Peer Review

OMB's Peer Review Bulletin established government-wide guidance to enhance the practice of peer review of the federal government's science documents. It requires federal agencies to systematically plan for peer review of influential scientific information (including highly influential scientific assessments) that the government intends to disseminate in the foreseeable future. By making these plans publicly available, members of the public know which scientific documents are being peer reviewed and approximately when and how the peer review will take place. In some cases, members of the public may be allowed to nominate experts chosen to participate in peer review panels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued guidance consistent with OMB's Bulletin.

The Bulletin provides specific requirements for peer reviews of highly influential scientific assessments and influential scientific information disseminated by Federal agencies, including posting the agenda and plans for such peer reviews on agency Web sites. Members of the public who wish to comment on an individual plan may send an email message by following the instructions at the end of the plan.