GAO-19-46, GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LAB: USAID Leverages External Contributions but Needs to Ensure Timely Data and Transparent Reporting

Agency for International Development's (USAID) Global Development Lab (Lab) has programs and funding for each of its five strategic objectives: science, technology, innovation, and partnerships (STIP) and agency integration of STIP. The Lab comprises five centers and two support offices. The centers house more than 25 Lab programs focused on issues such as development, digital development, innovation, and private sector engagement. The Lab's funding has generally decreased since fiscal year 2015, with allocations of program funds to the Lab decreasing from $170.7 million in fiscal year 2015 to $77 million in fiscal year 2017. The Lab's staffing numbers have also decreased since fiscal year 2015. The Lab's programs are aligned with its five strategic objectives, and it has documented its oversight of awards with non-USAID contributions. However, the Lab's management information system contains outdated data for non-USAID contributions in 10 of 24 awards. The Lab's public reporting of non-USAID contributions lacks transparency, as it does not disclose the types of contributions represented. The Lab's internal guide does not include instructions for ensuring the data for non-USAID contributions are current. The Lab uses various tools to assess its performance, including assessments of its programs and funding. The assessments have shown both positive results and weaknesses. The Lab has implemented several initiatives to improve its performance, including the development of a new performance management framework. The Lab's performance indicators have improved over time, with increases in the number of activities managed and the total amounts obligated. The Lab's centers and offices have also increased their direct hires and contractors. The Lab's programs and funding have been aligned with its five strategic objectives, and it has documented its oversight of awards with non-USAID contributions. The Lab's performance management framework has been developed to improve its performance and improve its ability to meet its strategic objectives. The framework includes several key components, including performance indicators, targets, and metrics. The Lab's performance indicators have been developed to measure its progress towards its strategic objectives, and its targets and metrics have been established to guide its activities. The Lab's performance management framework has been implemented to improve its performance and improve its ability to meet its strategic objectives. The framework includes several key components, including performance indicators, targets, and metrics.