BECOMING AN AIDD REVIEWER

Thank you for your interest in becoming a grant and/or MTARS reviewer for the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD).  Please review the following information, as it contains details about:

WHY SHOULD I BECOME AN AIDD REVIEWER?

The Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) is part of the Administration for Community Living, under the Department of Health and Human Services, a federal government agency.  AIDD provides grants to programs that support the development of national and state policies that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  AIDD plans and carries out the grant application process for programs under its authorization.

In Fiscal Year 1997, AIDD implemented the Monitoring and Technical Assistance Review System (MTARS) to evaluate three of its grant programs, the State intellectual and developmental disabilities Councils (DD Councils), State Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) and the University Centers for Excellence in intellectual and developmental disabilities Education, Research and Services (UCEDDs). 

AIDD needs both new and experienced grant reviewers to take part in the grant application and MTARS processes.  Reviewers are selected for specific grant reviews and MTARS based on their knowledge, experience, or education.  Through the review process, grant reviewers can AIDD to their professional development experiences by

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO BECOME AN AIDD REVIEWER?

WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS DO I NEED TO BE AN AIDD REVIEWER?

  1. Relevant knowledge in the program area of interest;
  2. Ability to read and assess grant applications;
  3. Ability to evaluate applications based on specific criteria;
  4. Strong written communication skills;
  5. Ability to work well in a group;
  6. Ability to maintain privacy.

WHAT MUST AIDD REVIEWERS AGREE TO DO?

  1. Read the funding opportunity announcement, evaluation criteria, and any related materials;
  2. Understand the funding opportunity announcement's background, purpose, and evaluation criteria;
  3. Maintain the integrity of the grant review; and
  4. Fulfill the time commitment and workload of the grant review (e.g., extensive reading and writing, lengthy discussions, travel).

WHEN AND WHERE DO REVIEWS TAKE PLACE?

Grant reviews are typically 1-3 days and take place June – September in Washington, D.C. If necessary, travel and hotel will be arranged for out-of-town reviewers.

MTARS site visits typically last up to 4 days and take place in the states that are being reviewed. Travel and hotel will be arranged for out-of-town reviewers.

ARE AIDD REVIEWERS PAID FOR THEIR WORK?

All grant reviewers (local or out-of-town) for on-site reviews receive $150 per day of review participation.  Personal support assistants receive $100 per day. Generally, payment is made on the last day of the review. 

MTARS reviewers and any personal assistants are compensated for time associated with the on-site visit.  Each reviewer will receive up to 4 days honorarium ($220 per day) for their participation in the MTARS.  Personal support assistants will receive up to 4 days honorarium ($100 per day) for their services to the reviewer during the MTARS. 

HOW DO I BECOME AN AIDD REVIEWER?

HOW DO I APPLY ONLINE?

SIDEM assists AIDD in recruiting individuals for grant and MTARS reviews.  If you are interested in becoming an AIDD reviewer, please submit your contact information and resume through the online contact information form. If you need help completing this form or if you have any questions about your application or upcoming activities, please contact SIDEM (240-650-8298 or alston@sidemgroup.com).