Federal Downsizing: Observations on Agencies' Implementation of the
Buyout Authority (Testimony, 05/17/95, GAO/T-GGD-95-164).

How have federal agencies used the buyout authority provided under the
Federal Workforce Restructuring Act of 1994? This testimony provides
information on the results of the buyouts, the management strategy used
to implement the buyout authority, the restructuring plans developed by
those agencies that offered buyouts while also being authorized staff
increases, the effects of the workforce reductions on agencies, and
restructuring initiatives at the State Department.  GAO concludes that
the buyout program has helped agencies meet their workforce reduction
goals while reducing the need for costly and disruptive reductions in
force.  Although agency officials described both positive and negative
effects of the buyouts, their full impact will not be apparent for some
time.  Because further cuts in the federal workforce are expected,
adequate strategic and workforce planning will be essential if agencies
with fewer employees are to maintain--and even boost--their productivity
and performance levels.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  T-GGD-95-164
     TITLE:  Federal Downsizing: Observations on Agencies' 
             Implementation of the Buyout Authority
      DATE:  05/17/95
   SUBJECT:  Federal agency reorganization
             Agency missions
             Human resources utilization
             Personnel management
             Employee incentives
             Severance pay
             Federal employees
             Federal employee retirement programs
IDENTIFIER:  National Performance Review
             National Direct Student Loan Program
             
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