Oversight is the means by which Congress, the media and outside stakeholders can identify what is working in our government, identify problems, find solutions and hold agencies and their leaders accountable. When done well, oversight fulfills an important and legitimate role in American democracy.
Our Role
The Partnership for Public Service has been working to create resources, tools and communities in Congress and the executive branch to promote regular oversight that ensures our government serves the public effectively. As part of this work, the Partnership has developed Oversight Snapshots that provide information about the operations, staffing and organizational health of 24 major federal departments and agencies. We also have a series of case studies that showcase outstanding examples of oversight and serve as a template for Capitol Hill staff and agencies.
Oversight Snapshots
The Partnership for Public Service’s Oversight Snapshots provide an “at a glance” summary of the health of 24 federal agencies and departments. The snapshots offer basic information about political appointments and vacancies, personnel numbers and demographics, employee engagement, social media presence, key performance indicators like the GAO High-Risk List, information technology scores and more.
Each snapshot links to up-to-date data sources. The links empower users to do further research and dig deeper into an agency’s management results, challenges and needs. These snapshots support congressional staff and anyone looking for a quick and comprehensive way to learn more about the federal government’s largest agencies.
Research
The Replacements: Why and How “Acting” Officials Are Making Senate Confirmation Obsolete
September 23, 2020
Publication Type: Research and Publications
The Constitution vests responsibility for filling federal leadership positions in both the president and the Senate — the president nominates officials for key posts, and the Senate provides “advice and consent.” But in recent years, presidents have found it increasingly easy to sidestep this process altogether and to install temporary, “acting” officials in place of…
Collaboration between congressional district and Washington, D.C. offices helps secure benefits for National Guard and Reserve members
July 18, 2018
Publication Type: Research and Publications
Publication Topic: Build Networks of Support,Modernize Management Systems
Constituent service is a critical function for every congressional office, with district caseworkers routinely helping citizens on issues ranging from Social Security and Medicare to veteran’s benefits, immigration and tax matters. With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service has been working to find and highlight excellent examples of productive congressional…
Senate and IG Cooperate to Stop IRS Impersonation Scam
August 8, 2018
Publication Type: Research and Publications
Publication Topic: Build Networks of Support,Engage Employees,Modernize Management Systems
For federal agencies, close collaboration with Congress can be an effective way to disseminate information and advance policies critical to achieving agency goals. For Congress, working with agencies alllows members to utilize agency expertise to address public needs. With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service has been working to find…
Empowering government watchdogs requires cross-agency coordination and an investment in long-term relationships
August 29, 2018
Publication Type: Research and Publications
Publication Topic: Build Networks of Support,Engage Employees,Modernize Management Systems
For federal agencies, close collaboration with Congress can be an effective way to disseminate information and advance policies critical to achieving agency goals. For Congress, working with agencies allows members to utilize agency expertise to address public needs. With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service has been working to…
Bipartisan, bicameral cooperation provides a path forward on IT acquisition reform
September 13, 2018
Publication Type: Research and Publications
Publication Topic: Build Networks of Support,Engage Employees,Modernize Management Systems
For federal agencies, close collaboration with Congress can be an effective way to disseminate information and advance policies critical to achieving agency goals. For Congress, working with agencies allows members to utilize agency expertise to address public needs. With the support of the Democracy Fund, the Partnership for Public Service has been working to find…