The Management of Demonstration Programs in the Department of Health and Human Services

This report analyzes the management of demonstration programs in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In order to clarify the roles that demonstrations can play in HHS programs and to identify management practices that may enhance the contributions they make to HHS goals, it considers the uses of demonstrations by HHS agencies and the means by which these agencies plan programs; solicit, select, and evaluate performers; implement projects; and disseminate and aid in the use of their results. The most successful programs were characterized by an understanding of the purposes of the program that is shared between the agency and the grantees (or contractors); collaboration and cooperation; and use of networks of state and local policymakers, providers, or interested citizens. Several of the case studies show that it is possible to carry out programs of limited cost and duration that promise large benefits to the nation.