What is Peer Review?

Applications that meet the basic minimum requirements outlined in a solicitation move on to be evaluated by independent peer reviewers.

Basic minimum requirements are the common requirements applicable to all OJP solicitations, covering topics such as eligibility and funding constraints. Refer to the solicitation for the list of all items that must be included in the application submission in order for an application to meet the basic minimum requirements.

In peer review, your application is evaluated against the solicitation's review criteria before it advances to an OJP program office for further consideration.

Find a Solicitation's Review Criteria

Before submitting your application, carefully read the "Application Review Information" included in every solicitation. The Review Criteria section explains how applications will be scored in peer review.

When developing your proposal, consider what percentage of the review criteria is assigned to a section or application component.

For example, if a solicitation lists the statement of the problem as 15% of the total points and the project design at 30% of the points, you may want to spend more time explaining your project design since it carries more weight in the overall score of your application.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Two of the most common errors made by applicants are not addressing every section of the review criteria and answering the questions out of order.

Be sure to follow the order of questions as presented in the solicitation so peer reviewers can easily find the critical details of your proposal.

Review Webinar Materials

For more information on how applications are evaluated, review the recording and transcript of a webinar entitled The Federal Funding Process: The First Steps to Applying, How To Prepare Now, and Other Considerations.

Watch the Webinar

Important Resources

JustGrants: JustGrants is the Department of Justice's grants management system. The JustGrants Resources website allows applicants and grantees to access training, find answers to frequently asked questions, and sign up for updates. Get started by gaining an understanding of the application process in JustGrants.

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide: This resource contains information to help you prepare and submit applications for OJP funding and offers guidance on award administration.

OJP Funding Resource Center: Find current opportunities, solicitation requirements, forms and worksheets, and post-award instructions to help as you apply for and manage OJP awards.

DOJ Grants Financial Guide: Learn about the laws, rules, and regulations that affect the financial and administrative management of an OJP award.

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