GPRA and Its Significance to the Acquisition Workforce

Whether you call it management by objective, balanced scorecard, or total quality management, the principles of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), makes good business sense. However, GPRA is not just a fly by night concept, it is the law; slowly taking hold and continuing to evolve. The purpose of GPRA is to ascertain whether an organization is operating efficiently and effectively. Even though the requirements of GPRA apply to federal agency heads, the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) should embrace its intent. The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the concept of GPRA, develop and link goals and performance measures to key APDP processes and provide recommendations to ensure coninuity of the program and overcome the challenges regarding GPRA requirements. Many organizations are struggling with the principles of GPRA and are wrestling with the development, collection and analysis of performance measures.