Evaluation

Evaluation is the systematic collection and analysis of information about the characteristics and outcomes of programs and projects as a basis for judgments, to improve effectiveness and inform decisions about current and future programming.

Evaluations are distinct from (a) needs assessments, which are designed to examine country or sector context to inform project design, (b) internal informal reviews of projects and (c) audits (conducted either internally or by an external audience). Such efforts should not be included in PO.3.

However, evaluability assessments -- those assessments completed with the purpose of determining whether or not an evaluation of an activity can be conducted -- should be included in PO.3.

This program area should include all evaluations designed and funded with foreign assistance funding, including the components of contracts with task orders for evaluations (regardless of the mechanism).

It should also include all independent contractors hired solely to produce an evaluation(s); all other contractors (e.g., those whose job responsibilities may include support or management of evaluation but not the production of an evaluation as a deliverable) should be placed in PO.2