For example, does a program provided by an agency involved in safeguarding food safety actually increase the safety of food? If so, in what ways and by how much? And what is the value of the improvement relative to the cost of the program? This is the kind of practical measurement intended by GPRA.

Under the act, agencies are mandated to develop multi-year strategic plans, annual performance plans and annual performance reports. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) will provide assessments of all the performance plans of both Cabinet departments and independent agencies.

The first agency performance reports under the act were required by March 31, 2000, so it is too soon to determine how effective they have been. But it is hoped that as a result of GPRA, congressional decision-making will improve because more objective information on the relative effectiveness and efficiency of federal programs and spending will be available. That information will also be used to manage more effectively the agencies as well.