The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) is seeking peer reviewers (field readers) to read and evaluate discretionary grant program applications. If you are interested in serving as a field reader for OPE grant competitions you must use the Online Field Reader Application Form. This form allows individuals interested in reviewing grant applications to apply online.

Register as a Field Reader

The Web-based application form is available at http://opeweb.ed.gov/frs. First-time users may register in the Field Reader System and those already registered may update their proile information. On this site, potential readers provide OPE with information about their educational background and expertise, their technology skills, their grant reading history, and program experience. Applying to be a field reader through this site is the first step in the selection process. Interested persons must still be deemed qualified for a particular reading, indicate their availability for a reading, and be selected before they actually become a reader.

Registration information and technology requirements are available at https://opeweb.ed.gov/frs/register.cfm.

Field readers will receive a flat fee honorarium and a stipend for supplies (paper and ink) for the entire review period based on the established number of reading days and applications. Since the number of reading days and applications to be reviewed may vary, you will be informed of the amount of the honorarium at the time of your selection as a field reader.

Contact the Help Desk if you need help registering with or logging into the Field Reader System. Frequently Asked Questions are also available to assist users.

The Field Reader Process

The application review process involves a reader orientation, reading and evaluating applications, and discussions with other panelists. Panelists will evaluate and score applications using the U.S. Department of Education's published selection criteria. Selected field readers will receive a copy of each assigned application electronically. Some applications will be mailed to readers if the applicant had an approved waiver of the electronic grant submission requirement. Readers will review applications at their home or office and enter comments and scores on each application electronically into the Department's e-Grants database. Paneling of applications will generally be conducted through pre-scheduled telephone conference calls that require the participation of all panel members. All scores and comments must be entered into e-Reader by the designated date.

OPE typically uses e-Reader, the Department's electronic field reading system to review grant applications. Information about the Department's e-Reader process is available at http://e-grants.ed.gov/e-read/reHome.asp. The e-Reader Web page has a demonstration site available to assist readers in operating the software along with a User's Guide.

Field readers must have the following in order to use e-Reader:

1. Access to the Internet from home or office;
2. Microsoft Word; and
3. Cookies and JavaScript enabled in the browser.

Requireements for Field Readers

Vendors and individuals who do business with the Department must also register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) System and acquire a DUNS number. The CCR is maintained by the Department of Defense. It is a Web-based database of business information on more than 290,000 registered vendors. It is well established, well known, widely used, and provides for fast, free, and easy registration. Please read the information regarding vendor registration in the CCR. Persons interested in serving as readers can apply at any time.

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