The International Ocean Discovery Program evaluates proposals for scientific drilling expeditions based on impact, logistics, and cost through a system of Facility Boards and Advisory Panels whose membership is drawn from the international scientific community.

Drilling proposals are first evaluated by the Science Evaluation Panel (SEP), which is responsible for evaluating the scientific objectives and technical approach of submitted proposals at all stages, and for forwarding ready-to-drill and top-priority proposals to the appropriate Facility Board. The Environmental Protection and Safety Panel (EPSP) provides critical support to the review process, and engineering panels are convened as needed by the ship operators.

The JOIDES Resolution Facility Board oversees the operations of the JOIDES Resolution, including scheduling expeditions, approving program plans, monitoring the advisory panels to ensure efficient and effective review of drilling proposals, and developing and monitoring policies for data collection, publications and core curation. Independent facility boards also oversee Chikyu (Chikyu IODP Board) and Mission Specific Platform (ECORD Facility Board) operations. The U.S. members of the Facility Boards are:

• JOIDES Resolution Facility Board: Susan Humphris (Chair, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and Rick Murray (Boston University)
• ECORD Facility Board: Jerry Dickens (Rice University) and Marta Torres (Oregon State University)
• Chikyu IODP Board: Casey Moore (University of California, Santa Cruz) and Ken Nealson (University of Southern California)

The U.S. Science Support Program provides travel support for U.S. members of the Advisory Panels and Facility Boards, as well as approved liaisons, to attend their respective panel meetings.