EDA Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) collects and reports on performance measures in compliance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) of 1993, as amended by the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010. These acts mandate that all federal agencies collect, analyze, and report on their performance.

EDA’s performance goals and specific metrics align with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s performance management structure. The collected data are analyzed for economic and program trends, which are then used to enhance EDA’s program performance. This data is reported through departmental publications, such as the Annual Performance Plan and Report, and the Annual Strategic Reviews. Key stakeholders, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Congress, review these reports.

EDA’s performance targets are directly tied to its annual budget request and appropriations. The Department of Commerce and relevant stakeholders consider EDA’s performance results when evaluating its annual budget request. EDA’s Annual Performance Plan and Report outline anticipated outcomes based on the investment of appropriated funds by program and performance measure, as well as the actual results.

Additionally, EDA uses this performance data to identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability in achieving its strategic goals. By continuously monitoring and reporting on these metrics, EDA aims to drive effective economic development and support sustainable growth in communities across the nation.

EDA Performance Goals

Performance Goal 1: Infrastructure Investments

• Objective: Promote private enterprise and job creation in economically distressed communities and regions.
• Metrics:
  • Private Sector Investment in Distressed Regions Due to EDA Funding
  • Jobs Created or Retained in Distressed Regions Due to EDA Funding

Performance Goal 2: Non-Infrastructure Investments

• Objective: Build community capacity to achieve and sustain regional competitiveness and economic growth.
• Metrics:

EDA has a set of Non-Infrastructure Metrics questionnaires to capture the tangible improvements in capacity in the communities and regions we serve. Example metrics include:

• • New Technologies Marketed Due to EDA Support
  • Funding Secured by Entrepreneurs Due to EDA Support
  • New Customer and Business Relationship Developed Due to EDA Support
  • Grantees Leveraging EDA-Supported CEDS for Decision-Making
  • EDA-Sponsored Capacity Building Events

For more information on EDA’s performance data, please see EDA's Performance Dashboard on the U.S. Department of Commerce Performance Page.