GAO updates technology assessment design handbook

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has updated its Technology Assessment Design Handbook, a program evaluation tool designed to assist in the development of robust technology assessments. First released to the public in December 2019, the handbook now includes additions based on the experiences of GAO teams, a review of relevant literature, and comments submitted by external experts. It also provides a high-level process for developing policy options. While the tool is designed for use by GAO staff, its methods and strategies are useful to any organization conducting a technology assessment.

Broadly, the goal of a technology assessment is to determine the effects of a certain technology. To reach this goal, the GAO tool identifies three general design stages during the technology assessment process: determining the scope, developing an initial design, and implementing the design. The handbook also provides users with seven different considerations when designing a technology assessment. These include the iterative nature of technology assessment design, congressional and policymakers' interests, resources available, independence, engagement with internal and external stakeholders, potential challenges, and communication strategy. Furthermore, the tool provides users with potential challenges to consider when conducting a technology assessment.

 The full handbook can be accessed here.