Review Process

The review process for proposals submitted to the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (HWPP) is a detailed, multi-level, qualitative and quantitative assessment.  The following information provides substantive information on how proposals are evaluated.  The numeric score assigned to proposals, complemented by discussion and critique at each level of the review process, is used to prioritize proposals for funding.  Projects funded by HWPP are those that rank high in both qualitative and quantitative measures and reflect the program's Principles of Stewardship. 

Proposals are screened to determine that all eligibility, content and submission requirements are fulfilled.  Ineligible projects will not advance to the Merit Review. 

• Notices of Intent that successfully pass the technical review will be invited to submit full proposals. 
• Full proposals that successfully pass the technical review will then enter the Merit Review process.
• Notices of Intent and full proposals that do not pass the technical review will receive written notification. 
• Late, ineligible projects, incomplete submissions, and submissions that do not conform to instructions or meet specified guidelines in the Request for Proposals will not be considered. 
• Submissions will not be returned.

Funding awards are determined by a review that occurs at the following three levels:

1. National Merit Review
Proposals are reviewed by a panel of twenty National Merit Reviewers who are experienced community and academic leaders from outside the state of Wisconsin.  There are two phases to this level of the review process:

• Each proposal is assigned to four reviewers who conduct a detailed analysis of each section of the proposal, considering the strengths and limitations of the project and partnership.  Each of the four reviewers individually scores and comments on the proposal.
• Proposals that rank highly from the individual reviews are prioritized for further, in-depth discussion by the entire National Merit Review panel at a meeting in Milwaukee on January 31, 2008 – February 1, 2008.

All comments from the national Merit Reviewers are provided to applicants following the completed review process.  Comments and scores from the National Merit Reviewers are forwarded to the MCW Consortium on Public and Community Health.

2. MCW Consortium on Public and Community Health
The MCW Consortium serves as the board of directors for the HWPP.  The Consortium's review is based not only on merit and feedback from the National Merit Reviewers, but also on the relevance of the proposal to the Consortium's priorities, as reflected in the Five-Year Plan, particularly the Principles of Stewardship. 

If a proposal is prioritized for discussion by the MCW Consortium, a synthesis of the Consortium's assessment will be provided to the applicant. All proposals recommended for funding by the Consortium are then forwarded to the Medical College of Wisconsin Board of Trustees.

 

3. MCW Board of Trustees
The Medical College of Wisconsin Board of Trustees reviews the recommendations made by the Consortium and makes all final funding determinations. 

 

It is anticipated that funding awards will be announced on March 28, 2008 and posted on the HWPP web site.  Primary contacts (one MCW and one community) for each project will receive notification of the award determinations and will be provided with detailed reviewer comments.  Complete information about the review process can be found on the program website: www.mcw.edu/healthierwisconsin