What is defined as performance measurements showing what an agency is actually delivering?

The correct answer focuses on the concept of baseline data, often referred to as the baseline (current). This term pertains to quantitative and qualitative measurements that provide a snapshot of an agency's current performance level. By establishing a baseline, agencies can assess what they are delivering at a specific point in time, which serves as a foundation for future comparisons.

Baseline data is critical for identifying trends, improvements, or declines in performance over time. It helps organizations gauge their effectiveness, inform decision-making, and shape future objectives based on tangible evidence of past performance.

In contrast, performance metrics generally refer to specific indicators used to assess the effectiveness of services or operations but may not represent the current state as comprehensively as a baseline does. Service standards typically refer to the expected levels of performance, established to guide operations and set goals but do not inherently measure what is currently being delivered. Older data analysis relates to past data that may not accurately reflect present circumstances, further illustrating why current baseline data is crucial for understanding actual delivery.