Performance metrics are monitored on an ongoing basis, with formal reporting performed monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Transparency:
Dennis Taitano serves as the Farm Service Agency’s executive accountable for ensuring proper implementation of ARRA. FSA has established its own public-facing website which will report additional information on the Agency’s success in ARRA-related matters. http://www.fsa.usda.gov/recovery
- Plan to Organize Program Cost: Accounting System Actions
- Short-term Strategy:
- FSA will utilize existing Treasury symbols and coding until the long-term solution can be implemented.
- Loans made from Stimulus funding will be identified by the timeframe of obligations and by a flag that will be placed on each loan.
- Some servicing actions on direct operating loans will be restricted in order to maintain the integrity of the Stimulus funding identification system until the long-term solution is implemented.
- Long-term Strategy:
- The current accounting system will be modified for the new Treasury symbol and unique coding of the Stimulus funding.
- All activity processed under the short-term strategy will be reprocessed to move it to the correct Treasury symbol.
- Revisions to servicing reports will be identified and prioritized in order to schedule them into production.
- This process is projected to be completed within 60 days of receipt of the coding.
The Agency will report the distribution of funds by State and report use of funds on an aggregate basis (uses are primarily operating expenses, machinery, and livestock). All funds will be used for the purchase of inputs needed to operate a family sized farm.
FSA's existing loan policies require borrowers to prepare a business plan, which provides a detailed description of how loan funds will be used. Borrowers must advise FSA if they plan to use the loan proceeds for purposes other than those documented on the loan application. To ensure funds are used as intended, FSA conducts mid-year and end of year compliance reviews.
Accountability:
Agency managers are responsible for implementing, improving, and monitoring program activities.
Individual performance plans of all managers and employees are tied to the Agency mission and goals contained in the FSA Strategic Plan. FSA Notice PM-2606, "FSA Performance Management Program," contains detailed guidance on development of employee performance plans, including the requirement that performance be linked to the Agency's strategic goals and objectives. Direct Loan Program performance targets are established at the national level, within each State Office, and for individual offices. The ability to meet or not meet goals is reflected in individual performance evaluations. To assist in monitoring program performance, status reports and a comprehensive Monthly Management Summary Report are sent to managers in the field for review and action on a monthly basis.