§ 350.52 - What is the composition of a peer review panel?

§ 350.52 What is the composition of a peer review panel?

(a) The Secretary selects as members of a peer review panel scientists and other experts in rehabilitation or related fields who are qualified, on the basis of training, knowledge, or experience, to give expert advice on the merit of the applications under review.

(b) Applications for awards of $60,000 or more, except those for the purposes of evaluation, dissemination of information, or conferences, must be reviewed by a peer review panel that consists of a majority of non-Federal members.

(c) In selecting members to serve on a peer review panel, the Secretary takes into account all of the following factors:

(1) The level of formal scientific or technical education completed by potential panel members.

(2)

(i) The extent to which potential panel members have engaged in scientific, technical, or administrative activities appropriate to the category of applications that the panel will consider;

(ii) The roles of potential panel members in those activities; and

(iii) The quality of those activities.

(3) The recognition received by potential panel members as reflected by awards and other honors from scientific and professional agencies and organizations outside the Department.

(4) Whether the panel includes knowledgeable individuals with disabilities, or parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities.

(5) Whether the panel includes individuals from diverse populations.

(Authority: Secs. 18 and 202(e); 29 U.S.C. 717 and 761a(e))