[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 15]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR3415.15]

[Page 414]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
  CHAPTER XXXIV--COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION 
                   SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 3415_BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM
--Table of Contents
 
     Subpart B_Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant Applications
 
Sec. 3415.15  Evaluation factors.

    In carrying out its review under Sec. 3415.14, the peer review 
group will take into account the following factors unless, pursuant to 
Sec. 3415.5(a), different evaluation criteria are specified in the 
annual program solicitation:
    (a) Scientific merit of the proposal.
    (1) Conceptual adequacy of hypothesis;
    (2) Clarity and delineation of objectives;
    (3) Adequacy of the description of the undertaking and suitability 
and feasibility of methodology;
    (4) Demonstration of feasibility through preliminary data;
    (5) Probability of success of project;
    (6) Novelty, uniqueness and originality; and
    (7) Appropriateness to regulation of biotechnology and risk 
assessment.
    (b) Qualifications of proposed project personnel and adequacy of 
facilities.
    (1) Training and demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative 
approaches to the problem identified in the proposal, and performance 
record and/or potential for future accomplishments;
    (2) Time allocated for systematic attainment of objectives;
    (3) Institutional experience and competence in subject area; and
    (4) Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel, 
facilities, and instrumentation.
    (c) Relevance of project to solving biotechnology regulatory 
uncertainty for United States agriculture.
    (1) Scientific contribution of research in leading to important 
discoveries or significant breakthroughs in announced program areas; and
    (2) Relevance of the risk assessment research to agriculture and 
environmental regulations.