Biennial Evaluation, Performance, and 

Analysis Report 

October 2020–September 2022 
ii

Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I / 75P00120F37027

Submitted on: September 29, 2022 

Updated on: September 1, 2023

Recommended citation: Administration for Community Living. (2022). Biennial Evaluation, 

Performance, and Analysis Report October 2020–September 2022. U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services.
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report iii

Contents 

Section Page

Executive Summary..........................................................................................................................1

Background ......................................................................................................................................4

Methods...........................................................................................................................................5

Identify and Invite ACL Staff to Participate.............................................................................5

Data Collection Effort..............................................................................................................5

Summary of Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Activities 6

Findings......................................................................................................................................... 23

Conclusion..................................................................................................................................... 24

References .................................................................................................................................... 25

Exhibits

ES Exhibit 1. ACL Priority Questions............................................................................................ 1

ES Exhibit 2. Data Items Captured............................................................................................... 2

ES Exhibit 3. List of Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Activities by ACL Center ................ 2

ES Exhibit 4. Summary of Findings............................................................................................... 3

Exhibit 1. ACL Priority Questions............................................................................................ 4

Exhibit 2. Data Items Captured............................................................................................... 5

.......................................................
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

The Administration for Community Living 

(ACL) implements programs and initiatives as 

authorized through a variety of statutes. 

These programs and initiatives aim to support 

the independence, well-being, and health of 

older adults and people with disabilities 

across the lifespan and support their families 

and caregivers. ACL strives to ensure that all 

people, no matter their age or disability, are 

allowed to live with dignity, make their own 

choices, and fully participate in society. 

Following the adoption of the Foundations for 

Evidence-based Policymaking Act in 2019, 

ACL and other agencies were encouraged to 

make agency data publicly available and to 

plan and develop evidence to support 

policymaking. In keeping to the Evidence 

Act’s requirements, ACL outlined the agency’s 

priorities in an evaluation plan.

1 See ES 

Exhibit 1 for ACL priority questions that 

pertain to this report. 

In 2020, ACL contracted with RTI 

International to summarize evaluation and 

analysis activities undertaken by ACL with the 

intent of forging partnerships across 

programs and inform future analytic efforts. 

This Biennial Evaluation, Performance, and 

Analysis Report showcases select activities underway between October 2020 and September 

2022. 

1 Although the current priority question 2 mentions “states,” the language of future iterations of this priority is

expected to be broadened to “grantees.”

ES Exhibit 1.ACL Priority Questions

•What is the efficacy and effectiveness of 

ACL programs and initiatives?

Priority Question 1

•What are states funded by ACL doing to 

enhance and promote aging and disability 

services and programs?

Priority Question 2

•How does ACL prepare its staff to better 

support the aging and disability networks?

Priority Question 3

•What are the current avenues for 

collaboration and coordination between 

the aging and disability networks that ACL 

works with? How can ACL encourage 

better collaboration and coordination?

Priority Question 4

•What new research and information are 

being generated, by both ACL and in the 

field, on aging and disability? How is ACL 

implementing it, and how can ACL better 

implement it?

Priority Question 5

•What are the knowledge gaps between 

ACL, research, and stakeholders? How can 

ACL close the knowledge gaps?

Priority Question 6
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 2

Methods

Designated Center and Office staff were invited to submit

essential data elements for their priority evaluation, 

performance management, and analytic projects in an 

online data capture form (see ES Exhibit 2). Evaluation 

activities are inclusive of performance management and 

analysis of program performance data. Key information

about each activity is summarized in this report. 

Summary of Activities

Between October 2020 and September 2022, ACL 

cataloged 42 projects underway across five of its Centers

(see ES Exhibit 3). Of those, one project ended in 2020, seven ended in 2021, 20 ended in 

2022,

2 and 14 remained ongoing at the end of the reporting period.

ES Exhibit 3.List of Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Activities by ACL Center

2 These projects ended during the data collection period, meaning project activities were completed before 

October 2022. 

