Grant Programs: Design Features Shape Flexibility, Accountability, and Performance Information

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO conducted a comparative study of block grants and similar programs that give state or local governments substantial flexibility in determining how funds are to be used, focusing on: (1) examining the design characteristics of these programs that have implications for flexibility, accountability, and programs' ability to collect information about performance as envisioned in the Government Performance and Results Act; (2) identifying the kinds and sources of performance information that programs with various characteristics have utilized and the strengths and weaknesses of this information; and (3) providing guidance to legislators and agency officials concerning the information collection options available for programs with various designs.