Section Two:
Strategic Program Planning

The Strategic Planning section of the Performance Assessment Rating Tool is considered extremely important because it holds programs accountable for long-term and short-term strategic plans. The Strategic Planning section's main foci are on program-planning, priority-setting, and the efficient allocation of resources. It is in this section where the first questions regarding the status of budget and performance integration are addressed.

To receive a score of "Effective" in the Strategic Planning section, a program must identify specific outcome goals that support the program's mission. A majority of the outcome goals established are derived from the agency goals outlined in its GPRA Performance Reports. In this section, the evidence necessary to justify a "yes" answer are statements of the agency's goals.

Sample Question:
Does the program have a limited number of specific, ambitious long-term performance goals that focus on outcomes and meaningfully reflect the purpose of the program?

Elements of a "Yes" Answer:
To assign a "yes" answer would require the identification of two or three specific, easily understood performance outcome goals directly related to the program's mission statement. It is important for the identified goals to be presented with clear time frames and performance targets, while holding program managers accountable in improving program performance.