What does the proposal need if I name an evaluator?
If you name an evaluator in your proposal, include what your solicitation asks for about them, such as their role, their qualifications for this project, and the cost of their work. Here's one example of how specific a funder can be. NSF's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program asks for a named evaluator's biographical sketch in NSF's format. It also requires the budget to include funds for an evaluator who is independent of the project. If your solicitation asks for a letter from the evaluator, follow the format it gives.
What if my institution won't let me choose an evaluator before the award?
If your institution won't let you choose an evaluator before the award, describe in the proposal how the evaluator will be selected afterward. Some institutions require consultants, including evaluators, to be chosen through a competitive bid once a grant is funded, and some funders allow for that. NSF's ATE program, for example, asks you to note the policy and describe the procedure you'll use to select an evaluator after the award. Check with your grants office before you write the section, so the proposal matches what your institution will actually allow.
Why name an evaluator early if I don't have to?
Naming an evaluator early can strengthen your proposal by showing reviewers who will conduct the evaluation and why they're qualified. More importantly, involving an evaluator during proposal development allows them to help design the evaluation questions, methods, timeline, and budget so the plan is appropriate for the project and feasible to carry out. Even when institutional procurement policies prevent you from formally naming an evaluator, seeking evaluation expertise early can improve the proposal. What can an evaluator actually do for me before I submit the proposal? explains that work in more detail, and How do I find an external evaluator for my federal grant? offers guidance on finding one.
The Grantibly perspective
Lauren's perspective
In our business, the last thing we want to be is an evaluator who only shows up to ask for data, writes a report, and disappears. That's not a good evaluation partner.
A good evaluation partner should be willing to raise questions, identify concerns, challenge assumptions, and share findings that may be uncomfortable. We do that because we want the project to succeed, not just satisfy its reporting requirements. Establishing this relationship in the proposal phase means that the evaluator can contribute to and give feedback on the project itself and make sure that the evaluation plan and project goals, activities, and outcomes align.
The relationship you have with your evaluator should make the evaluation stronger and help you use what you learn to make the project better.
