More Readable Reports

Let's face it: Reading information provided by federal agencies about how they have performed relative to the metrics they have set out for themselves can be a little dull. Now officials at the Office of Management and Budget want to take one last shot at convincing agencies to spruce up their reports.

Yesterday, OMB Deputy Director for Management Clay Johnson sent a memo to top management officials at agencies announcing that OMB will continue a pilot project launched last year to "explore different formats to enhance the presentation of financial and performance information." Under the program, officials are encouraged to use "innovative technology" to make their reports more accessible to readers and to provide "evidence backing up claims" about agency performance.

Eleven agencies participated in the pilot project last year and OMB hopes more will join the list this time around. Under the newly revised version of the pilot, they will produce:

• A two-page summary providing a quick snapshot of agency results.
• A 25-page Citizens’ Report, with more comprehensive information on the agency's mission, goals, spending, performance and future plans.
• A bigger accountability report with "exhaustive and complete details on relevant financial and performance data."