7 C.F.R. § 1489.22 – Evaluation.

(a)
1. (1) The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 (5 U.S.C. 306; 31 U.S.C. 1105, 1115-1119, 3515, 9703-9704) requires performance measurement of Federal programs, including the RAPP. Evaluation of the RAPP's effectiveness will depend on a clear statement by Participants of goals to be met within a specified time, schedule of measurable milestones for gauging success, plan for achievement, and assessment of results of activities at regular intervals. The overall goal of the RAPP and of individual Participants' programming is to increase sales that would not have occurred in the absence of RAPP funding. A RAPP Participant that can demonstrate such sales, taking into account extenuating factors beyond the Participant's control, will have met the overall objective of the GPRA and the need for evaluation.
2. (2) Evaluation is an integral element of program planning and implementation, providing the basis for the strategic plan. The evaluation results guide the development and scope of a RAPP Participant's program, contributing to program accountability and providing evidence of program effectiveness that directly ties program funds to increased sales.
(b) All RAPP Participants must report annual results against their target market and/or regional constraint/opportunity performance measures. These are outcome results usually based on multiple activities and should demonstrate progress made in the market during the latest budget period. This report shall be completed and submitted to the CCC no later than 6 months following the end of each Participant's budget period.
(c) When deemed appropriate or required by the CCC, a RAPP Participant shall complete a program evaluation. A program evaluation is a review of the RAPP Participant's entire program, or an appropriate portion of the program as agreed to by the RAPP Participant and CCC, to determine the effectiveness of the RAPP Participant's strategy in meeting specified goals. Actual scope and timing of the program evaluation shall be determined by the RAPP Participant and CCC and specified in the approval letter. A RAPP Participant shall submit, via a cover letter to CCC, an executive summary that assesses the program evaluation's findings and recommendations, as well as any proposed changes in program strategy or design as a result of the evaluation. A program evaluation shall contain:
1. (1) The name of the party conducting the evaluation;
2. (2) The scope of the evaluation;
3. (3) A concise statement of the market constraint(s)/opportunity(ies) and the goals specified in the approved strategic plan;
4. (4) A description of the evaluation methodology;
5. (5) A description of export sales achieved;
6. (6) A summary of the findings, including an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the program(s); and
7. (7) Recommendations for future programs.
(d) When deemed appropriate or required by the CCC, RAPP Participants conducting a branded program must also complete a brand promotion evaluation. A brand promotion evaluation is a review of the U.S. and foreign commercial entities' export sales to determine whether the activity achieved the goals specified in the approved RAPP program. Actual scope and timing of the brand promotion evaluation shall be determined by the RAPP Participant and CCC and specified in the approval letter.
(e) On an annual basis, or more often when appropriate or required by the CCC, a RAPP Participant shall complete and submit program success stories. The CCC will announce to all RAPP Participants in writing the detailed requirements for completing and submitting program success stories.