OMB should leverage leading website development practices in continuing to develop Performance.gov, and it could do better in communicating to its intended user base how the information provided on the website can be used, GAO has said.
OMB, working with GSA and the Performance Improvement Council provided information about the purposes and audiences for the website, but they have made limited efforts to clarify how audiences can use the information provided, according to GAO-13-517.
It said leading practices recommend that developers engage potential users through focus groups and other outreach and regularly conduct usability tests to gather insight into areas such as navigation and the organization of website content.
Efforts to collect input and feedback from potential audiences of Performance.gov, however, have been limited to the collection of suggestions through the website’s feedback page and briefings for selected audiences, GAO said.
It said OMB has not yet conducted any usability tests of the website, although staff said that usability testing is being planned for September 2013.
OMB staff stated that, thus far, the specific legal requirements of GPRAMA have been the primary framework used to guide efforts to develop Performance.gov and that as phased development of Performance.gov unfolds, they expect to use broader outreach to a wider audience, including members of the public, to make the website more public-focused.
OMB agreed with recommendations to work with the PIC to clarify specific ways that intended audiences could use Performance.gov and specify changes to support these uses, systematically collect information on the needs of intended audiences, and collect recommended performance metrics and related goals.