Proposal Evaluation and Time Allocation for Semester 2013A

Proposal Evaluation and Time Allocation for Semester 2013A

The Observatory has completed the Semester 2013A proposal evaluation and time allocation process for theVery Large Array, the Very Long Baseline Array/High Sensitivity Array, and the Green Bank Telescope. A total of 420 proposals were received for the 1 August 2012 submission deadline. In aggregate, the proposals covered the broad spectrum of modern research in astronomy and astrophysics. A total of 1415 unique authors submitted proposals to the Observatory, with 966, 418, and 288 proposers competing for time on the VLA, GBT, and VLBA/HSA, respectively.

Proposals were evaluated on the basis of scientific merit by eight Science Review Panels (SRPs). The proposals were also reviewed for technical feasibility by NRAO staff. Reviews were completed in October and then reconciled by the Time Allocation Committee (TAC) during its 29-31 October 2012 meeting. The TAC consists of the SRP chairs and was charged with recommending a science program for Semester 2013A to the NRAO Director. The recommended program was reviewed and approved 26 November.

A disposition letter was sent to the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators of each proposal 29 November. A TAC report containing information for proposers and observers, including statistics and telescope pressure plots, was released the same day. The approved science program has been posted.

The Observatory welcomes community feedback on its process for proposal evaluation and time allocation. Please provide such feedback via the Proposal Review department of the Observatory's Helpdesk.

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

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