Evaluation of programs and projects

The Director shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this chapter, their effectiveness in achieving stated goals, in general, and in relation to their cost, their impact on related programs, and their structure and mechanism for delivery of services. Each program shall be evaluated at least once every three years. Evaluations shall be conducted by persons not immediately involved in the administration of the program or project evaluated. Such evaluation shall also measure and evaluate compliance with the equitable distribution requirement of section 5054 of this title. The Director shall develop and publish general standards for evaluation of program and project effectiveness in achieving the objectives of this chapter. Reports submitted pursuant to section 5047 11 See References in Text note below. of this title shall describe the actions taken as a result of evaluations carried out under this section. In carrying out evaluations under this subchapter, the Director shall, whenever possible, arrange to obtain the opinions of program and project participants about the strengths and weaknesses of such programs and projects. The Director shall publish summaries of the results of evaluations of program and project impact and effectiveness no later than sixty days after the completion thereof. The Director shall take the necessary action to assure that all studies, evaluations, proposals, and data produced or developed with Federal funds shall become the property of the United States. Not later than December 31, 1988, the Director shall— evaluate the impact of Corporation programs carried out under subchapter II that relate to services that assist families caring for frail and disabled adult family members and shall include in such evaluation information on— evaluate the impact that volunteers who participate in programs under parts B and C of subchapter II without receiving a stipend have on such programs and shall include in such evaluation— The Director is authorized to use such sums as are required, but not to exceed 1 per centum of the funds appropriated under this chapter, to conduct program and project evaluations (directly, or by grants or contracts) as required by this chapter. In the case of allotments from such an appropriation, the amount available for such allotments (and the amount deemed appropriate therefor) shall be reduced accordingly.