Administration on Aging

Administration on Disabilities

Center for Innovation and Partnership 

Center for Policy and Evaluation

National Institute on Disability, Independent 

Living, and Rehabilitation Research

ES Exhibit 2.Data Items Captured

• Project details (i.e., Name, 

Dates, and Purpose)

• ACL priorities

• Stakeholder involvement

• Data sources

• Report of findings

• Datasets produced

• Dissemination plans

• ACL actions

 13

8

8

 10

3
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 3

Findings

Data collection revealed important findings about the breadth, depth, collaborations, 

dissemination, and challenges of ACL’s recent evaluation, performance, and analytic activities. 

ES Exhibit 4 gives an overall summary of these findings.

ES Exhibit 4.Summary of Findings

Conclusion

The findings from this and future Biennial Reports provide a useful snapshot of where ACL is 

concentrating its evaluation and analytic efforts, which can be helpful in informing future

activities and opportunities for growth. 

projects addressed multiple priorities. Priority 1 (efficacy and effectiveness) was the most 

commonly addressed. Priority 4 (collaboration and coordination between aging and disability 

networks) was the least commonly addressed priority.

of the 42 projects involved stakeholders.

of the projects had made the reports publicly available at the time of reporting. One of 

the final datasets has been made publicly available at the time of reporting.

of the projects reported challenges. The most common challenge reported was related to the 

COVID-19 public health emergency.

26

41

8

16
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 4

BACKGROUND

ACL implements programs and initiatives authorized through the Older Americans Act of 1965 

(OAA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act), Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 

Rights Act of 2000, Elder Justice Act, and several other statutes. Programs and initiatives 

resulting from these statutes support older Americans and Americans with disabilities to live 

independently at home with dignity and fully participate in their communities. In keeping to the 

spirit of the Foundations for Evidence-based Policymaking Act (House Resolution 4174; 

Evidence Act), ACL undertakes evaluation and analysis to ensure that its programs are effective, 

staff are prepared, collaboration and coordination is occurring between the aging and disability 

networks, and emerging areas from the field and knowledge gaps are identified. 

The Evidence Act, which took effect in 2019, promotes

publicly accessible agency data and requires agencies to 

plan and develop statistical evidence to support 

policymaking. Agencies must annually develop a plan for 

identifying and addressing policy questions. The plan 

must include the following elements: questions for 

developing evidence to support policymaking; data the 

agency intends to collect or use as evidence; methods 

and approaches that may be used to develop evidence 

to support policymaking; and challenges to developing 

evidence-based policy. 

To fulfill the requirement to submit an annual plan as 

outlined above, ACL developed evaluation plans that 

outline their priorities. A selection of ACL’s priority 

questions were incorporated into the larger U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fiscal 

Year 2022 Evaluation Plan. Exhibit 1 lists ACL-wide

dynamic priority questions included in ACL’s Interim 

Learning Agenda and Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Evaluation 

Plan intended to guide ACL’s evaluation activities along 

with a brief description of the aim of each priority 

question.

3 

In 2020, ACL contracted with RTI International to 

develop the Biennial Evaluation, Performance, and 

Analysis Report. The purpose of the report is to 

showcase ACL’s select evaluation and analysis activities 

during a two-year period. 

3 Although the current priority question 2 mentions “states,” the language of future iterations of this priority is 

expected to be broadened to “grantees.” 

Exhibit 1. ACL Priority Questions

•What is the efficacy and effectiveness 

of ACL programs and initiatives?

Priority Question 1

•What are states funded by ACL doing 

to enhance and promote aging and 

disability services and programs?

Priority Question 2

•How does ACL prepare its staff to 

better support the aging and 

disability networks?

Priority Question 3

•What are the current avenues for 

collaboration and coordination 

between the aging and disability 

networks that ACL works with? How 

can ACL encourage better 

collaboration and coordination?

Priority Question 4

•What new research and information 

are being generated, by both ACL and 

in the field, on aging and disability? 

How is ACL implementing it, and how 

can ACL better implement it?

Priority Question 5

•What are the knowledge gaps 

between ACL, research, and 

stakeholders? How can ACL close the 

knowledge gaps?

Priority Question 6
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 5

METHODS

Data for the Biennial Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Report were collected from ACL 

staff members across its eight centers. The data collection steps are described in more detail 

below. 

