1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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 = hours
< 500 employees = hours
2-3 day interview period

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Contacts
Norma Campbell
Alan Turco
Office of Planning and Performance Planning
US Department of the Interior (MS-5258)
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240