Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability

Who we are

The Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA) is an independent, nonpartisan

legislative office established and governed by 3 M.R.S.A. §§991-1001. With a focus on effectiveness, efficiency,

accountability and economical use of resources, OPEGA conducts independent, evidence-based, objective

reviews of state agencies, programs and activities to support the Legislature’s oversight role monitoring and

improving the performance of state government. Within this context, OPEGA also evaluates program

compliance with laws, regulations, policies and best practices. OPEGA serves, and is overseen by, the

Government Oversight Committee (GOC), which reviews and approves the office’s annual work plan, directs

the office to conduct program evaluations and receives reports produced by the office.

What we do

OPEGA strives to provide timely, informative evaluation reports that are of high value to the Legislature and

that support its oversight responsibilities. OPEGA’s primary functions include:

Performance Audits, Program Evaluations, Tax Expenditure Evaluations

• At the direction of the GOC, conducting independent and objective performance audits, evaluations

and assessments of state agencies, programs and activities, which may also include other entities

receiving public funds administered by the State or expending private monies for public purposes;

• Pursuant to statute, conducting evaluations of tax expenditure programs and economic development

incentives; and

• Producing and presenting final written reports of performance reviews and program evaluations with

detailed findings and results.

Government Oversight Committee Staffing

• Providing direct staffing to the GOC, with OPEGA’s administrative secretary serving as the GOC

committee clerk;

• Coordinating committee meetings, including preparing meeting materials and providing requested

research; and

• Providing thorough, public presentations of OPEGA reports.

Review requests

Legislators can call OPEGA directly at 207-287-1901 to discuss submitting a review request to the GOC or visit

OPEGA’s website at http://mainelegislature.org/opega/ and click on the “Request for a review” link on the

left-hand side of the page.

Publications

OPEGA’s primary publications include:

• Reports and information briefs from OPEGA performance reviews and program evaluations; and

• Annual reports on OPEGA activities and performance.

Prepared by OPEGA (December 2020)

Office of Program Evaluation and Government

Accountability

Mailing Address:

82 State House Station

Telephone:

(207) 287-1901

Augusta, Maine 04333-0082

Physical Location:

Cross Office Building, Room

104/105

Website:

http://legislature.maine.gov/opega