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BJA NTTAC video urges grantees to assign staff, plan metrics early and use portal templates
Summary
A BJA NTTAC training video recommended grantees designate who collects and enters performance metrics, identify required metrics before activities, use a centralized template—such as the portal Import Tool—and enter data promptly (metrics are required at least semiannually).
A presenter with the BJA National Training and Technical Assistance Center in a guidance video told grant recipients that clear responsibility and early planning make reporting performance metrics easier and more accurate.
The presenter defined performance metrics as "output-focused data that are collected for a particular TTA engagement or deliverable" and said those metrics "are a key component of award activity" that help show BJA what results followed from an award. The video identifies four practical recommendations for collecting, tracking and entering those data in the BJA TTA Reporting Portal.
The first recommendation is to assign responsibility within the organization for collecting and entering performance metrics. The presenter said that responsibility can rest with the person directing the award activity, a centralized staff member, or be split between team members (one collecting data, another entering it) and emphasized that assigning access and ownership helps prevent duplicate efforts.
The second recommendation is to determine which metrics are required before an activity begins. The presenter recommended using the Data Dictionary on the BJA NTTAC website to map an award activity to the appropriate BJA TTARP classification and identify corresponding performance metrics to ensure the needed information is collected.
The third recommendation is to create a central template—such as a tracker or spreadsheet—to gather metric data. The presenter pointed to the Import Tool template on the TTA Reporting Portal as a ready-made example that organizations may use or adapt to their needs and noted that a single centralized tracker reduces the risk of lost or inconsistent data.
The final recommendation is to enter metrics into the TTA Reporting Portal on a regular basis. The presenter stated that performance metrics are "required on at least a semi-annual basis," but advised entering data upon completion of a TTA activity or deliverable when possible because immediate entry "is more likely to result in accurate information." The video also reminded viewers that tutorials, videos and guides are available on the BJA NTTAC website and that BJA Policy Advisors/Grant Managers and the NTTAC team can provide assistance by phone or email.
The presenter closed by encouraging organizations to use the portal resources and to contact BJA staff if they need help implementing the recommendations.
