The Government Performance and Results Act: Strategic Planning of the Future

The Government Performance and Results Act GPRA was signed into law on August 3, 1993. In the view of the Office of Management and Budget OMB, it is intended to shift the focus of government officials from program inputs to program execution. The goal is to better see what is being achieved and how well government programs meet intended objectives, rather than accept the old bottoms-up estimating methodology. The GPRAs objective is to provide for the establishment of strategic planning and performance measurement in the Federal Government, and for other purposes. It bases this objective on the following findings 1 Waste and inefficiency in federal programs undermines the confidence of the American people in the Government and reduces the Federal Governments ability to address adequately vital needs 2 Federal managers are seriously disadvantaged in their efforts to improve program efficiency and effectiveness, because of insufficient articulation of program goals and inadequate information on program performance and 3 Congressional policy making, spending decisions, and program oversight are seriously handicapped by insufficient attention to program performance and results. This paper will explore the tenets of GPRA, particularly those associated with strategic planning. It also will address some of the history, implementation, and potential consequences of the Act.