United States Department of Agriculture
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Oversight and Evaluation

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Helping 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.

Organization Chart

Staff Directory

Oversight and Evaluation Overview

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Oversight and Evaluation - Helping NRCS Leadership Remain on Course
Oversight and Evaluation - Helping NRCS Leadership Remain on Course

Products and Services

Survey 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.

  • Issue statement

  • Background information

  • Discussion of current situation

  • Alternative solutions

  • Recommended solution

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.

Consulting Services. O&E specialists provide counsel in a short timeframe based on specific knowledge about the issue, the circumstances, the technical matters involved, and the mutual intent of the parties involved.

Advisory Services. O&E specialists develop findings or observations, conclusions and recommendations for client consideration and decision making.

Types of activities in which O&E staff may be involved in a consulting or advisory capacity:

  • Management Reviews, conducted by top NRCS staff at the National Headquarters, regional or State office levels, designed to determine operational effectiveness of programs, policies, disciplines, and offices. 

  • State Quality Reviews are organized and conducted by State Conservationists to assess compliance with policy, rules, regulations, program management, technical quality, service delivery, and implementation of key issues.

  • Functional Reviews are the responsibility of the appropriate Deputy Chief who determines the need, scope and schedule. 

  • Other Services may be specifically requested by agency management who will determine the need, scope, schedule, technical skills, and final products desired from O&E staff members. 

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