Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Field Reader System (FRS)

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Categories:	Return
Login
Application Entry
Technical
Reader Selection
Reading Process / E-Reader

Login top
1.	Why can't I log-in?
2.	I don't have a login, what do I do?
3.	My login was locked, what should I do?
Application Entry top
1.	How long will it take to enter an application?
2.	What if I need to update my application after I submit it?
3.	Where can I find more information on the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) programs?
4.	Does this system collect personal information?
Technical top
1.	What browsers does the FRS system support?
2.	What if I am using a Macintosh?
3.	How do I report a problem with the Field Reader System?
4.	Is this web site secure?
Reader Selection top
1.	I just received an email asking if I'm available for a reading, what should I do?
2.	Where can I find the Conflict of Interest form?
3.	How will I know if I am selected as a reader?
4.	How often does OPE need field readers for grant competitions?
5.	Can Federal government employees be field readers?
Reading Process / E-Reader top
1.	What are the technical requirements for field readers?
2.	Where can I find information about the e-Reader system?
3.	What is involved in being a field reader?
4.	How much are field readers paid?

Login
1.	Why can't I log-in? top
	Forgot your User ID or Password? Click here to have it emailed. If you are having a problem logging in, you may request assistance from the Field Reader System Help Desk.
2.	I don't have a login, what do I do? top
	If you are a first-time user, you can register here to get a login ID and password.
3.	My login was locked, what should I do? top
	If you attempt to login more than 2 times with an incorrect password, your account will be locked. To have your account unlocked, send an mail to the Field Reader System Help Desk and request that they unlock it for you.

Application Entry
1.	How long will it take to enter an application? top
	We estimate that it will take about 60 minutes to complete this application. When you have completed the application, click on the Submit button located on the Submit tab.
2.	What if I need to update my application after I submit it? top
	You may log back into FRS at any time to update the information in your application. Click on the appropriate tab, change the applicable information, and click the Save and Continue button at the bottom of the page.
3.	Where can I find more information on the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) programs? top
	View the OPE Program Guide to learn about programs in which you may have an interest and for which you may be qualified to read.
4.	Does this system collect personal information? top
	This system contains personal information protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a -- as amended. Violations of the provisions of the Act may subject the offender to criminal penalties.

Technical
1.	What browsers does the FRS system support? top
	IE 6.0, Netscape 7.0, and Firefox 1.0 and higher
2.	What if I am using a Macintosh? top
	The Field Reader System is designed to work on the Windows Operating System with Internet Explorer 6.0 (and up) or Netscape 7.x (and up). We recommend using Netscape 7.0 or greater with Mac OS 9/10. If you use Internet Explorer with Mac OS 9/10, you may experience problems with the application.
3.	How do I report a problem with the Field Reader System? top
	Please include ALL the following information in your email to the Field Reader System Help Desk at ope.field.reader@cbmiweb.com. Operating system (e.g., Windows XP, 2000, or Macintosh) Browser type (e.g., Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox) and Version Number (e.g., 7.2) Brief description of the error. Your User ID.
4.	Is this web site secure? top
	This website uses 128-bit encryption to protect your personal information. Thus it must be viewed over a secured channel. If your browser does not support this, please consult your system administrator or upgrade your browser to allow 128-bit encryption.

Reader Selection
1.	I just received an email asking if I'm available for a reading, what should I do? top
	To be selected as a reader for this program, you must login to your FRS account and enter your availability. - After you login, click the box to verify your emails. - The Program Availability screen will display. - Select Available or Unavailable from the dropdown and click the Save and Continue button. Due to the volume of readers from whom availability is requested, we cannot accept your availability via email.
2.	Where can I find the Conflict of Interest form? top
	The Department of Education's Conflict of Interest form is available here in PDF format.
3.	How will I know if I am selected as a reader? top
	You will be informed by Department of Education staff by email if you are selected as a reader.
4.	How often does OPE need field readers for grant competitions? top
	Many OPE programs have annual grant competitions, however some programs hold competitions only every three or four years. OPE staff will evaluate all applications submitted through FRS to find readers who meet the qualifications to read for a grant competition. Readers who meet the qualifications will be notified by email and requested to indicate if they are available a few months before the grant competition is held.
5.	Can Federal government employees be field readers? top
	Federal employees, including active-duty military personnel, may serve as readers for OPE. However, Federal employees cannot be paid to serve as readers.

Reading Process / E-Reader
1.	What are the technical requirements for field readers? top
	Access to the Internet from your local review site via broadband or DSL (not a dial-up connection) to be able to talk on the telephone (not a cell phone) AND access the Internet concurrently The ability to review applications electronically Familiarity with Windows-based software Familiarity with browsing the Internet Internet Browser IE 5.5+, Netscape 6+ or FireFox 1+ (note: e-Reader is best viewed using Internet Explorer 5+) Acrobat Reader for opening PDF documents Microsoft Word (if PDF package is not available) Cookies and JavaScript enabled in the browser and A laser printer is recommended. Note: Applicants for the Jacob K. Javits and Fulbright-Hays doctoral dissertation programs are not subject to the requirements above.
2.	Where can I find information about the e-Reader system? top
	Information about the Department of Education's e-Reader process is available on the e-grants website.
3.	What is involved in being a field reader? top
	The application review process involves conference call orientation, reading and evaluating applications at home, and discussions with other panelists via conference call. Field readers will receive applications electronically to read, evaluate and score using the U. S. Department of Education's published selection criteria. Field readers will enter comments and scores into the Department's e-Reader system.
4.	How much are field readers paid? top
	Field readers will receive a flat fee honorarium for the entire review period based on the established number of reading days and applications. Since the number of reading days and applications to be reviewed may vary, you will be informed of the amount of the honorarium at the time of your selection as a field reader.
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