The Peer Review Schedule is kept on the OSQR Website. First identify the National Program your project is assigned to and then go to the panel review session reserved for projects in that National Program. Then confirm that your plan is part of this review by contacting your National Program Leader. 

This assures that projects meet National Program expectations and Area needs.

The Area works with the Institute/Center Director, Research Leader and the location in the process of preparing, reviewing and approving all peer review related documents. They work closely with NPS to ensure that each plan’s objectives and approaches are consistent with the NP goals and they provide direction and instruction thru the local line managers to ARS researchers in meeting scientific quality requirements and in addressing the recommendations and suggestions of peer reviewers.  The Area monitors deadlines for the OSQR process. Finally, they provide feedback to the Research Leaders on their unit’s peer review panel scores and match their performance in peer review to their performance element containing their OSQR responsibility. For an example of one Area Office’s role in the ARS Peer Review Process, please click here (Mid South Area Office’s Role in the Peer Review Process)

All peer reviews are considered sensitive information. The primary reviewer’s recommendations are sent to your Area Director and National Program Leader. Your Area Director’s staff will coordinate further distribution of the peer review. Individual peer reviews are not accessible via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), however, general information about the process may be.

No, your Area Office is responsible for approving public access to your project plan and would be the party to provide that access if granted. OSQR will only give your project plan to peer reviewers who have signed a binding confidentiality agreement prior to receipt.

Yes, the objectives in the plan should be as stated in your PDRAM. 

Postponement of peer reviews must be formally requested in a memo to the ARS Associate Administrator. See http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/03-601-NPS.htm for guidelines. Postponement will be approved only under exceptional circumstances.