GAO provided information on its Federal Management and Workforce issue area plan for fiscal year 1997.

GAO plans to: (1) identify cost-effective alternatives for downsizing the federal workforce; (2) identify alternatives to the federal government's performance management system; (3) identify options for streamlining the administrative appeals process; (4) examine alternatives to the civil service system; (5) identify ways to improve the integrity and efficiency of federal benefits programs; and (6) identify opportunities for privatizing the U.S. statistical system.