Performance Indicator Reference Sheet

(PIRS)
Guidance & Template

A Mandatory Reference for ADS Chapter 201

New Edition Date: 09/07/2016

Responsible Office: PPL
File Name: 201maf_090716
 A Performance indicator reference sheet (PIRS) is a tool USAID uses to define
performance indicators; it is key to ensuring indicator data quality and consistency.
A PIRS is required for all performance indicators and must be complete within three
months of the start of indicator data collection. When possible, a PIRS should be
complete prior to data collection to ensure the indicator and its data collection
methodology are clearly defined. This is critical to promote data quality. A PIRS must be
consistent across all activities collecting data for the same indicator within a single
Mission or Washington OU. An indicator’s PIRS must be accessible by relevant Mission
or Washington OU staff using that indicator and shared with partners who will be
collecting data for that indicator.

The first part of this document includes a table describing the reference information
required along with an explanation. All fields are required unless specifically noted as
“optional.” The second part of this document provides a blank template to be used to
complete a PIRS for a performance indicator.

Note: Foreign assistance standard indicators are pre-defined and each standard
indicator has a reference sheet associated. The standard foreign assistance indicator
reference sheet does not include all the ADS required fields of information. When
standard indicators are used, all required reference information must be completed in
the PIRS. In addition, information should be added that is specific to the local context
and will aid in data collection.

PIRS Content
Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Name of Indicator The full and complete name of the indicator must be
specified. If the indicator is a foreign assistance
standard indicator, also include the indicator number.
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Name of Result Measured The name of result(s) being measured must be

designated. If the result has a number that
corresponds to a Results Framework or Logic
Model, this number should be included as well (e.g.,
Intermediate Result 2.1: Business Enabling
Environment Improved).
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Is this a PPR Indicator? Y/N Whether the indicator will be reported in the
Performance Plan and Report (PPR) must be
If Yes, note which years the specified. If the indicator has been specified as a PPR
indicator will be reported indicator, then note which years it is expected to be
reported to the PPR and the relevant program
If Yes, link to a foreign objective, area, element, and sub-element of the
assistance framework foreign assistance standardized program structure.

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 Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Precise Definition(s) Indicator definitions must clearly explain all terms and
elements of the indicator to ensure consistent
interpretation and that intended measurements are
reliably collected.

Vague terms (e.g. “effective,” “quality,” “youth,”

“vulnerable”) must be defined. Indicators that pertain
to populations, geographic areas, or scores should
include specified parameters or range. An equation or
description of any calculations required to derive the
data must be included. If the indicator is a percentage
or ratio, there must be a description of the numerator
and denominator.

Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Unit of Measure Unit of measure (e.g., number of hours, percent of

households) must be indicated. Minimum or maximum
values should be included, if applicable. Indicate if the
number is cumulative or specific to the reporting
frequency.

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 Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Data Type Data types should be indicated. Data types

include, but are not limited to the following:

Integer: A whole number having no decimal places

(e.g., number of people trained).

Decimal: Define if the number is expected to have

a decimal and how many decimal places must be
tracked (e.g., average time to export goods along
trade corridor).

Percentage: Both numerator and denominator

must be defined (e.g., percent of learners who
demonstrate reading fluency and comprehension.
Numerator: Number of learners who demonstrate
reading fluency and comprehension.
Denominator: Total number of learners.).

Proportion/Ratio: Both numerator and

denominator must be defined (e.g., Infant
mortality rate.
Numerator: number of deaths of children less than
1 year old. Denominator: 1,000 live births.).

Currency: Must include a conversion to USD rate,

rate source, and date (e.g., price of wheat).
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Disaggregated by List any planned ways of disaggregating the data and

note why this disaggregation is necessary and useful.

Sex: Performance indicators must be

disaggregated by sex when measuring person-
level data.

Geography: It is recommended that indicator data

be disaggregated by a geographic level that is
feasible and useful for management purposes.

