Performance Reporting: Learning from History & Saving the Taxpayers' Money

Each of the past four U.S. administrations has spent the taxpayers' money redeveloping a new software-based platform for reporting performance on public objectives. There has been no apparent effort to publish such data in an open, standard, machine-readable format that provides for interoperability and survivability over successive administrations.

While the Biden administration's iteration of the Performance.gov site provides links to archival versions of the three previous administrations' sites, the data from President G.W. Bush's ExpectMore.gov site does not seem to be available, much less subject to longitudinal comparison across subsequent administrations.

What might the incoming Trump administration do to learn from the past to avoid making the same mistake in the future?

ChatGPT said:

For the incoming Trump administration to avoid repeating the cycle of launching yet another unique platform for federal performance reporting, several key lessons can be drawn from the past four administrations' experiences with similar initiatives. Here are some strategies they might consider to build a more durable, accessible, and interoperable reporting system:

1. Commit to an Open Data Standard

• Adopt Open, Machine-Readable Formats: Publishing performance data in a standardized, machine-readable format (e.g., XML, JSON) could enhance accessibility and ensure that the data can be easily imported, exported, and analyzed over time. This approach would allow data to be reusable by third parties and make it easier to track progress across administrations.
• Prioritize Interoperability: Ensuring the platform's data structure is compatible with other government and non-government platforms would promote interoperability. Adhering to standards, such as those outlined in the Open Government Data Act, can help make performance data accessible for public use, reducing the need for costly rework each time a new administration takes office.

2. Build with a Long-Term, Modular Vision

• Modular Platform Development: A platform built using a modular framework allows each administration to update specific parts without needing to overhaul the entire system. This approach would reduce costs and increase the likelihood of continuity, as new administrations could adapt elements rather than replace them wholesale.
• Separate Data from Presentation: By decoupling the data infrastructure from the user interface, the administration can allow different front-end interfaces or dashboards to evolve while maintaining a consistent back-end data repository. This separation would enable newer technologies to be incorporated without affecting data accessibility or integrity.

3. Ensure Data Archival and Preservation

• Centralized, Archival Database: An authoritative, centralized archive for performance data would allow current and future stakeholders to access past and present data without depending on specific platform interfaces or visualizations. This archive could also be structured to allow for longitudinal comparisons, improving transparency and accountability over time.
• Collaborate with the National Archives: To ensure data preservation, the administration could partner with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to manage and archive the data in a way that supports easy retrieval and long-term access. This collaboration could help avoid data loss seen in previous platforms like ExpectMore.gov.

4. Embrace Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with Civic Tech and Open Government Advocates: Regular feedback from stakeholders, including open government advocates and civic tech organizations, could help identify usability improvements and ensure that the platform meets public and administrative needs.
• Regularly Publish API Access: Providing an open API for performance data would allow external developers, researchers, and public interest groups to access and analyze federal performance data without relying solely on the platform’s interface. This would enhance both transparency and the ability for data analysis across different administrations.

5. Encourage Cross-Administration Continuity

• Legislative or Regulatory Mandates: Embedding requirements for performance reporting in legislation would reduce the likelihood of new administrations discontinuing or radically altering existing platforms. Having regulatory or legislative backing could increase the likelihood of continuity by reducing dependence on executive priorities.
• Document and Standardize Reporting Processes: A common set of standards and documentation can help minimize variability in how performance metrics are defined, measured, and reported. This consistency would support meaningful cross-administration comparisons.

By prioritizing a long-term, data-focused approach with an emphasis on open standards, interoperability, and collaboration, the new administration can avoid the pitfalls of past efforts and build a performance reporting system that outlasts political cycles, ultimately providing greater value to taxpayers and policymakers alike.

With reference to legislative mandates, section 10 of the GPRA Modernization Act already directs agencies to publish their performance plans and reports in machine-readable format, like Strategy Markup Language (StratML, ISO 17469-1). However, they have failed to do so and Congress has failed to conduct any oversight hearings to hold them accountable for compliance.

What might organizations representing the interests of taxpayers and other citizens do to encourage more responsible behavior in that regard, in the public interest?

