Data Strategy Empowerment: How the Evidence Act Influenced Agencies to Elevate Information as a Key Resource
The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, enacted in 2018, has made significant strides in transforming data management, governance, and evidence-based decision-making across U.S. federal agencies, with its impacts still being felt in 2025.
Progress in Data Management and Governance
Agencies such as the FDIC have operationalized the Act's provisions by establishing enterprise data governance frameworks. These frameworks include controlled, centralized catalogs of data assets and clear data lineage tracking across cloud and on-premises systems, enhancing data stewardship, traceability, and user trust within agencies [2].
The FDIC's Chief Information and Operations Officer (CIOO) has established an Evidence and Data Catalog (EDC) consistent with the Act's mandates, advancing standardized data cataloging policies that support better data management and accessibility [2].
Modernization efforts tied to the Act have led agencies to build robust cloud-based data management and analytics capabilities, enabling real-time data analysis, improved anomaly detection, and preparation for AI adoption [2][4].
Overall, agencies are increasing data sharing with the public timely and incorporating transparent governance approaches for emerging technologies like AI, directly reflecting the Act’s goals to promote data accessibility and operational transparency [2][4].
Progress in Evidence-Based Decision-Making
The Act's influence is seen in agencies embedding evidence standards into federal grantmaking and oversight policies. The White House has noted growing efforts to improve the rigor and reproducibility of federally funded research and to reform grant review processes for better prioritization of impactful projects [3].
There is ongoing emphasis on integrating strong data foundations—including high data quality, cataloging, normalization, privacy compliance, and metadata standards—necessary for reliable evidence generation and AI-driven insights [4].
Agencies are adopting governance frameworks that empower leadership roles, such as chief AI officers, tasked with overseeing risk management and aligning AI adoption with agency missions, which facilitates evidence-driven innovations and operational improvements [4].
Summary
The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act has catalyzed federal agencies to develop centralized, well-governed data infrastructures, improve data transparency, and adopt formalized evidence standards, collectively enhancing decision-making processes. Progress in 2025 highlights strengthened data governance frameworks, operationalization of data catalogs, public data sharing, and tailored leadership to oversee advanced analytics and AI tools—all underpinning a more evidence-driven federal government [2][3][4].
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