Identify and Invite ACL Staff to Participate 

Participants in this data collection effort included ACL Office Directors and their supporting 

staff. In collaboration with ACL, RTI identified and reached out to the Office Directors within 

each of the eight ACL Centers, using the ACL Organizational Chart. Early outreach included

inviting Office Directors to participate in the data collection effort and identify an Office contact 

to complete the data collection form. Once the proper Office staff were identified, RTI shared

instructions for next steps. 

Data Collection Effort

Information collected for this 

Biennial Report was limited to 

those projects underway at any 

point between October 2020 and 

September 2022. The projects 

outlined in this report are not 

exhaustive to all efforts ongoing at 

ACL. 

Data collection began in May

2022. RTI contacted ACL staff participating in the data collection effort with the link to the data 

capture form along with instructions on how to complete the form. Data collection lasted seven

weeks. See Exhibit 2 for details on information collected.

A total of 42 projects were submitted. 

Exhibit 2. Data Items Captured

• Project details (i.e., Name, Dates, and Purpose)

• ACL priorities

• Stakeholder involvement

• Data sources

• Report of findings

• Datasets produced

• Dissemination plans

• ACL actions
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 6

SUMMARY OF EVALUATION, PERFORMANCE, AND ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES

Of the 42 selected projects underway between October 2020 and September 2022,

4 most were led by the Administration on Aging 

(AoA) (13) and Center for Policy Evaluation (ten) followed by the Center for Innovation and Partnership (eight), Administration on 

Disabilities (eight), and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (three). These projects are 

summarized in the following sections.

4 It should be noted that many ACL Offices are doing other forms of evaluation, performance, and analysis activities, but the parameters established for this 

effort may have precluded those projects in this data call across the agency.
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 7

The AoA is the principal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) component designated to carry out the provisions of 

the Older Americans Act (ACL, 2017, 2023a). Thirteen projects from four of the five AoA offices are summarized below. 

• Study Purpose: To provide an opportunity to understand the value and impact 

that Title VI programs have on elder program participants, caregivers of elders, 

elders raising grandchildren or caring for adult children with disabilities, and 

program staff. 

• Methods: Literature review; focus groups; analysis of administrative data; 

analysis of National Resource Center on Native American Aging and USAging 

survey data; site visits.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL has begun work on Title VI data 

workbooks, developing and delivering trainings on caregiver services, and 

establishing other data usage tools.

Title VI Evaluation

2016–2021 

Addresses Priorities 1 & 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To identify examples and best practices of Title VI and Title III 

grantee collaboration at the tribal, state, and local level.

• Methods: Environmental scan; interviews. 

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL has presented findings to ACL grantees 

and at national conferences.

Title III and Title VI Grantee Collaboration 

Study

2019–2020

Addresses Priorities 1 & 2

ACL Center Partners: CRO & CPE

Administration on Aging

Office of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native 

Hawaiian Programs
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 8

• Study Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive outcome evaluation of the LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) that builds on two previous evaluation 

efforts: Evaluation Study Design of LTCOPs under the OAA and the Process 

Evaluation and Special Studies Related to the LTCOP. 

• Methods: Focus groups; stakeholder interviews; and surveys. 

LTCOP Outcome Evaluation

2017–2022 

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To examine if and how Adult Protective Services (APS) programs 

make a difference in the lives of clients with regard to their satisfaction, 

safety/risk, and well-being. 

• Methods: Survey data collection and analysis; primary interview focus groups 

and analysis; and secondary data analysis of APS administrative data.

Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes 

Study

2018–2022

Addresses Priorities 1, 2, 5, & 6

• Study Purpose: To examine the performance of OAA-funded state and local 

senior nutrition programs, including challenges encountered in program 

services, reporting, and innovative services implemented during the COVID-19 

public health emergency (PHE). 

• Methods: Interviews with staff from State Units on Aging (SUAs), Area 

Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and local service providers (LSPs).

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL may take action based on project 

recommendations/implications for (a) future technical assistance to those in 

the aging and disability services network (e.g., SUAs, AAAs, LSPs); and (b) 

additional research.

Exploratory Study of OAA Nutrition 

Services During COVID-19

2021

Addresses Priorities 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE

Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services

Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

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• Study Purpose: To examine who is being served by the Home-Delivered Meals 

and Congregate Meals programs in a sample of states and then recommend best 

practices to reach populations that are not traditionally well served. 

