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

USAID policy gives guidance on developing and implementing performance management plans (PMPs). According to Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 203, “Assessing and Learning,” performance monitoring reveals whether desired results are occurring and whether outcomes are on track.

That is, performance monitoring uses indicators chosen in advance of activities to measure progress toward planned results. Performance monitoring is an assessment tool involving:

• Identifying indicators, baselines, and targets;
• Collecting results data, and;
• Comparing actual performance with targets.

Specifically, ADS 203.3.3 requires assistance objective teams to prepare a complete PMP for each assistance objective for which they are responsible, and notes that:

The purpose of this requirement is to establish indicators that will provide accurate baseline data on the initial program or project/activity conditions. As the project unfolds, management can measure the degree of change. While a solicitation instrument may include a preliminary PMP, once the award is executed the project staff must complete the PMP, with relevant indicators and baseline data, within the first few months and before major project implementation actions get underway.

General Recommendations

• Establish baselines and develop indicators and targets to measure the progress and achievement of activities, and include the measures in the performance management plan.

Source: AUDIT REPORT NO. 9-000-11-001-P February 24, 2011

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.