Grant management support: structuring information in applications
Description
How can ACF staff more efficiently review grant applications that have non-standardized formats? Grant applications for ACF-funded programs can come in different formats, even when a standard set of questions or template is provided. ACF staff evaluating applications look for explanation and details to assess against pre-established evaluation criteria. Going back-and-forth across an application to find the relevant explanation can be time intensive, especially for applications that include multiple documents spanning 50+ pages.
Detailed example
Varies, depending on the program office. Outputs generally involve summarizing information, extracting key information into a specific format, flagging potential gaps or inconsistencies, and providing citations / page numbers to support follow-up review and validation. In all cases, AI is only used to support review of grant applications but does not make any final determinations for awards.
AI / analytics pattern
Agentic AI: AI systems that perform tasks or make decisions autonomously with minimal human intervention.
Automation level / stage
c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
Expected benefit
Increased efficiency of review so that more time can be spent on grant application analysis and evaluation
Controls / human review
ATO: Yes; PIA: To be posted on https://www.hhs.gov/pia/index.html, pending HHS OCIO action
Data needed
RAG implementation using commercially-available LLMs and user-provided grant applications