Call for Peer Reviewers: Open Textbooks Pilot Program

Purpose 

The purpose of the Open Textbooks Pilot program is to support projects at eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) or State higher education agencies that create new open textbooks and expand the use of open textbooks and course materials in courses that are part of a degree-granting program, particularly those with high enrollments. This pilot program emphasizes the development of projects that demonstrate the greatest potential to achieve the highest level of savings for students through sustainable, expanded use of open textbooks in high-enrollment courses or in programs that prepare individuals for in-demand fields.

Process

Selected reviewers will:

• Independently read, score, and evaluate assigned grant applications.
• Provide detailed, objective, and constructive written comments.
• Participate in panel discussions to support funding recommendations.

Reviewer feedback will be used to inform funding decisions. Written comments will be shared with applicants (with all personally identifiable information removed), and comments for funded applications may be made publicly available following the review process. Reviewers are expected to adhere to all requirements outlined in this Call for Peer Reviewers.

Experience and Expertise

The Department seeks individuals with expertise and/or roles as outlined below:

• College and university faculty, staff, and administrators
• Educational strategists and evaluators
• Grant writers
• K-12 and postsecondary experience in: o Designing and implementing open textbooks and open educational resources.
  • Supporting career pathway programs that include academic and technical sequences in high-demand fields tied to State priorities.
  • Designing and supporting work-based learning/workforce development programs that are aligned with State workforce priorities.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)

Requirements

Peer reviewers are expected to:

• Work approximately 60 hours over a 2-week review period.
• Complete virtual reviewer training (date/time TBD).
• Be available for the full review period (TBD) and participate in at least 3 to 4 panel meetings during AM or PM time slots.
• Have access to a computer, internet, and phone during the review period.

Selected reviewers will be provided an honorarium.

Conflicts of Interest

Individuals may not serve as reviewers if they:

• Participated in preparing an application.
• Are affiliated with an applying organization.
• Have a financial or professional interest in the competition outcome, including interests of family members, employees, or associates.

Instructions to Apply

• Submit a resume (Word/PDF, max 3 pages) to OTP@ed.gov.
• Include the Subject Line: FY 2026 OTP Peer Review.
• Register as a reviewer in GrantSolutions.gov.
• For questions, please contact the FY 2026 OTP Competition Manager, Dr. Robin Dabney at OTP@ed.gov. 

Selection is competitive and not guaranteed.