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To better assess program progress and enhance use of evidence, the agency requested the Agency is requesting legislative authority to collect better data from its grantees to be used for internal evaluation purposes. This authority would give the SBA the ability to collect identifiable information on small businesses receiving assistance. [https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/1-FY%202016%20CBJ%20FY%202014%20APR.PDF (FY16 1.3)] Adding program evaluations and similar program assessments to the list of allowable purposes would help the SBA to better understand program effectiveness for small business counseling and training assistance and help use best practices to serve other SBDCs. '''When does the sensitivity of lending data outweigh the potential benefit of the SBA gathering more relevant statistics on their program successes?
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Another problem occurs when there are data reporting problems in organizations affiliated with the SBA. For example, a GAO report on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs could not determine their compliance with SBA spending requirements because most agencies submitted incorrect data. [http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/669651.pdf (GAO 3)] GAO also found problems in collecting and reporting data within Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC), and recommended that the SBA provide guidance on how to collect and report data on their investments in minority, women, and veteran owned businesses. '''How can the SBA give such recommendations to its subsidiary programs when it fails to adequately report its own data?'''
