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Oversight and EvaluationHelping NRCS Leadership Remain on Course The mission of Oversight and Evaluation (O&E) is to conduct activities to assess quality, accountability, effectiveness, and consistency in the delivery of conservation assistance as defined by laws, executive orders, rules, regulations, and policy to help people conserve, sustain and improve our natural resources. Oversight and Evaluation Overview Products and ServicesSurvey is an assessment of a business area by testing risks for significance and validity. A survey can be a stand-alone review or a step within a comprehensive study. In a comprehensive study, the survey provides the focus, i.e., the objectives of the study. The focused objectives contain the subject of the study, the performance aspects to be examined, and the available sources of information. Comprehensive Study is a systematic and detailed review that provides agency leadership with information useful to improve quality, effectiveness and consistency in delivery of conservation assistance. Comprehensive studies are often carried out when a survey indicates that more information is needed to define the causes of problem and recommend solutions. Quick Response Review is an investigation of a single issue or objective as directed by management. The review process is normally completed in less than two months. Quick response reviews follow an abbreviated version of the process model depending on the issue and the time required for response. Issue Paper is a brief assessment that uses existing data to identify an area of concern and define parameters. Issue papers, when used to identify potential problems, can lead to the justification step for an O&E review. The following are included in an issue paper.
Critical Preliminary Finding is a notification of a problem that should be rectified immediately. It may be issued during a review. It is submitted to the Director, Operations Management and Oversight Division, who sends it to the appropriate management leader for action. Consulting and Advisory Services are those services provided by O&E that are not reviews led by O&E staff. These services may involve participation in Management Reviews, State Quality Reviews or Functional reviews. Services may also involve finding answers to questions, developing solutions to problems, recommending courses of action, and formulating opinions. Management specifically requests the performance of these services.
Types of activities in which O&E staff may be involved in a consulting or advisory capacity:
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