U.S. Department of State

Strategic Goal 7 - Public Benefit and Summary of Performance and Resources

I. Public Benefit

U.S. Embassy in Berlin. Department of State Image

The Department of State’s commitment to and role in protecting America’s homeland, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, is reflected in a shared vision that includes improved technology and efficiency at ports of entry and in visa processing, more secure travel documents for the 21st century, and smarter screening technology for Government officials to use at home and abroad. In addition, the Department has the responsibility of protecting and providing a wide range of services for U.S. citizens while they are overseas. Approximately five million Americans reside abroad, and Americans make about 40 million trips from the United States every year.

The Department pursues human resource initiatives aimed at building, deploying, and sustaining a knowledgeable, diverse, and high-performing workforce. Through programs such as training to foster foreign language proficiency, public diplomacy expertise, and improved leadership and management skills. The Department of State provides and maintains secure, safe, and functional facilities for its employees in the United States, and overseas for both State employees and those of other agencies. Its diplomatic security programs protect both people and national security information.

II. Summary of Performance and Resources

Of the 26 indicators within this Strategic Goal, eight met or exceeded targets and two were below target. Ratings are not available for 16 indicators that are either new or for which data are not yet available. The Department of State and USAID allocated $10.08 billion toward this Strategic Goal in FY 2009, which is 20% of the total State-USAID budget supporting all strategic goals. A more detailed discussion of the priorities under this Strategic Goal and U.S. Government performance for four illustrative indicators is provided in the following section.

Key Selected Achievements

• Overseas Buildings Operations completed seven major capital construction projects, ten major compound security upgrade projects, and prepared the first Long-Range Overseas Maintenance Plan (submitted in support of the FY 2011 budget). This effort provides secure, safer, and more functional facilities to all employees assigned to overseas missions.
• The Foreign Service Institute expanded distance learning to its global audience by 43%, reaching more Department employees with greater resource efficiency and timeliness.
• The Office of Children’s Issues in the Bureau of Consular Affairs assisted with the successful return of or access to more than 550 children wrongfully taken to or kept in another country.