Performance Assessment
U.S. Government Performance Reporting

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993
GPRA requires federal agencies to develop a strategic plan, establish annual performance goals, and report annually on the progress made toward achieving these goals. Since NSF funds long-term science and education research, it is often not possible to link outcomes to annual investments because results from investments in basic research and education can be unpredictable. Science and engineering research projects can generate discoveries in an unrelated area, and it can take years to recognize discoveries and their impact. Assessing the impact of advances in science and engineering is inherently retrospective and is best performed using the qualitative judgment of experts. The use of external experts to review results and outcomes is a common, longstanding practice of the academic research and education community. NSF's use of such panels, such as COVs and Advisory Committees, predates GPRA and is recognized as a valid quality assessment mechanism. 

Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART)
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has assessed Federal Government programs using a standard questionnaire called the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). The questions relate to a program’s performance and management, and Federal agencies provide detailed explanations and evidence to support their answers on the questionnaire. The program ratings range from Effective at the highest to Ineffective or Results Not Demonstrated at the lowest end of the scale. All PART evaluations contain follow-up actions and improvement plans. OMB has assessed 1,004 Federal programs, or 98 percent, of all Federal programs. The results are available to the public at www.expectmore.gov.

President's Management Agenda (PMA) Scorecard for Performance Improvement
Among the Government-wide initiatives that are tracked on the PMA Scorecard, the Performance Improvement Initiative has consistently earned a Green rating based on the status in achieving the stated goals and the progress in implementing action plans.