Nancy Potok

In order for agencies to get a better understanding of what’s expected from them under the Evidence Act, OMB soon expects to release guidance.

How is the U.S. federal government leveraging data as a strategic asset? How is the federal government building the infrastructure for evidence-based policymaking? What does the future hold for the federal data and statistical communities? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Nancy Potok, Chief Statistician of the U.S. within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The new law requires agencies to appoint a chief evaluation officer, whose job will involve asking key questions about the effectiveness of agency programs, and finding ways to measure their effectiveness.

Some agencies are linking data to performance management in order to make more informed, evidence-based decisions about spending on their programs.

Evidence-based policymaking isn’t necessarily to let others look over the shoulders of federal programs, but rather to help those programs succeed.

New data, technology create an avenue for public and agencies to grow closer together

The people-counting agency has learned from some big mistakes. Now, Chief Operating Officer Nancy Potok shares some lessons with Federal News Radio.

What are the strategic priorities of the U.S. Census Bureau? How is the Census Bureau changing the way it does business? What is the Census Bureau doing to innovate and make a difference? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these and more with Dr. Nancy Potok, Deputy Director and COO, US Census Bureau on The Business of Government Hour.

Bureau leadership has relied heavily on ideas from the workforce as the agency pushes ahead with its first major reorganization in 50 years. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective Census Bureau, officials say.

Agency leaders hope employees will help the Census Bureau fill critical workforce skills gaps. The self-assessments are aimed at upgrading the way workers collect, process and analyze data about the U.S. ahead of the 2020 census.