• Methods: Semistructured interviews conducted with Nutrition Leads or 

managers of the SUAs for eight states. Data from AGing, Independence, and 

Disability and the Census Bureau were used to select states of focus based on 

criteria defined in consultation with ACL.

Promoting Equity in Older Americans Act 

Service Outreach

2021–2022

Addresses Priorities 1 & 2

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To evaluate whether and how remote evidence-based 

programs (EBPs) guide future policymaking and practice at the national, state, 

and local levels.

• Methods: Effectiveness evaluation conducting pre- and post-test surveys of 

adults with disabilities and older adults participating in at least four EBPs. 

Implementation evaluation conducting surveys with EBP administrators, delivery 

organizations, leaders, and participants.

Remote Evidence-based Programs 

Evaluation—Sound Generations

2021–2022

Addresses Priorities 1 & 5

• Study Purpose: To develop an understanding of who is attending congregate 

meals for socialization and why certain target populations are first coming to 

the congregate meal programs, and to provide insights that may help ACL reach 

more vulnerable populations through congregate meals in the future (Phase 1). 

To examine additional reasons people attend congregate meals besides 

socialization (Phase 2).

• Methods: Quantitative data analysis of 2019 National Survey of Older 

Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP) data.

Congregate Meals and Socialization

2021–2022

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 10

• Study Purpose: To examine the National Family Caregiver Support Program 

participants’ (i.e., caregivers') improvement recommendations as reported in 

the NSOAAP. 

• Methods: Analysis of the 2019 NSOAAP data.

Caregiver Questions

2020–2021 

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To pull together evidence from Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative –

Specialized Supportive Services grantee reports to tell a story using existing data 

about the impact of the grants.

• Methods: Review of documentation associated with the Alzheimer’s Program 

Grants project.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL shared reports and guidance 

documents with grantees.

Alzheimer's Program Grants

2020–2022

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To review 2019 NSOAAP responses to questions related to 

demographics, caregiving intensity, unmet needs, and service usage to better 

understand potential differences in caregivers’ service needs and usage.

• Methods: Literature review of peer-reviewed publications and analytic file 

creation and data analysis of the 2019 NSOAAP Family Caregiver Survey data.

Caregiver Disparities

2021–2022

Addresses Priority 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To develop a set of performance measures for Lifespan Respite 

Program grantees.

• Methods: Review of Lifespan Respite Program notice of funding opportunity, 

Lifespan Respite Program 2020 and 2021 grantee reporting, the 2019 Lifespan 

Respite Program report prepared by the Lewin Group, and grantee reporting 

tools and aggregate reports used by other AoA programs.

Lifespan Respite Performance Measures

2022–Present

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: CPE

Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 11

• Study Purpose: To learn more about respite specifically for family caregivers to 

people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs).

• Methods: Literature review on ADRD respite care models.

Review of Respite Models for Family 

Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Disease and 

Related Dementias

2022

Addresses Priority 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 12

The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) collaborates with states, communities, and partners in the disability network to equip 

individuals with disabilities of all ages with opportunities, tools, and supports to lead lives of their choice in their community. Under 

the provisions established through various authorizing statutes, AoD seeks to improve opportunities for people with disabilities to 

access quality community services and supports, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and experience equality, equity, and inclusion in 

all facets of community life (ACL, 2023b). Eight projects from all three AoD offices are summarized below. 

• Study Purpose: To build evaluation capacity and competencies so that staff 

from State/Territory Councils on Developmental Disabilities are able to engage 

in continuous quality improvements, data-driven decision making, and 

communicate the impact of their Council.

• Methods: Surveys of State/Territory Councils on Developmental Disabilities 

staff. 

Building Utilization-Focused 

Developmental Disabilities Impact 

Evaluation Skills (BUDDIES) Project

2022–Present

Addresses Priorities 1 & 6

• Study Purpose: To (1) gain an increased understanding of service needs of 

Americans with disabilities, (2) improve cultural competence in regard to the 

needs of specific tribal organizations targeted by Centers for Independent Living 

(CILs), and (3) capture lessons learned and best practices for outreach and 

service delivery to American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities, a 

traditionally underserved population.

• Methods: Mixed methods. 

Native American Indian Independent Living 

Demonstration (NAILD) program

2016–2022

Addresses Priority 5

Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Programs 

Office of Independent Living Programs

Administration on Disabilities
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 13

• Study Purpose: To investigate the determinants of public spending for 

intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services in the United States. 

