What does the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) require from federal agencies?

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of federal agencies by requiring them to develop long-term strategic plans. Specifically, GPRA mandates that agencies set measurable goals and objectives, which contribute to improving program performance and accountability. This process involves the creation of a strategic plan that outlines the agency's mission and long-term goals, as well as the resources needed to achieve them. In turn, this encourages agencies to focus not only on immediate outputs but also on longer-term outcomes that impact the public effectively.

While the act emphasizes strategic planning and results-oriented management, it does not exclusively focus on financial budgets, personnel reductions, or audit requirements. Instead, it aims for a systematic approach that enhances government accountability to Congress and the public by ensuring that agencies are responsible for the results they deliver. This broad approach aligns with the intent of improving federal performance and ensuring that taxpayer resources are used effectively and efficiently.