Replying to reviewer criticism (DOE Proposals)

[born_a_prof]

I received an email from PM regarding a proposal. I was asked to reply to reviewers comments and send an updated current & pending.
some questions:
1). Is this a sign he may be looking to fund the proposal ?
2). What is right way to approach the reply ? There were 5 reviewers, most of them positive but 1 particularly negative. All raised some concerns though. Should I deal with it reviewer by reviewer like in papers ?

(Edit) 3). Who reads these replies? Are they sent back to reviewers or is it mostly for PM to make a final judgement?

[Volhiker78]

Yes to both of your questions. 

[sunpak]

Hi, I am wondering whether this is for the DOE Career proposal or a regular proposal. Thanks!

[born_a_prof]

Regular

[Volhiker78]

I'm not sure about DOE but in my experience with FDA and PCORI,  the responses to criticisms were mainly for the PM.   It may be crucial to his/her final decision or it may be as ammunition as the PM takes your proposal forward.  The PM has to defend their support for your proposal and your responses to negative criticisms gives him/her ammunition for review from above. 

[pgher]

For question (1), I would say "maybe." In some DOE programs, every proposal that is reviewed has an opportunity to respond to reviewer criticisms. I had one with pretty minor criticisms that I thought would get funded, but didn't. So take the criticisms seriously.

[born_a_prof]

For question (1), I would say "maybe." In some DOE programs, every proposal that is reviewed has an opportunity to respond to reviewer criticisms. I had one with pretty minor criticisms that I thought would get funded, but didn't. So take the criticisms seriously.

Ok, that is scary and all the motivation i need to get cranking the reply. Do you have any idea whether the reviewers were sent your replies ?

[fizzycist]

Yes to both of your questions.

+1. Likely to funded, respond pt-by-pt, likely to be read by PM only.

[pgher]

For question (1), I would say "maybe." In some DOE programs, every proposal that is reviewed has an opportunity to respond to reviewer criticisms. I had one with pretty minor criticisms that I thought would get funded, but didn't. So take the criticisms seriously.

Ok, that is scary and all the motivation i need to get cranking the reply. Do you have any idea whether the reviewers were sent your replies ?

I do not know. I think there's substantial variation among the programs, including the degree of transparency.

[born_a_prof]

Update. It has been recommended for funding, thanks all for your advice.

[sunpak]

Congrats!

[research_prof]

Update. It has been recommended for funding, thanks all for your advice.

Congrats! So it took about a month and a half between the time that the PD unofficially told you it will be recommended for funding and the official recommendation?

[born_a_prof]

No, the earlier email asked me to answer reviewers' concerns and made no mention of recommendation. Now it is recommended for funding by PD and public abstract is requested. The final approval from higher ups is pending.

[research_prof]

No, the earlier email asked me to answer reviewers' concerns and made no mention of recommendation. Now it is recommended for funding by PD and public abstract is requested. The final approval from higher ups is pending.

I see.. I hope your proposal gets officially recommended for funding as well! Good luck!

[Volhiker78]

Congratulations!