In response to a congressional request, GAO provided statistical information regarding 60 executive branch departments' and agencies' conversions of noncareer appointees to career positions from October 1 through December 31, 1987. GAO also examined the number of career appointments made on the basis of employment: (1) in the Office of the President or Vice President; (2) on the White House staff; and (3) in the legislative or judicial branches.

GAO found that: (1) 44 agencies reported no appointments; (2) 16 agencies reported 46 conversions, with the Department of the Treasury reporting 10, the largest number of conversions; and (3) 34 of the 46 conversions were competitive appointments and 12 were noncompetitive.