OpenGov - Open Government Brainstorm

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 requires agencies to create strategic plans that include mission statements, general goals and objectives, performance goals, and planned program evaluations. The law also requires annual performance plans to be created that contain performance goals and performance indicators. Agencies are required to consult with Congress and stakeholders about strategic plans. There is no requirement that agencies consult with Congress and stakeholders about performance indicators. But these things are used as barometers and definitions of "success." OMB and agencies should be required to publish draft mission statements, goals, measures, evaluation plans, and evaluation criteria for judging "success" in the Federal Register for public notice and comment. OMB and agencies should be required to respond to this feedback. Some idiots will respond, of course, but many serious groups, including interest groups, will have serious responses. Because goals and metrics guide agency activities and are used as a basis, ultimately, for appraising the peformance of federal employees, OMB and agencies need scrutiny in how they use discretion under law to set goals and pursue them. Otherwise, the president and political appointees enjoy tremendous power over career civil servants and get to impose their preferences, which oftentimes can frustrate congressional intent. OMB and agencies should also have open hearings to discuss these matters with the public.