About the Center for Policy and Evaluation (CPE)
Elliot Kennedy, Deputy Administrator for Policy and Evaluation
Amanda Cash, Deputy Director
CPE collects and analyzes data on populations and services, develops strategic goals and objectives, evaluates the effectiveness of programs, and plans and coordinates the development of policies designed to ensure older Americans and persons with disabilities are able to fully participate and contribute in an inclusive community life.
This center works with colleagues across the agency and the Department of Health and Human Services on big-picture policy issues that affect multiple centers and programs within ACL.
Office of Legislative Affairs
The Office of Legislative Affairs coordinates the development of legislative proposals, testimony, background statements, and other policy documents in activities related to legislation. In coordination with the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation, analyzes proposed and enacted legislation related directly or indirectly to older people and persons with disabilities, including legislation directly affecting ACL programs. The Office of Legislative Affairs also manages congressional relationships for the agency, including responding to inquiries, and serves as the liaison for oversight engagement with the Government Accountability Organization (GAO) and the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Office of Performance and Evaluation
Amanda Cash, Director
In alignment with the ACL Office of Performance and Evaluation Strategic Vision, the office develops, manages, and executes performance, evaluation and assessment, and research and analysis projects related to the Older Americans Act (OAA) delivery networks and programs.
In support of ACL priorities and OAA requirements, the core efforts of the Office include: collaborating with constituents to develop, pilot, set, and modify performance measures and targets; supporting data reporting systems and related technical assistance; developing and conducting policy-relevant analysis and research; supporting a repository of evidence-based programs and the development of new and innovative programs and approaches via the ACL Innovation Lab; disseminating evaluation and research findings to a variety of audiences through websites, publications, presentations, and other avenues; and maintaining an ACL Performance Strategy and ACL Evaluation Plan.
For information, please visit:
Office of Policy Analysis and Development
The Office of Policy Analysis and Development leads policy development related to community living within ACL by analyzing trends in demographics, service needs, public policy and program development, and translating those trends into new policies, programs, and technical assistance related to long-term services and supports and health care for people with disabilities and older adults. As such, the Office leads and participates in departmental and inter-departmental activities that concern health and long-term care, reviews and comments on departmental regulations and policies regarding health programs, institutional and non-institutional long-term services and supports, and provides technical and policy development input on legislative and budget activities. The Office also conducts relevant policy research, conducts periodic reviews of needs and resources in the fields of aging and disability, and develops policy reports based on the needs and circumstances of older people, their family members and the aging population. Additionally, the Office develops and coordinates initiatives with other federal agencies, national aging and disability organizations, universities, non-profit organizations and private corporations to fill gaps in information in the field of aging and disability, and to contribute to the agency’s policy and program development priorities.
Key policy areas for ACL include:
- Accessible Home and Community-Based Services
- Systems that Support Transitions and Integrated Models of Care
- Comprehensive No-Wrong Door Systems for Accessing Long-Terms Services and Supports
- Person-Centered Planning and Service Delivery
- Integrated and Competitive Employment for People with Disabilities
- Adequate Support for Family Caregivers
- Adequate Supply of Housing to Support Community Living Options
- Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Systems
- Consumer Rights and Protections
- Behavioral Health
- End of Life Care
- Education Policy, including Early Childhood and Youth Transitions Issues
For more information about technical assistance activities and resources related to business acumen, care transitions and integrated models of care, please see the section Strengthening the Aging and Disability Networks.