National Academy of Public Administration Launches New Field Guide to Help Government Leaders Finance Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation

Post Date: December 04, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The National Academy of Public Administration announced today the release of the Field Guide for Financing Public Sector Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation. This groundbreaking guide, supported by a grant from the Data Funders Collaborative, offers state, local, tribal, and territorial governments practical strategies for building and sustaining integrated data systems, a critical tool for advancing and elevating evidence-based policymaking.

“Integrated data systems allow governments to make informed decisions that improve people’s lives,” said Academy President & CEO Terry Gerton. “This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for financing these systems, offering insights into allowable funding methods and how best to allocate resources across complex programs. We’re proud to provide this resource to leaders across the country.”

The Field Guide offers detailed guidance for financing integrated data systems and includes case studies showcasing the success of communities leading the way. Details include the use of tools to address crucial priorities like social determinants of health, education, workforce training, and fraud reduction.

Designed to serve a broad audience of government officials, including policy, budget, and program administrators, the Field Guide walks through uses of federal grants, financing mechanisms, and considerations for audits.

Key highlights include:

• Practical Funding Strategies: A step-by-step approach to using federal, state, and local resources to support data system development, operation, and maintenance.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples from leading state and local governments that demonstrate effective financing and system-building methods.
• Guidance for Audit Preparedness: Tips on preparing for and passing audits of integrated data system costs, ensuring transparency and compliance.

The Field Guide arrives at a critical moment: recent clarifications from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) enable governments to use a portion of federal grants specifically for integrated data systems, an advancement that has been eagerly anticipated by data and program leaders nationwide. These updates provide clarity for groups looking to enhance data-driven decision-making through shared infrastructure.

With over $1.2 trillion in federal funds allocated annually to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, the Field Guide is positioned as an essential resource for jurisdictions eager to leverage these funds to build integrated data systems that drive positive outcomes for the public.

The Field Guide for Financing Public Sector Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation is available for download at the National Academy of Public Administration website.

About the National Academy of Public Administration

Chartered by Congress to provide nonpartisan expert advice, the Academy is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1967 to assist government leaders in building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations. Learn more at www.napawash.org. ###