Technology Assessment Design Handbook: Handbook for Key Steps and Considerations in the Design of Technology Assessments

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides Congress, federal agencies, and the public with non-partisan, objective, reliable information to help the government save money and work more efficiently and effectively. Science and technology (S and T) issues figure prominently in problems that Congress confronts, and one component of the assistance GAO provides to Congress is the production of technology assessments(TA). GAO TAs analyze recent S and T developments, highlight potential effects of technological change, and strive to make S and T concepts readily accessible to policymakers. The TA Design Handbook provides GAO staff and others with tools to consider for supporting robust and rigorous TAs, while following internal GAO guidance.5 This handbook is particularly important given the need for GAO to provide insight and foresight on the effects of technologies and corresponding policy implications related to a wide range of S and Tissues. Other organizations may also find portions of this handbook useful as they consider or conduct TAs, although their needs, approaches, and relationships with stakeholders and government bodies may differ.