Assessing and Improving Effectiveness

U.S. Government Accountability Office

A new GAO report concludes Federal programs do not consistently manage their performance. Its work often finds programs are focused on inputs (such as money to spend) and outputs (such as number of individuals who received benefits). By contrast, outcomes are the results of a program (such as number of individuals whose lives improved in an intended way).

Do More to Measure Agency Performance

Federal News Network

Knowing whether a program is succeeding requires more than good intentions. It requires a disciplined look at results. Congress strengthened federal performance-management requirements in 2024, but a new GAO review finds important pieces still haven’t been fully implemented.