Merit Review and Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated by a merit review committee. Merit Reviewers use the criteria described in Section E1. Criteria of the NOFO, to evaluate each application. The merit review committee may include Federal and/or non-Federal reviewers.  

Applications will be initially screened to determine eligibility using the criteria detailed in Sections C. Eligibility Information, and D. Application and Submission Information of the NOFO. Applications that are received late or fail to meet the eligibility requirements as detailed in the NOFO or do not include the required forms will not be reviewed. 

The CMS Division of Grants Director/Deputy Director, however, may continue the review process for an ineligible application if it is in the best interest of the government to meet the objectives of the program.

Merit Reviewers use the criteria described in Section E1. Criteria of the NOFO, to evaluate each application. The merit review committee may include Federal and/or non-Federal reviewers.  

The results of the merit review of the applications are key in decision making, but not the only factor. Final award decisions will be made by a CMS approving official.  In making these decisions, the CMS approving official will take into consideration:  

• evaluation of the merit review panel.
• the readiness of the applicant to conduct the required work.
• the scope of overall projected impact on the aims.
• reviews for programmatic and grants management compliance. 
• the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government and expected results. 
• the geographic diversity of all applications. 
• the diversity of the project types.
• the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the benefits expected. 

As noted in 45 CFR Part 75, CMS will do a review of risks posed by applicants prior to award §75.205.

CMS reserves the right to conduct pre-award Negotiations with potential recipients.