OTA Submit Word Critiques & Scores

All applications for Other Transactions Authorities (OTA) go through a scientific evaluation or an objective review. Contents of the evaluation or review are outlined in each Research Opportunity Announcement. The process that involves the thorough and consistent examination of applications based on an unbiased evaluation of scientific or technical merit or other relevant aspects of the proposal. Each review is performed by persons expert in the field of endeavor for which support is requested and is intended to provide advice to the individuals responsible for making award decisions.

Overview of the OTA 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 awarding agency 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.