The best programs learn from their successes and failures. Consequently, each iteration of the Science Collaborative has incorporated mechanisms for learning and improvement into its operations. These efforts assess the program's performance in meeting Reserve System needs and program goals, and enable the Science Collaborative to manage the program adaptively.
We have built a variety of evaluation and adaptation tools into its program activities. The evaluation tools offer snapshots of the program's impact on participant groups at various points in time and have been used to modify program activities such as request for proposal (RFP) and review processes, and project management.
| Evaluation Tool | When Administered | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| RFP feedback surveys and webinars | After each RFP | Funded and unfunded project teams |
| Proposal review process (Collaborative Research, Integrated Assessment, Science Transfer RFPs) | End of review panel each meeting | Panelists |
| Sector consultations through the NERRS Annual Meeting and targeted webinars | Annually | Reserve staff |
| Science Collaborative advisory board meetings | Annually | Advisory board members |
| Research about prior grants | Ongoing | Prior project teams |
| Pre- and post-survey of end users for current projects | Ongoing | End users on current project teams |
| End of project reflection reports | Ongoing | Project teams |
| Interim program evaluation | 2018 | All program participants |