The National Park Service is looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions to serve as grant application peer reviewers for the Recreation and Readiness Initiative (RARI) program. RARI applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and selected peer reviewers will be notified one month in advance of their peer review panel session. Peer reviewers will participate remotely and will review applications within a two-week period. Peer reviews will be required to attend a mandatory virtual training and a collaboration call to discuss applications with fellow reviewers. Prospective reviewers should understand that federal grant program peer review is a serious responsibility that requires a commitment of time and expertise.
Peer review applicants should have knowledge, expertise, and/or significant lived experience across a range of outdoor recreation, community planning, and community engagement areas. They may also have ties to military life or service.
Peer reviewers must be able to impartially and effectively analyze grant applications against specific criteria from the RARI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Panelists are required to provide written documentation detailing the rationale in support of each score for the applications they review.
Peer reviewers should not be affiliated with any organization that is involved in application development or plans to apply to this grant program this fiscal year. All selected panelists will be required to sign a "Conflict of Interest/Non-Disclosure Statement."
If interested in serving as a peer reviewer, please review the Notice Of Funding Opportunity and any RARI program information. To be considered, send an email with "RARI Peer Reviewer Candidate Resume" in the subject line to RARI_Inquiries@NPS.gov and attach a current resume/curriculum vitae, along with an introductory paragraph that describes their interest in being a peer review panel member for this grant program.
Last updated: August 19, 2026