• Methods: Quantitative analysis of data on the state of supports and services in 

the United States, including data on community services and supports, public 

and private institutions, fiscal efforts in states, and demand for services and 

supports.

The State of the States in Developmental 

Disabilities

1982–Present 

Addresses Priorities 3, 5, & 6

• Study Purpose: To describe day and employment services for individuals with 

developmental disabilities and contribute to an understanding of the factors 

that influence employment at the individual, service provider, and state levels.

• Methods: Longitudinal data collection from state I/DD agencies, the vocational 

rehabilitation system, and community organizations providing employment 

support to people with I/DD. 

Access to Integrated Employment: 

National Data Collection on Day and 

Employment Services for Citizens with 

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

1988–Present

Addresses Priority 6

• Study Purpose: To gather, maintain, and analyze longitudinal data on Medicaidfunded residential and in-home supports for people with I/DD.

• Methods: Annual surveys of state I/DD agencies and state-operated I/DD 

facilities serving 16 or more people.

Residential Information Systems Project 

(RISP)

1977–Present

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6

• Study Purpose: To conduct an evaluability assessment of the Community 

Collaboration for Employment (CCE) grants through the Projects of National 

Significance Program.

• Methods: Interviews with ACL staff, Disability Employment Technical Assistance 

Center team, CCE grantees (only eight); review of grantee logic models and 

summary reports and applications to ACL.

Community Collaboration for Employment 

Program Evaluability Study

2022-Present

Addresses Priority 2

Office of Disability Services Innovations
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 14

• Study Purpose: To conduct a cross-site evaluation of eight grantees from two 

cohorts where each grantee designed one or more models integrating 

community monitoring and capacity building with the goal of enhancing health, 

safety, integration, and independence of individuals with I/DD living in the 

community. 

• Methods: Site visits; biannual reports; interviews.

Living Well Evaluation

2018–2022 

Addresses Priorities 2 & 5

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To conduct a process evaluation of the NPRC and an outcome 

evaluation to assess whether the NPRC has (1) improved health and quality of 

life for individuals with paralysis of all ages, their families, and their support 

systems; and (2) increased awareness of services, access to services, 

empowerment, confidence, independence, support system strength, and 

community living opportunities for individuals living with paralysis.

• Methods: Development of a performance monitoring tool to track outputs; 

interviews with NPRC staff; focus groups; web surveys of program participants. 

Evaluation of the National Paralysis 

Resource Center (NPRC) and Performance 

Management Support

2022–Present

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: CPE
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 15

The Center for Innovation and Partnership (CIP) oversees the administration of programs and initiatives that serve both older adults 

and people with disabilities, including consumer access and protection programs. This includes the State Health Insurance Assistance 

Program, grants to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to low-income subsidies, and the State No Wrong Door System program 

for access to long-term services and supports (ACL, 2023c). Eight projects from two of the three CIP offices are summarized below. 

• Study Purpose: To gain better understanding of the most efficient and 

effective methods to reach the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program’s target 

audience via outreach and media activities to prevent Medicare fraud.

• Methods: Analysis of SMP Information and Reporting System data, review of 

Office of Inspector General SMP reports and literature, and subject matter 

expert interviews.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL shared American Community Survey 

(ACS) How-To Guide with SMP grantees.

SMP Outreach

2020–2021

Addresses Priorities 1 & 2

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To evaluate the MIPPA program by examining the program’s 

current state, determining equity within the benefit enrollment centers (which 

account for 15%–20% of total program funding), assessing equity within the 

entire program, and defining the program’s future state.

• Methods: Stakeholder interviews; analysis of National Council on Aging data, 

ACS census data, and 2019 Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services enrollment 

data.

MIPPA Evaluation

2020–Present

Addresses Priorities 1 & 3

ACL Center Partners: CPE

Center for Innovation and Partnership

Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 16

• Study Purpose: To estimate the gap between likely eligibility and enrollment in 

the Low Income Subsidy program so that SHIP and MIPPA funding for the states 

is distributed in proportion to state needs. 

