Computer-Assisted Networked Evaluation System

We propose to develop a networked, computer-based system to facilitate evaluation processes by distributed workgroups, such as joint reviews of proposals or papers by a review committee. Automating this process can significantly reduce administrative burdens and speed coordination. Applications of the proposed system, CanEval, could include evaluations of proposals, software and data submitted to NASA's SBIR, HPCC, MPE, and ISO programs. CanEval could also be used to evaluate papers submitted to professional journals, such as the ACM's Transactions of Mathematical Software. The CanEval system will be based on an object-oriented Book paradigm. Repositories of evaluations will be represented in a familiar book form -- chapters, tables of contents, indices, etc. -- that can be easily retrieved, viewed, searched, edited and managed. The CanEval system will employ an open client-server architecture to support heterogenous information exchange across the Internet. Privacy and workflow mechanisms will be developed.