Implementation: The Missing Link in Planning Reorganizations
Highlights
The Reorganization Act of 1977 provides the President with broad authority to reorganize Federal agencies. The Act expires in April 1981. In anticipation of the reauthorization proceedings, the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs asked GAO to identify: (1) what systemic problems, if any, new or reorganized agencies have had in obtaining personnel or support services made necessary by the reorganization; (2) how Congress and the executive branch can avoid or alleviate these problems; and (3) what services may be common to the successful implementation of any reorganization and must be routinely provided by the executive branch to effectively and efficiently carry out the transfer. GAO limited its review to four reorganizations involving six agencies.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should require that reorganization plans contain sections on proposed implementation actions for any future legislation granting reorganization authority to the President. These sections should describe (1) the high level interagency task force or other mechanism established to facilitate implementation activities; and (2) actions being taken to assure that, upon congressional approval of the reorganizations, factors such as leadership, staffing, funding, office space, and administrative support functions will be evaluated and planned for so as to expeditiously implement the reorganizations on their effective dates or as soon thereafter as practicable. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The Senate acted on the recommendation but the House did not. |