Why do performance-based acquisitions?
A15 Several laws have been passed and policies have been issued that require agencies to use a performance-based approach when acquiring services, to the maximum extent practicable. The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 makes agencies accountable for money spent on programs – PBAs enable agencies to gather the data needed for the annual report to OMB, and they help focus the role of the projects on agencies’ strategic goals. More recently, the President’s Management Agenda (PMA) set out 5 important Government-wide initiatives, one of which is performance-based budgeting. Again, agencies must demonstrate what they have accomplished with funds provided by Congress and OMB, linking the requirement for program results and mission objectives to the expenditure of funds. In the PMA, it is clearly stated that programs that do not accomplish their mission will not be funded. Congress and OMB are looking very hard at program results, doing what they can to prevent large-scale failu
