Figure 1. Value for Money and Core Issues to Be Addressed in Evaluations of Federal Programs

Figure 1 outlines a deconstruction of the concept of value for money that demonstrates how the five core issues to be addressed in evaluation of federal programs “map” into the concept.

In Figure 1, value for money is defined as comprising a) a demonstration of program relevance and b) a demonstration of program performance.

The demonstration of program relevance is defined as comprising and being addressed through three core issues: Core Issue 1—Demonstrated need and responsive; Core Issue 2—Alignment with government priorities; and Core Issue 3—Alignment with federal roles and responsibilities.

The demonstration of program performance is defined as comprising and being addressed through two other core issues: Core Issue 4—Achievement of expected outcomes (effectiveness) and Core Issue 5—Demonstration of efficiency and economy.

Return to Figure 1. Value for Money and Core Issues to Be Addressed in Evaluations of Federal Programs