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Federal Evaluation: Fewer Units, Reduced Resources, Different Studies From 1980

PEMD-87-9 Published: Jan 23, 1987. Publicly Released: Feb 16, 1987.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the recent changes in the status of program evaluation activities in the civil executive departments and agencies, specifically: (1) the current level of program evaluation activity in the executive branch; and (2) changes that occurred between 1980 and 1984.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should determine whether the agencies under its jurisdiction are developing and reporting the information needed by committees for their oversight responsibilities. This would include periodic reviews to ensure that agencies are fulfilling legislated mandates for the provision of evaluative information. To ensure the availability of information required for oversight purposes, it might be necessary to specify, in law or accompanying committee reports, additional set-asides, mandated studies, or improved dissemination of evaluation findings.
Closed – Not Implemented
This recommendation is a general one designed to suggest ways in which congressional committees may strengthen their oversight of executive agencies. However, the precise actions needed, if any, depend on whether problems are found by specific committees.

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Topics

Agency evaluationAgency reportsBlock grantsBudget cutsEvaluation costsFederal agenciesOversight committeesProgram evaluationSet-asidesAgency evaluations