International Development and Programs (Development Work) - International Development and Programs (Development Work)

USAID’s ADS 203.3.5.1 outlines five data quality standards that it deems useful to manage for results and to add credibility to its reporting: validity, integrity, precision, reliability, and timeliness.

Furthermore, ADS 203.3.5.3.b details how data quality assessments can be conducted when data comes from secondary sources. When data are not under USAID control, data quality assessments should place an increased focus on the accuracy and apparent consistency of the data. Missions should either compare central office records with those at field sites or meet regularly with implementing partners to determine the accuracy and credibility of data reported in periodic reports.

General Recommendations

• Establish defined procedures to sample on a routine basis the accuracy of the contractor’s estimating methodologies and quality and accuracy of the underlying data that serves as the basis for reported results.

• Strengthen internal controls, such as providing training to its subimplementing partners, to decrease the risks of errors in the results data collected and reported at the operating level.

Source:  AUDIT REPORT NO. 1-514-10-004-P March 12, 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.