(a) Peer review group members and ad hoc reviewers will be selected based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific or technical fields, taking into account the following factors:

1. (1) The level of formal scientific or technical education by the individual and the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research activities;
2. (2) The need to include as peer reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific or technical fields;
3. (3) The need to include as peer reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., universities, Federal laboratories, industry, private consultant(s), Federal and State regulatory agencies, environmental organizations) and geographic locations; and
4. (4) The need to maintain a balanced composition of peer review groups related to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution.