§ 700.11 - Who may serve as peer reviewers?

(a) An individual may serve as a peer reviewer for purposes of reviewing and evaluating applications for new awards for grants and cooperative agreements and contract proposals if the individual—

(1) Possesses the following qualifications:

(i) Demonstrated expertise, including training and experience, in the subject area of the competition.

(ii) In-depth knowledge of policy or practice in the field of education.

(iii) In-depth knowledge of theoretical perspectives or methodological approaches in the subject area of the competition; and

(2) Does not have a conflict of interest, as determined in accordance with § 700.12.

(b) For each competition for new awards for grants and cooperative agreements—

(i) Department staff may not serve as peer reviewers except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Secretary; and

(ii) The majority of reviewers may be persons not employed by the Federal Government.

(2) For each review of an unsolicited grant or cooperative agreement application—

(i) Department employees may assist the Secretary in making an initial determination under 34 CFR 75.222(b); and

(ii) Department employees may not serve as peer reviewers in accordance with 34 CFR 75.222(c).

(c) To the extent feasible, the Secretary selects peer reviewers for each competition who represent a broad range of perspectives.