Agencies generally consider such proposals on a regular cycle. For new areas of research or areas of new emphasis, a federal agency may issue a program announcement . The Funding Process and Merit Review . Once proposals have been reviewed by federal program managers for eligibility, they are sent to panels of outside experts for additional technical review. Depending on the agency and the program, review panels may be convened in-person or do their work through written correspondence.
Reviewers are primarily scientists actively working in research.
In general, most university-based research is funded through grants, not contracts. Grants provide money, equipment, or both to eligible researchers to carry out approved projects or activities. The grantee is responsible for conducting the project activities and for preparing the results for publication. The granting agency monitors the use of funds it disburses, but it normally has minimal involvement in the substance of the work. Cooperative Agreements .