Summary: Peer review is the critical evaluation of scientific and technical work by independent experts to enhance the product's quality and credibility. Peer review can actually help avoid costly and time-consuming delays by helping to steer product development along the most efficient, effective course. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) current peer review policy--updated in 1996 and now under evaluation by the agency--stresses the importance of these reviews and call for the peer review of all major scientific and technical work that may eventually play an important role in key agency decisions. Despite recent progress, GAO found that EPA continues to implement peer unevenly. GAO recommended that (1) upper-level EPA managers have the information needed to know whether all relevant work has been considered for peer review and (2) staff and managers are informed about the need for and benefits of peer review and their specific responsibilities in implementing the policy. EPA has taken steps to implement GAO's recommendations. For example, EPA plans to begin peer review training for its managers and staff in June 1997. Although it is still to soon to know whether these efforts will be successful, GAO is encouraged by the high-level attention being paid to this important issue.