• Methods: An environmental scan of studies and other resources on estimating 

eligibility for a variety of entitlement programs and analysis of data from 

multiple sources including ACL data on SHIP outreach; survey and 

administrative data; state-, territory-, and county-level Medicare enrollment 

data; and ACS data.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL is using results for a more accurate 

computation of its program funding formulas.

SHIP and MIPPA Low-Income Population 

Estimation Model

2021–2022

Addresses Priority 6

ACL Center Partners: CPE

• Study Purpose: To conduct a set of analyses to research the association of 

state-level No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems, nursing facility admission rates, and 

overall health care costs to Medicaid and Medicare programs.

• Methods: Data collection and analysis of core outcome measures. Data and 

measures are identified and collected by participating grantee states.

Developing a Business Case for the No 

Wrong Door System

2019–Present 

Addresses Priority 1

• Study Purpose: To summarize three surveys regarding transition activities at 

CILs that included CILs as key respondents. 

• Methods: Analysis of the Collaborative on Health Reform and Independent 

Living Survey (2020), ACL Care Transitions Technical Assistance Team Survey 

(March 2021), and ACL Housing Team Survey (August 2021).

An Analysis of Transition Activities among 

Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

2020–2021

Addresses Priorities 2, 4, & 5

ACL Center Partners: AoD

Office of Network Advancement
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 17

• Study Purpose: To administer a survey to help expand the broader goals of the 

Social Care Referrals Challenge, achieving holistic health and social supports 

through inventive technology approaches. The answers to this survey also 

informed criteria and the remaining phases of the Challenge.

• Methods: Teams completed a survey and were scored individually by multiple 

judges and evaluated by an expert panel.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: Considerations were derived from the 

survey for common workflows and data integration to bridge the gap between 

referral vendors, health care partners, and community-based organizations. 

These considerations were incorporated into the Challenge criteria.

Social Care Referrals Challenge Survey

2021

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6

• Study Purpose: To create a document that summarizes and includes language 

from legislation pertaining to the Money Follows the Person (MFP) 

Demonstration.

• Methods: A review of relevant legislation and documents.

• ACL Actions in Response to Project: ACL identified and described the benefits 

that can be achieved through partnerships between the NWD System and the 

MFP Demonstration and strategies for developing partnerships.

Money Follows the Person Demonstration 

Legislation from 2005-2021

2021

Addresses Priority 6

• Study Purpose: To understand the perception and penetration of the NWD 

System and its guiding principles across ACL programs.

• Methods: Key informant interviews conducted with five ACL program staff 

members.

No Wrong Door Strategic Planning Key 

Informant Interviews

2022–Present

Addresses Priorities 3 & 4
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 18

The Center for Policy and Evaluation (CPE) collects and analyzes data on populations and services, develops strategic goals and 

objectives, evaluates the effectiveness of programs, and plans and coordinates the development of policies designed to ensure that 

older Americans and persons with disabilities are able to fully participate in and contribute to an inclusive community life. CPE works 

with colleagues across the agency and HHS on big-picture policy issues that affect multiple centers and programs within ACL (ACL, 

2020). Ten projects from one of the two CPE offices are summarized below. 

• Study Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the Title III programs, maintain 

accountability, and demonstrate the program’s success in achieving legislative 

goals. NSOAAP is composed of six annual surveys of select Title III service 

areas. The survey instruments focus on the consumers’ assessment of service 

quality and outcomes and measure client characteristics.

• Methods: Telephone-based survey conducted each year from May to 

September.

National Survey of Older Americans Act 

Participants

2003–Present

Addresses Priorities 1, 2, 5, & 6

ACL Center Partners: AoA & CRO

• Study Purpose: To (a) learn more about how ACL programs focused on older 

adults use volunteers; (b) identify promising practices/recommendations for 

effective use of volunteers; (c) estimate the economic value of volunteerism to 

several programs identified by ACL; and (d) develop a plan for future data 

collection activities and modeling/analysis strategies to refine the estimate of 

economic value and cost of volunteer labor for ACL programs.

• Methods: Analysis of OAA Title III and Title VII State Performance Report data, 

OAA Title VII National Ombudsman Reporting System data, and SHIP data; 

interviews with ACL staff, grantee programs, and volunteers. 