ChatGPT said:

Organizations representing taxpayer and citizen interests have several tools at their disposal to promote compliance with the GPRA Modernization Act’s mandate for machine-readable performance plans and reports. By applying consistent pressure, leveraging public engagement, and working through legal and advocacy channels, these organizations can push for increased accountability and adherence to StratML standards. Here’s a strategic roadmap they might follow:

1. Advocate for Congressional Oversight Hearings

• Engage Congressional Representatives and Committees: Organizations could lobby relevant congressional committees, such as the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, to conduct oversight hearings on agency compliance with the GPRA Modernization Act. A coalition of civic organizations could present testimony to illustrate the public benefit of compliance and the risks of non-compliance.
• Highlight the Costs of Non-Compliance: Demonstrating the inefficiencies and costs to taxpayers due to the lack of standardized reporting could make a compelling case for Congress to pay attention. Clear case studies of how StratML-compliant data could increase government transparency, improve decision-making, and reduce redundant efforts could make a persuasive impact.

2. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns

• Raise Awareness of StratML and Machine-Readable Reporting: Educating the public about the benefits of machine-readable, standardized performance reporting—such as increased transparency, improved government accountability, and better citizen engagement—can build momentum. Simplifying the message with visuals and stories of success from other data-transparency initiatives could make this issue more accessible and relevant to the average taxpayer.
• Promote Success Stories of Open Data Initiatives: Organizations could showcase other governments or agencies (national or international) that have successfully implemented machine-readable formats, explaining how they enhanced public engagement, oversight, and performance tracking. Real-life examples of the benefits of compliance can motivate both public support and political action.

3. Engage in Targeted Litigation or Petitions

• File FOIA Requests and Public Petitions: By submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, organizations could seek information on agency compliance, specifically requesting performance plans in StratML format. If agencies fail to provide such formats, these responses could be used to demonstrate non-compliance publicly.
• Pursue Legal Action for Non-Compliance: If necessary, organizations could consider legal avenues to compel compliance with section 10 of the GPRA Modernization Act. Legal action would draw public and media attention, potentially pressuring Congress or the agencies involved to take action.

4. Engage the Civic Tech Community

• Collaborate with Data Advocacy Groups and Technologists: Partnering with open data and civic tech groups like the Sunlight Foundation, Code for America, or the Open Government Partnership could strengthen advocacy efforts. By raising awareness in these communities, organizations can drive technical insights, new tools, and public visibility on the issue.
• Develop and Promote Open-Source Tools for StratML Data Use: Organizations could work with developers to create open-source tools or applications that utilize StratML-compliant data to show how machine-readable data can make performance reports more accessible, useful, and actionable. For instance, such tools could aggregate and analyze agency performance to highlight trends and accountability gaps.

5. Conduct and Publish Independent Compliance Audits

• Regular Audits and Scorecards: By conducting annual or semi-annual audits of agency compliance with StratML and publishing the results, organizations can create public records of agency performance and accountability. These scorecards could rank agencies by their level of compliance and transparency, applying pressure on low-ranking agencies to improve.
• Issue Media Briefings and Reports: Well-publicized reports can draw media attention to the issue, further increasing public pressure on non-compliant agencies and Congress. Such reports could illustrate both compliance failures and their practical consequences, creating public records that may also aid future advocacy efforts.

6. Organize Public Feedback Mechanisms

• Encourage Public Comment: Many agencies offer public comment periods on performance plans, and organizations could mobilize constituents to demand StratML compliance through these forums. Coordinated public comments demonstrate broad support for compliance with machine-readable standards, creating a documented public demand for action.
• Host Public Forums and Workshops: Organizations could hold forums to discuss the importance of StratML compliance, inviting both citizens and agency representatives to discuss transparency, open data, and government performance. Such events could increase public understanding while applying pressure on agencies through direct engagement.

7. Push for Executive Action and Renewed OMB Guidance

• Lobby the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Since OMB oversees agency reporting practices, organizations could advocate for strengthened OMB guidance requiring StratML-compliant publication of performance reports. Updating the guidelines to specify strict compliance and enforcement mechanisms would ensure greater accountability across agencies.
• Encourage Presidential Prioritization of Open Data: Organizations could lobby the administration to emphasize StratML compliance as part of broader commitments to transparency and open data, either through executive orders or public statements. High-level prioritization could drive agency heads to invest in compliance and monitoring mechanisms.

Through these approaches, organizations can encourage stronger compliance with StratML and related mandates under the GPRA Modernization Act, benefiting taxpayers by enhancing the transparency and accountability of government performance reporting.

How might social media and other tech entrepreneurs support this cause?

