Evaluation of Capacity Programs at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is the event?
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is funding an independent evaluation of its Capacity Program portfolio. This large and complex set of programs represents half of the NIFA budget. As visibility increases on accountability and evidence-based decisions, it behooves us to proactively assess progress and areas for enhancement.
2. Who is conducting the study?
NIFA has contracted with TEConomy Partners (a derivative of Battelle), under the leadership of Simon Tripp.
3. Why is NIFA doing this?
NIFA is conducting the review in order to:
- Demonstrate the value of the programs to stakeholders and to strengthen USDA’s Research, Education and Economics (REE) focus on evidence-based decision-making
- Identify research gaps and areas of improvement; and
- Leverage the visibility and accountability of capacity programs by an independent review
4. What type of data will be collected?
To the extent possible, NIFA will make all historical data available for review. However, in order to capture the richness of qualitative data, a confidential survey will be developed and distributed to land-grant universities (LGUs). The survey is in its early stages of collaborative development with regional LGU directors (EDA team). It will capture information that is not currently available (e.g., perceptions of equity in funding models, future directions).
5. When will the evaluation be complete?
The evaluation began in February 2016 and is scheduled to be completed in one year.
6. Will the results of the study be made public?
Yes, the results of the study will be made public through NIFA’s Office of Communications.
7. Who should we contact for more information?
Karl Maxwell is the NIFA representative assigned to this work. He can be reached at or (202) 690-1297.