In September, ACF released its first ever data strategy, a partnership between OPRE and ACF’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (ACF Tech). The Data Strategy sets a bold vision for new strategies and initiatives to help ACF use data to improve the programs and communities we serve. ACF has already made strides on several key initiatives. We are excited to announce that this week we have taken a significant next step by formally creating two new offices under OPRE : the Office of Research and Evaluation and the Office of the Chief Data Officer.
OPRE’s mission is to serve as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programs designed to make measurable improvements in the economic and social well-being of children and families. The role of research, evaluation, and data as a key part of business operations for ACF has grown considerably over OPRE’s history, culminating in President Trump signing the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 , which solidified evaluation and data as key government functions. The Evidence Act set forward a bold roadmap and vision that agencies are continuing to develop and formalize.
In support of our mission, OPRE is responsible for everything from evidence building to promoting evidence use at ACF. OMB defines evidence broadly as including using data, performance measures, research, evaluation, and foundational fact finding. Currently OPRE either oversees or provides guidance and support to programs for all four aspects of evidence. The Act also emphasizes not only the production of evidence but its use to strengthen government operation. OPRE focuses on both the creation of evidence and the conditions to use evidence at ACF. To accomplish this, OPRE works in close partnership with ACF program offices to collaboratively build and use evidence and focuses on ways to strengthen the broader organizational culture to understand and apply evidence in appropriate and rigorous ways.
OPRE’s new Office of Research and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Data Officer together create an even more robust one-stop shop for evidence production and use to inform policy and practice on behalf of ACF. Through the coordinated work of these two offices, OPRE can continue to play a key part in strengthening ACF’s role as a listening and learning organization that incorporates data, research, and evaluation into core business operations. In doing so, this new structure supports my vision that OPRE is a leader in the US government in the production and use of evidence to strengthen human services programs.
The new Office of Research and Evaluation has a goal of generating research and evaluation findings in support of ACF leadership and programs. It includes our Divisions of Child and Family Development, Division of Family Strengthening, and Division of Economic Independence. Our research and evaluation projects in these divisions are in response to program office needs and questions and aim to build long-term knowledge. These projects typically study what is happening in the field and bring that knowledge back to ACF leadership to inform federal and state policy and practice. The new office’s aim is to create useful, relevant research and evaluation findings to support stronger programs.
OPRE’s Division of Data and Improvement (DDI) focused on strengthening ACF’s data quality, governance, and use. The creation of the Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO) recognizes the incredible work DDI has done since 2016, brings together the staff formerly under DDI into OCDO, and as a result, elevates that work as a key organizational function in ACF. The new Office of the Chief Data Officer has a goal of building ACF’s capacity related to data. The team will accomplish this aim through work such as supporting program offices to work with administrative and other data to answer key time-sensitive operational questions. The team will have a focus on strengthening ACF program office staff capacity to work with data and building new services and supports. The OCDO will also focus on building tools and governance to support individual program offices and ACF broadly. In summary, the OCDO aims to help ACF programs identify their core operational challenges and strengthen their capacity to use data to build knowledge to address those challenges. OCDO will be responsible for ensuring the ACF Data Strategy moves forward and meets its goals of ensuring all of ACF staff can access and benefit from data insights to strengthen and advance our mission.
The goals of these two offices are complementary and interdependent, as they function as two pillars under one roof, working together to support OPRE’s overall mission. Harnessing the power of research, evaluation, and data together in coordination advances our ability to create and support the use of a robust body of evidence to strengthen ACF programs. I am personally very excited about this new structure, the elevation of both functions, and the opportunity to strengthen ACF’s learning culture.