Dear Researcher,

We are writing today to alert you that you may soon receive an invitation by e-mail to participate in a short survey conducted by Abt Associates on behalf of the US National Science Foundation (NSF). This is a legitimate request and we invite you to participate.

This survey is part of an independent evaluation of the two-step merit review process (preliminary proposal system) implemented by the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) and Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS). Some of you may have also received an invitation to complete a broader merit review satisfaction survey within the past year. These are complementary but completely separate activities.

The goal of this survey is to examine the level of satisfaction with the two-step merit review process (preliminary proposal system) pilot in DEB and IOS and to estimate the workload associated with preparing and reviewing proposals. The survey is being sent to a sample of DEB and IOS applicants and reviewers and to a comparison group from similar NSF programs which have not adopted the two-step process. This approach will enable us to understand the relative advantages and limitations of the change as well as to capture everyone’s perspective.

While participation in the survey is voluntary, we hope that you will take a few minutes to share your views. Research community input is vital to developing the best approaches to handle the large number of grant applications without compromising the quality of review and that is why your participation is very important. Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,

Note: Pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(b), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0215. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than 10 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Reports Clearance Officer, Office of the General Counsel, National Science Foundation, Suite 1265, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230.