Linking Strategic Goals to Annual Performance Goals
The Department's Strategic Plan flow is highlighted in the cascade below beginning with
the mission statement which flows to the strategic themes. The strategic themes connect to
the broader strategic goals and are linked to the annual performance goals in the performance
budget through the multi-year program plans. The multi-year program plans allow DOE to strategize
over a five-year period how each program will implement the strategic goals of the Department.
Annual performance goals and assessment of performance against prior year goals are included in
the budget justification materials each year, to demonstrate that actual and expected performance is considered in the budget process. In addition, these annual performance goals are linked
to individual employee and contractor performance standards, thus creating an accountability model
for mission achievement.
The Department's annual budget justification is based on projected performance for the requested
funding. The Department reports actual performance against targeted performance annually in its
Performance and Accountability Report. This report provides the basis for evaluating the
Department's progress toward achieving its mission.
Program Assessment
DOE uses a variety of methods and tools to assess its programs. Internally, programs are
required to report quarterly on their progress in meeting annual performance metrics. The data
is then consolidated for senior management review.
Since 2002, the Department of Energy has been working in conjunction with the Office of
Management and Budget to assess its programs using the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).
Through a series of targeted questions with requirements for specific evidentiary documentation,
PART assesses each program’s purpose, links to the Strategic Plan, management decision-making, and performance results. Essential for
assessing program results is the use of meaningful performance measures that clearly tie to the
Department’s mission. The Department is committed to increasing the use of key PART measures
and associated quantitative targets as annual performance goals in the cascade shown above.
As of 2006, DOE has assessed over 94 percent of its programs using PART and has received over
120 recommendations for program improvement through this process. The Department is committed
to continuing to use PART as a vital program assessment and management tool.
Each of the individual programs within DOE and its National Laboratories undergo reviews for
performance and accountability on an annual basis. The results of these evaluations are published
in the Performance and Accountability Report which details goals and progress towards meeting
those goals.
On an annual basis, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides the Department with an objective
assessment of program performance. The OIG conducts specific reviews of programs, grants, and
contracts at the request of the Department and provides management with recommendations for
improvement.
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