Panelist Functions In FastLane

The "Panelist System" component of NSF's FastLane system is required by the Directorate of Engineering for all Panelist Functions. FastLane is an on-line application using the World Wide Web to facilitate information exchange with the research community.

Using FastLane Panelist System

This system has four (4) very important components.

1. The travel component allows you to provide your name, shipping address, contact information (in case the NSF Travel Office has any questions), closest airport (to your residence or office) and preferred flight times.
   
   
2. The Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) component allows you to provide the EFT information needed in order to process reimbursement for panel participation. You must provide your social security number (SSN). NSF will protect and will not display your SSN on any materials.
   
   
3. The Panel Review component allows you to access the various proposals assigned to you as a panelist. You can view proposals and prepare and submit you reviews.
   
   
4. The Interactive Panel component allows panelists to interact with the other panelist assigned to the same panel. Panelists are able to discuss, review and rate proposals collectively.
   
   

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to the NSF Home Page www.nsf.gov and select "FastLane" (this can be found on the left-hand side of the screen), or access FastLane directly www.fastlane.nsf.gov. FastLane works best if you use either Netscape Navigator/Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, versions 4.01 or higher.

2. Select "Panelist Functions"from the FastLane home page.

3. Enter the panel ID number (can be up to 10-digits), Last Name, and the Password (found on your letter or at the top of the email message sent to you). Click "Login".

4. The "Panelist System Selection" screen will appear. It will contain your Reviewer Information and Panel Information.(you may "edit" and or "add/update" your reviewer information by selecting the appropriate buttons)

A. "Panel Travel System" link contains travel information. You will need to enter data in all fields. Once you have entered all data click "submit" you will then see a confirmation screen. Once you have reviewed the information click the "Return to Panelist System Selection" button.

B. "Panel Banking System" link is where you will need to enter your financial information. You must enter your social security number to access this link. (you will be asked to enter your SSN twice) click "continue". The `Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Information´ screen will appear. Please enter your personal data and then click the "submit" button. A confirmation screen will appear, when you are finished reviewing the information click the ´Return to Panelist System Selection´ button.

C. "Panel Review System" is where you can access the various proposals assigned to you for review. Please take a moment to read Information for Reviewers and Instructions for Proposal Review.

There are two tabs:

1. Prepare Reviews
2. View/Download Proposals

* To view proposals: click the "View/Download Proposals" tab. Highlight the proposal you want to view or the proposals you want to download. Click the appropriate action button.(View Proposal or Download/Save Proposal)

* To submit reviews: click the "Prepare Reviews" tab. Highlight the proposal you want to prepare a review for and then click the appropriate action button. (Prepare Review or Resubmit)

D. "Interactive Panel System" link has three main display screens available. The three display screens are titled "Panel Status," "My Status," and "My Work". These three screens can be toggled by clicking on the tabs at the top of each screen.

* The Panel Status and the My Status screens are primarily for the display of information, while the "My Work" screen is where the panelists will do their work on the proposal. Online Help is available from all screens by clicking on the "Help" button in the upper left corner.

For Technical Problems Accessing FastLane

Please send an e-mail to fastlane@nsf.gov or call the FastLane Help Desk at (800) 673-6188.The developers of FastLane provide technical support and advice for any problems you may encounter.If you have addition questions regarding panel participation, please contact the relevant program officer for assistance.