Presidential Transitions and Management Leadership

GAO discussed presidential transitions, focusing on: (1) financing and support for presidential transitions; (2) new leadership's attention to management issues; and (3) management infrastructure. GAO believes that Congress should: (1) continue the established practice of supporting a substantial portion of transition expenses with public funds; (2) provide for automatic adjustments in funding in light of economic conditions; and (3) consider that the traditional use of private funding and support for transition efforts will likely continue. GAO noted that, to improve their management capabilities, agencies require: (1) sustained leadership; (2) significant improvement in recruiting for the federal work force; and (3) effective transition personnel.