Organizational Performance Self Assessments at DOI An Entry-Level Approach based on the President’s Quality Award Criteria Norma Campbell Alan Turco Office of Planning and Performance Management

Introduction What is a Self-Assessment? It is NOT! Examines Business Practices Compares Findings to National Standard Been around for 13 years It is NOT! GPRA Another Survey IG inspection Why a Self-Assessment? To improve performance To compare with standard To set a baseline .A Self-Assessment is an internal tool used to quantify the overall health of an organization. Effective use of a Self-Assessment allows organizations to identify strengths and pinpoint opportunities to improve processes, practices, and programs. .The criteria to be used for DOI’s entry-level self-assessments are based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the President’s Quality Award criteria. The President’s criteria are closely aligned to the Baldrige criteria except that it has been modified to reflect the government environment rather than the private-sector environment of the Baldrige. The Baldrige criteria have been in use since 1987 and have been adopted nationally by the private sector to recognize performance excellence in 5 different industry/business categories. .The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 provided for the establishment of strategic planning and performance measurement in the Federal Government. GPRA requires agencies to submit a strategic plan for program activities containing a comprehensive mission statement covering major functions and agency operations. GPRA requires the preparation of annual performance plans with measurable, outcome-oriented goals. GPRA, however, does not prescribe which assessments are to be performed. Using the President’s Quality Award criteria, agencies have a well-developed, comprehensive framework for evaluating performance.

Benefits of Self-Assessment Gain systematic & objective assessment of organizational performance Establish a performance baseline for key operating processes Set realistic GPRA goals Provide roadmap for achieving high organizational performance Establish and/or fine tune performance measures Pinpoint organization’s strengths & improvement opportunities Improve dialogue between managers & employees to improve operations

The DOI Entry-Level Self-Assessment DOI uses an abbreviated PQA process Business Overview 28 questions in 7 categories Site visit interviews Written response to questions is optional Effort will be voluntary and strictly confidential Minimal investment by organizational units < 100 employees = 60 - 80 hours < 500 employees = 120 - 160 hours 2-3 day interview period

The DOI Entry Level Self Assessment (Continued) Self-Assessments assisted by Office of Planning & Performance Management 1 PQA examiner 3 SES candidates 1 Management Intern Feedback Report Prepared in 30 days Overview of Findings Strengths Opportunities for Improvement Goal is to assist DOI units improve their organizational effectiveness

Self-Assessment Categories 1. Leadership 2. Strategic Planning 3. Customer Focus 4. Information and Analysis 5. Employee Focus 6. Process Management 7. Business Results

Status DOI Entry Level Self-Assessment Training 8-hr training session Representatives from 5 bureaus Office of Planning and Performance Management (PPP) detailees Pilot Test - PPP Office Feedback report delivered Opportunities for Improvement prioritized Action Plans developed NPS National Capital Region participant Interviews completed Feedback Report in progress

Uses of Self-Assessment Report Prioritize Opportunities for Improvement Develop Action Plan Measure progress/improvement through repeated use of self-assessment Leverage significant strengths PPP staff may provide assistance in developing Action Plan

Contacts Norma Campbell (Norma_Campbell@ios.doi.gov) Alan Turco (Alan_Turco@ios.doi.gov) Office of Planning and Performance Planning US Department of the Interior (MS-5258) 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 202-208-1818 202-219-2257