proposal-review requirements to cope with an application backlog and reduced staff numbers. Proposals previously required at least three external reviews; the new policy allows two reviews and, in some cases, an internal NSF review. The change appears in an updated Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and accompanying internal guidance for programme officers. Programme officers report that substituting internal reviews can save time and add flexibility but express concern that fewer external reviews could leave legitimate funding candidates insufficiently assessed. The agency continues to rely on panels and ad hoc external experts for diverse perspectives.
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