Keep Your Briefs Brief

The OMB requested the AGA evaluate the pilot program they started as an alternative to the Federal Performance and Accountability Reports (PAR). Many agencies have complained that the PAR is too lengthy and wanted a way to report their financial data in a more concise form.

In response to the complaints, the OMB enacted a pilot program to test a way agencies could report their performance information in a more effective way than PAR. The new form consists of only three sections which are streamlined to present highlights of each agency’s financial position. Nine federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, participated in the pilot program.

Determining that the OMB’s objectives are transparency, internal controls, sound information for decision-makers and process improvement, the AGA undertook an evaluation of the new program.

The AGA found that the pilot program “can provide a foundation for meeting the reporting objectives,” however they also provided the OMB with recommendations to make the program better, many of which could also be applied to the original PAR.

The full report can be read here

Posted in Performance Wire