ANA reviews grant applications using an objective panel review process. This page explains what that is and how to register for the panel.
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.
About Panel Review
Each year, ANA convenes panels of experts to objectively analyze and score eligible grant applications for an objective panel review (also known simply as "panel review"). 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 chairpersons. 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 chairpersons 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 Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
For more information regarding the roles and responsibilities of panel reviewers and chairpersons, please download the following job descriptions.
What is it like to be an ANA Panel Reviewer?
Panel review is hard work and challenging but an incredibly rewarding process. ANA uses the recommendations produced from the panel review process to help determine which grant applications receive funding. Because of this reliance, important decisions rest in the hands of each panel reviewer. Chairpersons and Reviewers will utilize the Application Review Module (ARM). ARM is a web‐based system to review grant applications and ensures the seamless organization, evaluation, and management of the grant application lifecycle. As an ANA panel reviewer or chairperson, you may be assigned seven 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 chairperson.
Serving on a review panel can be professionally rewarding but also an intensive time commitment. Successful reviewers in the past have taken time off from work or arranged their schedules accordingly to prioritize panel review requirements. This is also done in consideration of the time commitment of fellow panelists. ANA does its best to ensure each panel is within a single time zone but that’s not always possible.
What are the qualifications ANA looks for in a reviewer or chairperson?
- Experience in community-based projects
- Good communication skills, verbal and in writing
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Experience working with native communities or other distressed communities
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Independent thinker that can also work collaboratively with others
Where is the ANA Panel Review held?
Panel Review is held off site. Chairpersons and Reviewers are required to have constant reliable Internet access, a contact phone number which allows ample opportunity, time to participate in lengthy conference calls, and be flexible with their time during each session. Chairpersons and Reviewers will utilize the Application Review Module (ARM). ARM is a web‐based system to review grant applications and ensures the seamless organization, evaluation, and management of the grant application lifecycle. Individuals will be assigned to a panel with a set of applications for which they are responsible for providing scores, comments, and reviewing each application’s content against the evaluation criteria.
Are panel chairpersons and reviewers compensated for their time?
Chairpersons and reviewers are compensated for each application which is read, commented, scored, and a report completed. They also receive a flat printing and supply stipend. Compensation is provided at the end of the Panel Review session.
When will the Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) be published?
ANA's Fiscal Year 2023 NOFO were published on www.grants.gov. Visit ANA’s funding opportunities page to find out more about ANA's funding areas. Panel Review typically occurs in the months following the closure of the FOAs.
How do I apply to be a Panel Reviewer?
If you are interested in serving on a future review panel, you will need to complete a Reviewer Profile . Please note that if you already have a profile within RRM with another agency, you must complete a new profile for ANA. All completed profiles will receive updates and confirmation requests as soon as dates for panel review have become official.
When will I know if I’m selected to be a reviewer/chairperson?
ANA will hold two panel review sessions in 2023. The first session will take place on April 17-28, 2023 to review applications for the funding announcements submitted under Native Languages (Preservation and Maintenance (P&M) and Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI), Environmental Regulatory Enhancements (ERE) and Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska (SEDS-AK). The second session will be June 5 — 16, 2023 for Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS). Registration to be an ANA reviewer and/or chairperson is now open until February 17 in the Reviewer Recruitment Module (RRM). If you already have a profile in RRM, please ensure the contact information is up to date and that you also upload a resume. After that date, you will be asked about your availability for the two panel review sessions. Most communications will be done by email. Individuals that are available, will be contacted to complete the reviewer/chairperson training. Based on your training performance, qualifications, and location, ANA will make panelist selections closer to the start of the panel review sessions. The number of reviewers and chairpersons needed is dependent upon the number of applications that ANA receives. The grant application submission deadline is March 31, 2023 for all NOFOs.
What if I Have Questions or Need Help with the Application Process?
Please send an email to ANASupport@pmcsllc.com.