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SAMHSA Performance Measures

GPRA Modernization Act of 2010

The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 updated some aspects of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. Federal agencies are required to set long-term goals and objectives as well as specific near-term performance goals.

SAMHSA Performance Measurement Tools

As part of this federal mandate, all SAMHSA programs must collect and report performance data. The Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) describe the data collection and performance measurement process. SAMHSA collects data on key output and outcome measures to monitor and manage grantee performance, improve the quality of services provided, and inform evaluation reports.

Data collected through SAMHSA’s Performance Accountability & Reporting System (SPARS) are used to monitor the progress of SAMHSA’s discretionary grants, serve as a decision-making tool on funding, and improve the quality of services provided through the programs. SPARS provides real-time performance monitoring of SAMHSA’s discretionary grant portfolio and allows SAMHSA to provide timely, accurate information to stakeholders and Congress. The system includes data entry, data validation and verification, data management, data utilization, data analysis support, and automated reporting.

Client-level data are collected from grantees including demographics, ICD10 diagnostic categories, substance use and abuse, mental health and physical health functioning, and other key variables.

SAMHSA will continue to implement the 21st Century Cures Act and make any necessary changes to improve the performance metrics used and to evaluate effectiveness of SAMHSA programs including updating client level data collection tools and modernizing the SPARS data collections system.

SAMHSA GPRA Fact Sheet

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) is a United States law enacted in 1993, one of a series of laws designed to improve government performance management. The GPRA requires agencies to engage in performance management tasks such as setting goals, measuring results, and reporting progress.

Last Updated: 09/05/2025