GAO provided information on its Federal Management and Workforce issue area plan for fiscal years 1997-1998.

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