Briefly describe why this particular indicator was

Required Reference Information

Rationale for the Indicator

(optional) selected to measure the intended result and how it will
be useful for managing performance. It is
recommended that both a use and user for the
indicator data are identified here.

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 Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Data Source Specific sources of data must be identified. If data are

from third-party sources such as a government
ministry or international organization, include the
location/link to the source. If data are collected by
implementing partners, specify where the partner is
getting the data. It is critical that sources be specific
and detailed to ensure that data collection is
consistent and verification is possible.
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Method of Data Collection Tools, methods, and procedures for collecting raw
and Construction data must be described. Examples include document
review, structured interviews, focus group interviews,
written survey, ledger of patients, etc. If the indicator is
an index or composite indicator, describe the
procedure or formula for construction or calculation.
Include information about who collects the raw data
and where it is stored before it gets to USAID.
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Reporting Frequency How often and when data will be reported to USAID
must be specified. Most common reporting
frequencies are quarterly, semiannual, and annual.

The reporting frequency must be the same for every

instance of the indicator (i.e., individual indicators
being reported by multiple sources must not have
different reporting frequencies). It is recommended
that reporting frequency remain constant throughout
the life of the indicator.
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Individual(s) Responsible Specific staff member(s) directly responsible for the

at USAID data must be identified. It is recommended that the
specific position title be used rather than the
employee’s name (e.g., COR of X contract, or
Environment Project team lead).

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 Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Baseline Timeframe The timeframe (month/year) that will serve as the

baseline value for the indicator must be stated. If
baselines have not been set, identify when and how
this will be done. If it is expected that this indicator
will have a rolling baseline, the dates when the
baselines are expected to take place should be
noted.

Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Rationale for Targets Explain the general basis on which targets are set
(optional) for the indicator (e.g., identify specific trends to
make reasonable projections based on anticipated
level of effort and resources).

Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Dates of Data Quality Dates of each DQA must be indicated as well as

Assessments (DQA) the name of the corresponding USAID staff
and name of reviewer member responsible for the review.

Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Date of Future DQAs Date of future planned DQAs should be indicated.

(optional)

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 Required Reference Definition/Guidance
Information
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Known Data Limitations Any major data limitations must be indicated. Plans
on how to address these limitations should be stated.
Data limitations can be derived from the DQA
summary and include the following indicator quality
issues: Validity, Reliability, Timeliness, Precision,
and Integrity. Any additional limitations should also
be listed.

Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Changes to Indicator Changes to an indicator that substantively affect

indicator reference information must be
documented and justified. This includes, but is not
limited to:

changes to the definition, reporting frequency,

data collection methodology, data construction,
and indicator name.

Documentation must include detailed information

on the changes made, the date the change was
made, and justification.

This space is not the place to note changes in the

indicator actual data.
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

Other Notes Use this space as needed.

(optional)
Required Reference Information Definition/Guidance

This Sheet Last Updated On: MM/DD/YY

To avoid version control problems, type the date of
the most recent revision or update to this reference
sheet.

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 USAID Performance Indicator Reference Sheet
Name of Indicator:
Name of Result Measured (DO, IR, sub-IR, Project Purpose, Project
Outcome, Project Output, etc.):
Is This a Performance Plan and Report Indicator? No Yes
for Reporting Year(s)
If yes, link to foreign assistance framework:
DESCRIPTION
Precise Definition(s):
Unit of Measure:
Data Type:
Disaggregated by:
Rationale for Indicator (optional):
PLAN FOR DATA COLLECTION
Data Source:
Method of Data Collection and Construction:
Reporting Frequency:
Individual(s) Responsible at USAID:
TARGETS AND BASELINE
Baseline Timeframe:

Rationale for Targets (optional):

DATA QUALITY ISSUES
Dates of Previous Data Quality Assessments and Name of
Reviewer(s):
Date of Future Data Quality Assessments (optional):
Known Data Limitations:
CHANGES TO INDICATO R
Changes to Indicator:
Other Notes (optional):
THIS SHEET LAST UPDATED ON: 00/00/0000

201maf_090716