FDA Submit Word Critiques & Scores

The FDA follows a peer review initiative characterized by the existence of scored review criteria and the submission of written critiques.

Overview of the FDA Scoring Process

• Each criterion is assigned a maximum score value, based on its importance in the funding opportunity.

• Each criterion is evaluated on its scientific and technical merit.

• Reviewers enter a score ranging from 0 to the maximum allowed score for the criterion (the higher the score, the better the application).

• The sum total of the criterion scores determines the reviewer's raw score of the application. With each criterion having an independent maximum value, it permits the FDA to provide more weight or importance to the various criterion.

• The final score for the application is calculated by adding up all the raw scores and dividing by the number reviewers who submitted scores. In this system, applications with higher final scores are determined to have better scientific and technical merit.

NOTE: FDA does not use the Final Score Sheet screen in IAR.