• Does this project address fundamental scienfitic issues of gobal significance, rather than just local problems?

• Is it international in scope, so that the best drilling targets world-wide are being selected to address these scientific issues?

• Is the experience and productivity of the proponents plus the breadth and international diversity of the science team/ workshop attendees sufficient?

• Is the team well gender and career stage balanced?

• Has an open call for workshop particpation been considered in the planning of the workshop size?

• Where possible, does the project have some relevance to societal needs, such as energy, mineral and water resources, environmental/climate change, geologic hazards, etc.?

• Is drilling necessary to achieve the stated scientific objectives, or can they be achieved with surface-based studies at lesser expense?

• Are the reviewers confident that this project will succeed in reaching its scientific objectives?

• Is there a well-considered and technologically sound operational plan?

• Is prior experience of the proponents or input from the Operational Support Group well utilized?

• Is the budget carefully prepared and reasonable given the scope of the workshop or drilling project?

• For full proposals is there any efficient drilling, sampling, and downhole measurement plan, which minimizes the depth, difficulty and hence the cost of the project?

• Does this plan take advantage of existing holes or financial/ technical support from other agencies or private industry?

• Where appropriate, have previous evaluations/ recommendations been taken into account in the present proposal?

• If so are they carefully addressed in a cover letter?

• Is the drilling target already well defined through geological and geophysical site surveys?

• Are permitting and environmental approvals in hand?

• Is there a sound project management plan, with clearly defined leadership and operational/ scientific responsibilities outlined for all key aspects of the project?