The Reauthorization Act requires changes aimed at reducing gaps in time between close of the solicitation and notification of award. Agencies are to implement these measures as soon as is practicable. In addition, the Policy Directives include new reporting requirements for the participating agencies to develop data needed to monitor and analyze these time lags.

Stay tuned. By statute, NIH is mandated to use a two-tiered peer review process which requires a scientific and technical review (peer review) and then by an Institute or Center's Advisory Board. NIH is exploring ways in which to streamline its processes so the time from submission to award is reduced.