ACL Volunteerism Study

2020–2022 

Addresses Priorities 2, 5, & 6

ACL Center Partners: AoA, CIP, & CRO

Center for Policy and Evaluation

Office of Performance and Evaluation
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 19

• Study Purpose: To evaluate the fidelity with which ACL and its grantees under 

the OAA implement the required evidence-based programs.

• Methods: Primary data collection through surveys.

Older Americans Act Fidelity Evaluation

2020–2022

Addresses Priorities 1, 3, & 6

ACL Center Partners: AoA

Confidential

• Study Purpose: To better understand how the aging network programs are 

structured at the state and local levels and their progress toward their goals and 

mission. 

• Methods: Literature review; survey of SUAs, AAAs, and Title VI grantees; nine 

interviews following the survey.

Process Evaluation of the Aging Network 

Structure Including Business Acumen

2020–Present

Addresses Priorities 1, 2, & 4

• Study Purpose: To explore the extent to which ACL grantees employ National 

Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in their service 

delivery processes, particularly their responsiveness to diversity, equity, and 

inclusion priorities, cultural practices, language and communication needs, and 

health literacy. 

• Methods: Environmental scan; ACL staff interviews; interviews with external 

stakeholders and federal partners; survey of grantees; secondary analysis of 

administrative data.

CLAS Standards at ACL

2021–Present

Addresses Priorities 1 & 3

• Study Purpose: To provide ACL with additional insight into home and 

community-based services and OAA services utilization and needs among those 

aging into disability and those aging with a disability. 

• Methods: Analysis of Health and Retirement data; literature review; key 

informant interviews.

Disabilities and HCBS

2021–2022

Addresses Priorities 1 & 6

Confidential
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 20

• Study Purpose: To develop a Center design plan that outlines the possible 

structure, functions, and expectations of the Research, Demonstration, and 

Evaluation Center for the Aging Network established under the 2020 

reauthorization of the OAA.

• Methods: Environmental scan.

Design Project for Research, 

Demonstration, and Evaluation Center

2021–2022

Addresses Priorities 2, 3, & 6

Confidential

• Study Purpose: To review Title VI 2020 COVID supplemental reports to 

summarize and report on COVID spending. 

• Methods: Analysis of 2020 Title VI Grantee COVID Spending, Thematic Analysis 

of 2020 Qualitative PPR Data. 

Title VI 2020 Data Review

2022

Addresses Priority 2

Confidential

• Study Purpose: To examine the health services utilization and stress among 

older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Methods: Secondary data analyses of 2019 MCBS and 2021 NSOAAP.

Health Services Utilization and Stress 

Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 

Pandemic

2022

Addresses Priority 1 Confidential

• Study Purpose: To better understand how the pandemic has disrupted and 

changed the service delivery of six OAA programs and the lives of program 

clients.

• Methods: Analysis of NSOAAP COVID-19 module data. 

NSOAAP Covid Analysis

2022–Present

Addresses Priority 1

ACL Center Partners: AoA & CRO
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 21

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is the federal government’s primary 

disability research organization (ACL, 2023d). Three NIDILRR projects are detailed below. This report does not include NIDILRRfunded work. 

• Study Purpose: To compile all the findings and recommendations from

evaluation reports that have been done in the past to promote improved datadriven decision-making and policy-making and agency and grantee performance.

•Methods: A mixed-methods meta-evaluation structured around two stages: a

review of previously funded NIDILRR reports and qualitative interviews with

NIDILRR staff.

Meta-Analysis of NIDILRR's Evaluation 

Work

2022

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6

• Study Purpose: To track the impact, influence, and quality of NIDLRR’s citation

data over multiple years.

• Methods: Analysis of NIDILRR Annual Performance Reporting database and

analysis of additional citation data from EndNote Google Scholar data using a

search engines results page (SERP API).

Multi-Year Citation Analysis

2022

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6

Office of Research Sciences

National Institute on Disability, 

Independent Living, and Rehabilitation 

Research
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 22

• Study Purpose: To examine NIDILRR’s social media presence to better reach

persons with disabilities and their family members.

• Methods: Analysis of administrative data on NIDILRR grantees and Twitter that

use #NIDILRR in their message.

