In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) cost estimate for a separate pay system and altered work week for civilian fire fighters.

GAO found that: (1) although the proposed legislation would increase hourly salary rates, the change to a 60-hour work week would lower annual salaries; (2) DOD did not consider the effect of work-hour reductions on military personnel also working as fire fighters, or the cost of personnel training and benefits; and (3) the bill would simplify fire fighters' pay scale.