Preliminary Assessment of Foundational Science and Research (FSR)

As part of its five-year Integrated Audit and Evaluation Plan (2019-20 to 2023-24) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Office of Audit and Evaluation (OAE), will be conducting audits and evaluations of the Foundational Science and Research (FSR). FSR accounts for the largest amount of departmental spending, approximately $342-million in 2018-19. With multiple program activities, captured in a single program inventory profile and logic model, current audit and evaluation methodologies may not be sufficiently agile to provide timely, relevant information for senior management. 

The purpose of the Preliminary Assessment is to break down FSR into manageable engagements, considering AAFC priorities and risks, to effectively audit and evaluate the Program. The scope of the assessment includes:

Defining the activities of FSR and how they align with overall AAFC strategic outcomes.

Process mapping of FSR initiatives, as appropriate.

Defining an approach to auditing and evaluating the Program, including identifying opportunities for joint audit and evaluation engagements.

Developing a standard methodology and common output for audit and evaluation engagements.

Recommending a methodology to conduct trend analysis across programs and activities, where appropriate.

Developing evaluation strategies for 3-4 evaluation projects, based on discussions with OAE once all activities have been defined.

Proposing 2-3 audit projects, with preliminary plans, based on discussions with OAE, after all activities have been defined.