Hi Kavita,
ACS uses a scale of 1-5 with 0.1 increments (1.0, 1.1, etc.). Almost always, only applications scoring in the outstanding range, which is 1.0 to <1.5 following discussion and committee voting, move forward for funding consideration. We have a predetermined budget for each fiscal year and tend to spend it ~50/50 between 2 funding cycles. We try to evenly distribute the funds across our program offices (accounting for number of applications and cost per award) to ensure we invest equitably across scientific areas and grant mechanisms (mentored training versus pilot funding versus larger research grants, etc.).
We always have more outstanding applications than available budget. We prepare some estimates for how the funds may be divided across our funding mechanisms, but this is subject to change once the applications are reviewed and scored and the program offices and leadership have a clearer picture of the projects that have scored in the fundable range. In addition, if we have any partnerships or special funding initiatives, then we also have to account for those. These usually have a specific upper limit of awards associated with them. In this case there may not be enough meritorious proposals submitted to satisfy the upper limit.
Thanks,
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