ANA Objective Panel Review

ANA Objective Panel Review

Each year, ANA convenes panels of experts to objectively analyze and score eligible grant applications. These scores are used to rank eligible applications which help ANA decide which eligible tribes or native organizations will receive funds. Being a panel reviewer is an integral part of ANA’s funding process and affords participants the opportunity to have a significant impact in native communities.

ANA recruits experienced professionals who possess subject matter expertise and qualifications relevant to ANA’s program areas to serve as panel reviewers and panel facilitators. Panel reviewers should have knowledge and direct experience working with the native communities and populations that ANA serves. Panel reviewers objectively analyze, score, and comment on ANA grant applications. Panel facilitators assist the panel in coming to a consensus on comments and scores that accurately reflect the quality of each application as it is applied to the evaluation criteria prescribed in the Funding Opportunity Announcement. For more information regarding the roles and responsibilities of panel reviewers and facilitators, please download the following job descriptions.

• Panel Reviewer Job Description
• Panel Facilitator Job Description

What is an Objective Review?

Objective review involves the thorough evaluation of the technical aspects of the grant application through an objective review process. The evaluation is based on an unbiased appraisal of the merit of the application’s response to the criteria published in the respective FOA. Objective review is an advisory assessment of applications conducted by a minimum of three unbiased peer reviewers. Objective review is essential to ensuring selection of applications that best meets the needs of the program consistent with established criteria and providing assurance to the public that the evaluation and selection process is impartial and fair.

What is it like to be an ANA Panel Reviewer?

Panel review is hard work and challenging but an incredibly rewarding process. ANA relies on the recommendations produced from the panel review process to determine which grant applications receive funding. Because of this reliance, important decisions rest in the hands of each panel reviewer. As an ANA panel reviewer or facilitator, you may be assigned eight to ten grant applications per review session. In addition to working independently to read, analyze and score each assigned grant application, you will participate in team discussions requiring critical thinking and writing skills while working with a panel consisting of three reviewers and a facilitator. Depending on the type of review session, panel deliberations may take place by teleconference (remote) or face-to-face (onsite).

Panel reviewers and facilitators will be paid a stipend for their participation plus reimbursement for appropriate expenses incurred in regards to panel review.

How Do I Become an ANA Panel Reviewer?

Please fill out and return this form along with a current resume to ANAReviewer@acf.hhs.gov.

What if I Have Questions or Need Help with the Application Process?

Please check out our FAQ page. If you still need assistance, please call the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262
8:30 am to 6:00 pm EST (M-F)