Programs in the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) continually seek experts in the field of higher education to serve as field readers for our grant competitions. The field reading process involves orientation to programs, reading of applications, and discussions with other field readers. Field readers score applications based on U.S. Department of Education criteria and receive a stipend for their service. Most Department programs are now utilizing a Web-based electronic field reading process. Field readers who use the electronic process should have unlimited access to the Internet, e-mail capabilities, a printer, and a working knowledge of downloading files and applications.

If you would like to become a field reader for programs in OPE, you must register online using the OPE Field Reader Application Form. Your application will be reviewed by OPE staff to determine whether you have the subject area expertise needed for upcoming competitions. Selected readers will be notified via e-mail and paid electronically at the end of a reading.

You will also need to complete a one-time business registration in order to receive any new awards or any non-termination modifications or payments under existing Department of Education (ED) contracts after December 31, 2003. Annual renewal of the registration is also required, at least through final payment. If you or your firm is an existing ED vendor and has a DUNS number, you have already completed the first step in the registration process. Registration in the Business Partner Network's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system is maintained by the Department of Defense. The CCR system offers a Web-based database of business information on more than 290,000 registered vendors. CCR is well established, well known, widely used, and provides for fast, free and easy vendor registration. The Department of Education is requesting that field readers and firms register in CCR as soon as possible so that the contract award can be made. Please read the information regarding vendor registration in the CCR.