ChatGPT said:

Social media and tech entrepreneurs have the potential to bring significant support to the cause of federal agency compliance with machine-readable reporting standards, such as StratML, by leveraging their platforms, technological expertise, and influence. Here’s how they could contribute meaningfully:

1. Amplify Awareness and Advocacy Through Social Media Campaigns

• Influence Public Perception: Social media entrepreneurs can use their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of government transparency and data standards like StratML. By creating and promoting educational content on the benefits of standardized, machine-readable data, they can reach and mobilize large audiences, including voters and stakeholders.
• Drive Hashtag Movements and Online Discussions: By launching hashtag campaigns, they can help trend topics related to open government data, transparency, and accountability, driving discussions and encouraging users to engage with and demand action on these issues. Examples like #OpenGovData or #StandWithStratML could capture attention and promote wider understanding.

2. Partner with Civic Tech and Open Data Organizations

• Collaborate on Hackathons and Data Challenges: Tech entrepreneurs could sponsor or organize hackathons and data challenges, partnering with organizations focused on government transparency to encourage developers to build tools using StratML or similar open data formats. These events could generate valuable insights into government performance data and illustrate its utility to the public.
• Provide Funding and Resources for Open Data Projects: Entrepreneurs could provide funding to civic tech groups or advocacy organizations that promote open data standards, helping them build tools, dashboards, and visualizations that utilize StratML data and make it accessible to the public.

3. Develop and Promote Technology Solutions

• Create User-Friendly Tools and APIs: Entrepreneurs can develop applications, APIs, and web interfaces that make it easy for the public to access and analyze government performance data in machine-readable formats. These tools could aggregate agency data, display it in visual dashboards, and make it more accessible for citizens, journalists, and researchers.
• Open-Source Projects to Encourage Civic Engagement: By launching open-source projects that demonstrate the value of standardized government data, tech entrepreneurs can empower civic tech developers to collaborate on innovative solutions. Open-source repositories on platforms like GitHub can support the development of reusable tools that further public engagement and understanding.

4. Advocate for Legislative and Policy Changes

• Leverage Platforms for Direct Advocacy: Many social media entrepreneurs have built networks and platforms that allow them direct access to policymakers and influencers. By voicing support for open data legislation or improved compliance with the GPRA Modernization Act, they can increase visibility for the cause and advocate directly for meaningful change.
• Mobilize Support for Oversight and Accountability: Entrepreneurs with public influence can encourage followers to contact legislators, sign petitions, or participate in other advocacy efforts to push for stronger government oversight on data transparency. Their endorsement of such efforts could lend legitimacy and amplify public participation.

5. Support Media Coverage and Investigative Reporting

• Sponsor Investigative Journalism on Government Transparency: Entrepreneurs could fund independent journalism projects that examine and report on federal agency compliance with transparency mandates, such as the GPRA Modernization Act. By financially supporting media coverage, they can bring greater public scrutiny to compliance gaps and highlight both the potential benefits and the current challenges.
• Use Social Media for Data Storytelling: Through visually engaging social media posts, infographics, and data storytelling, entrepreneurs can present complex government data in digestible, impactful ways. This helps raise awareness of government performance and makes open data issues more relatable and understandable for a broader audience.

6. Enable Public Feedback and Community Engagement Tools

• Build Platforms for Citizen Input and Feedback on Data Use: Entrepreneurs could create or support platforms that allow the public to provide feedback on how federal agencies are performing, particularly in terms of transparency and accountability. Community-driven feedback tools could encourage more citizens to get involved in monitoring government data use and performance.
• Promote Crowdsourced Data Initiatives: By fostering crowdsourced projects that allow citizens to contribute insights or data on government performance, tech entrepreneurs can cultivate a participatory culture around government accountability. For example, platforms that let users report issues with agency compliance can create grassroots momentum for greater transparency.

7. Showcase and Celebrate Success Stories of Open Data Impact

• Highlight Case Studies of Effective Open Data Use: Entrepreneurs could use their influence to share stories of how machine-readable government data has benefited communities, such as by identifying funding gaps, improving social services, or increasing government accountability. By showcasing these success stories, they can illustrate the real-world value of standards like StratML.
• Host or Sponsor Awards for Transparency Efforts: Establishing awards or public recognition for agencies, organizations, or individuals who champion transparency and open data could incentivize more proactive compliance. Recognizing these efforts would not only reward progress but also raise the profile of data standard initiatives.

By employing these approaches, social media and tech entrepreneurs can contribute significantly to promoting machine-readable data standards in government, creating a culture of transparency, and inspiring more citizens to engage in the pursuit of accountable governance.