Library: Evaluation, Conference publication, Sandia National Laboratories

This paper addresses an approach used to evaluate a portfolio of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs administered at the State level. Data were assembled to measure progress of projects according to certain criteria and compiled into an “accomplishments packet” consisting of quantitative and qualitative information. The packet was distributed to peer reviewers to assess the significance of the accomplishments. The results of the assessment are discussed. The applicability of the approach to the various types of projects and technologies is also presented. (Abstract only)

Federal programs, including those whose purpose is to demonstrate and increase adoption of energy technologies, face increasing accountability for program performance. Beginning in 2001, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented procedures that require programs to provide empirical evidence of the linkages between program outputs, short- and intermediate-term outcomes, and long-term outcomes. This paper describes our efforts to help programs be explicit by providing them with a generic deployment logic model where the short and intermediate outcomes are informed by Rogers' theory of diffusion of new ideas or technologies. (Abstract only)