Management has read the evaluation report prepared by Government Consulting Services, and we acknowledge the report's findings for the evaluation of the Research and Policy Initiatives Assistance Program (the RPIA Program). We agree with the findings of the report that the program has enhanced policies, increased knowledge of emerging issues, and built capacity for analysis. We also concur with its recommendations and will make efforts to improve documentation of results and program visibility, as we believe that the RPIA Program is a valuable tool for furthering the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's (the Secretariat's) objectives.

We will extend the use of this program beyond the current fiscal year and will be addressing any deficiencies noted in the evaluation, specifically as they relate to the following recommendations:

• Program visibility could be increased in order to raise awareness of the RPIA Program and better market it within the department.
• Evidence on file on individual projects needs to be increased, including post-project summaries.

Awareness of the program will be increased through presentation at executive committees and by posting appropriate information on the departmental website.

A process will be developed to systematically capture and maintain centrally all key information required for evaluation purposes. Corporate Services Sector will be the caretaker of the records from these initiatives and will create a central repository of information. Project proponents will be asked to obtain or prepare post-project summaries (based on a standard template) that detail results achieved and benefits obtained from the initiative.

We believe in the value of the RPIA Program as a vehicle to further Secretariat objectives. The above actions will help improve the program management and continue to make this a useful and relevant tool for managers.