NIDILRR's Social Media Presence: A Pilot 

Study

2022

Addresses Priorities 5 & 6
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 23

FINDINGS

The data collection revealed important findings about the breadth, depth, 

collaborations, dissemination, and challenges of ACL’s recent selected evaluation, 

performance management, and analysis activities. Between October 2020 and 

September 2022, ACL had 42 priority projects underway across five of its Centers. Of 

those, one project ended in 2020, seven ended in 2021, 20 ended in 2022,

5 and 14

remained ongoing at the end of the reporting period. 

Findings also reveal how ACL’s current activities are supporting its progress in meeting 

its priorities. Most projects (26) addressed multiple priorities. Priority 1 (efficacy and 

effectiveness) was the most commonly addressed priority for projects (22), followed by 

priority 6 (knowledge gaps), which had 21 projects. Fourteen projects addressed priority 

5 (emerging areas from the field) and 13 addressed priority 2 (promotion of aging and 

disability programming). Seven projects addressed priority 3, staff preparation. Priority 

4, collaboration and coordination between aging and disability networks, was the least 

likely to be addressed during the reporting period, with just four activities addressing 

this priority. 

Most projects were done collaboratively. Specifically, 41 of the 42 projects involved

stakeholders in their development and implementation. These stakeholders ranged 

from other ACL Center and Office staff, advisory committees, Tribal governments and 

organizations, grantees, and community program staff, to contractors. The most 

common ACL Center partner was the Center for Policy and Evaluation. 

Eight projects had final reports publicly posted at the time of reporting. One of the final 

datasets has been made publicly available at the time of reporting. 

Although not all projects were met with challenges, ACL staff reported that 16 of their

projects did face challenges. Examples of challenges encountered include delays in 

getting OMB Paperwork Reduction Act approval to collect data. Other project teams 

faced challenges because of delays in processing data use agreements with federal 

partners. The number one challenge reported, however, was the COVID-19 PHE. ACL 

staff reported the PHE required changes to data collection approaches and led to 

inconsistencies in data reported and changes in operations among partners. 

5 These projects ended during the data collection period, meaning project activities were completed before 

October 2022.

Priorities Collaboration Challenges Projects
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 24

CONCLUSION

Findings from this report provide insight into how ACL’s evaluation, performance, and analysis

activities support finding answers to the agency’s priority questions. The findings also provide a 

roadmap for efforts focusing on areas where gaps may exist. For example, the finding that the

priorities on efficacy and effectiveness and knowledge gaps were addressed by many more 

activities than the priority on collaboration and coordination between aging and disability 

networks suggests that future activities may want to include a focus on this priority to balance 

the evidence supporting all the priority areas. 

Another opportunity for growth and collaboration for ACL may be the wider dissemination of 

results. Although many activities were ongoing and had not yet produced a final report, interim 

findings, reports, and datasets were not yet published. ACL may want to consider including

disseminating interim results as a task on future evaluation activities where feasible and 

appropriate. 

Most of the activities undertaken involved stakeholders and engaged aging or disability 

networks, such as grantees (often staffed by people ACL aims to serve) and program 

participants. One example includes AoD’s NAILD program, which was jointly developed by CILs

that are operated by people with disabilities. ACL may wish to consider continuing to include 

older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers as stakeholders in the design or 

implementation of its evaluation activities. 

This report details 42 projects underway across five of ACL’s eight centers between October 

2020 and September 2022. Along with any new evaluation projects undertaken, the 14 that

remained ongoing at the end of the reporting period may be included in the 2023 Biennial 

Report. The findings from this and future Biennial Reports may be used to inform evaluation 

activities, including internal and external collaborations and dissemination. 
ACL Evaluation, Performance, and Analysis Biennial Report: October 2020-September 2022

Final Report 25

REFERENCES 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2017). Administration on Aging. Retrieved from 

https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2020). Center for Policy and Evaluation. Retrieved 

from https://acl.gov/about-acl/center-policy-and-evaluation 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2023a). Older Americans Act. Retrieved from

https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2023b). Administration on Disabilities. Retrieved 

from https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-disabilities 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2023c). Leadership. Retrieved from

https://acl.gov/about-acl/organization/leadership

Administration for Community Living (ACL) (2023d). About the National Institute on Disability, 

Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Retrieved from 

https://acl.gov/about-acl/about-national-institute-disability-independent-living-andrehabilitation-research