[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 10]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR1484]

[Page 726]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
  CHAPTER XIV--COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 1484_PROGRAMS TO HELP DEVELOP FOREIGN MARKETS FOR AGRICULTURAL 
 
             Subpart E_Reporting, Evaluation, and Compliance
 
Sec.  1484.72  How is program effectiveness measured?

    (a) The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 (5 
U.S.C. 306; 31 U.S.C. 1105, 1115-1119, 3515, 9703-9704) requires 
performance measurement of Federal programs, including the Cooperator 
program. Evaluation of the Cooperator program's effectiveness will 
depend on a clear statement by each Cooperator of the constraints and 
opportunities facing U.S. exports, goals to be met within a specified 
time, a schedule of measurable milestones for gauging success, a plan 
for achievement, and reports of activity results.
    (b) Evaluation is an integral element of program planning and 
implementation, providing the basis for the strategic plan. The 
evaluation results guide the development and scope of a Cooperator's 
program, contribute to program accountability, and provide evidence of 
program effectiveness.
    (c) A Cooperator shall conduct periodic evaluations of its program 
and activities and may contract with an independent evaluator to satisfy 
this requirement. FAS reserves the right to have direct input and 
control over design, scope, and methodology of any such evaluation, 
including direct contact with and provision of guidance to the 
independent evaluator.
    (d) A Cooperator shall complete at least one program evaluation each 
year. Actual scope and timing of the program evaluation shall be 
determined by the Cooperator and the Division Director and specified in 
the Cooperator's application approval letter. A program evaluation shall 
contain:
    (1) The name of the party conducting the evaluation;
    (2) The activities covered by the evaluation;
    (3) A concise statement of the constraint(s) and opportunities and 
the goals specified in the application;
    (4) A description of the evaluation methodology;
    (5) A description of additional export sales achieved, including the 
ratio of additional export sales in relation to Cooperator program 
funding received;
    (6) A summary of the findings, including an analysis of the 
strengths and weaknesses of the program(s); and
    (7) Recommendations for future programs.
    (e) A Cooperator shall submit, via a cover letter to the Division 
Director, an executive summary which assesses the program evaluation's 
findings and recommendations and proposes changes in program strategy or 
design as a result of the evaluation.