USAID uses performance indicators to measure actual results compared with expected results and determine whether programs are progressing toward their objectives. Agency guidance, ADS 203, requires setting performance targets for each performance indicator that are ambitious but can be realistically achieved. Performance targets are specific planned levels of results to be achieved within an explicit timeframe and may be set for the end of the agreement period or for each year of the program.
Periodic progress reports are the means by which the implementing partner details progress against results and targets. Progress reports are critical to the mission’s ongoing monitoring efforts of the implementing partner’s progress. A progress report should compare actual achievements with targets outlined in the award document and the work plan.
General Recommendations
- Clarify the targets that the implementing partner is responsible for achieving by the end of the program. Those targets should be clearly communicated and agreed to by the implementing partner and incorporated in key performance management documents.
- Establish written procedures for providing adequate oversight of program’s activities.
Source: AUDIT REPORT NO. 5-492-10-013-P SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
The recommendations are derived from audit reports of the Office of the Inspector General. The source refers to the audit report, which is available on this site as part of the Audit Database Project: an educational tool for compliance with USAID regulations. Please see the disclaimer of this site before using recommendations.
| ←Previous Data Collection and Reporting Did Not Always Yield Useful Information - ADS 203. | Data Reported for a Key Indicator Were Not Consistent With the Indicator Definition - ADS 203 Next→ |
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- Partners Set Unrealistic Targets for Development Programs - ADS 200.2 - ADS 203
- Performance Targets Set Too Low - ADS 203.3.4.5
- Too Much Credit Claimed for the Results Achieved - ADS 203.3.4.2
- Improve Reporting on Activities - USAID’s guidance for the FY 2009 Performance Plan and Report (PPR)
- Fiscal Year [...] Performance Management Plan Not Developed - ADS 203.3.3 - USAID’s Performance Management Toolkit
- An Evaluation May Help Determine Program Impact - ADS 203.3.6
- Reported Results Are Not Useful for Program Management - ADS 203.3.2.1.c - ADS 203.3.5.1 - ADS 203.3.5.2
- Field Activities Do Not Correlate Well With Program Indicators - ADS 203.3.4.1 - ADS 203.3.4.2.e
- Strengthen Data Reporting - ADS 203.3.5.1 - USAID’s Performance Management Toolkit
- Data Collection and Reporting Did Not Always Yield Useful Information - ADS 203.
- Data Reported for a Key Indicator Were Not Consistent With the Indicator Definition - ADS 203
- Some Reported Results Were Not Reliable - ADS 203
- Impact Indicators Were Not Measured - ADS 203.3.2 - ADS 203.3.4.5
- Data Quality Assessment Recommendations Were Not Fully Implemented - ADS 203.3.5.1
- The Reliability of Performance Data Is Unknown - ADS 202.3.6 - USAID’s Performance Management Toolkit
- Reporting on Key Indicators Needs to Be Improved - ADS 203.3.5.1
- Performance Targets Were Not Disaggregated by Gender - ADS 200.5
- Performance Indicators and Targets Are Inappropriate Measures of Program Progress - (ADS) 203.3.5.1 - ADS 203.3.4.5
- Inaccurate Performance Data Reported - ADS 203.3.2.1 - ADS 203.3.5.1 - Government Performance and Results Act of 1993
- Late Submission of Performance Management Plan - ADS 203.3 - 203.3.3.1 - ADS 203.5.1
