Evidence Capacity Pulse Report: March 19, 2025

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Introduction

The Data Foundation has worked with a bipartisan cohort of policymakers over the past decade to build and strengthen America's evidence infrastructure. Alongside a cohort of professional associations, business partners, non-profit organizations, and public sector peers, our non-partisan efforts supported implementation of key legislation including the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act), Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act), GREAT Act, OPEN Government Data Act, Financial Data Transparency Act, Census Act, Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA), Privacy Act, Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA), and many others. Throughout this work, we have consistently promoted open data for the American people and businesses, as well as evidence-informed decision-making across society.

Recently, the Data Foundation launched SAFE-Track (Secure Anonymous Federal Evidence, Data and Analysis Tracking) to systematically understand changes affecting federal evidence and data activities. This report combines information gathered through confidential SAFE-Track submissions, Data Foundation research, and engagement with our community. After several weeks of operation, concerning patterns are emerging that suggest significant disruptions to America's evidence-building capacity in both public and private sectors.

Our approach recognizes that a cohesive evidence ecosystem requires multiple interconnected components: statistical agencies that produce foundational data, Chief Data Officers who implement data governance and strategy, evaluation professionals who assess program effectiveness, and researchers who analyze policies and outcomes. Changes to any part of this ecosystem can affect the whole system's ability to provide reliable information for decision-making.

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