What scoring scale is used?
Grant applications can either receive a numerical score, be designated as “not discussed,” or be “not recommended for further consideration.” Some types of applications, such as training grant applications, are scored on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale, with 1.0 being the most meritorious. However, most applications, including unsolicited R01 research applications and most “R” mechanism applications, are reviewed under a “streamlined” procedure. (See also the question below about “not discussed” applications.) In streamlining, reviewers identify the most meritorious applications, defined as the top half of the distribution, and score them on a scale from 1.0 to about 5.0. Note that under this procedure, a very sound application can receive a score of 5.0 if it is at or near the middle of the distribution of merit for those being considered. Finally, all applications, regardless of mechanism, can potentially be designated as “not recommended for further consideration” (NRFC), which indicates that th
