Commerce Dismantlement: Observations on Proposed Implementation Mechanism
(Testimony, 09/06/95, GAO/T-GGD-95-233).

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO discussed the proposed Commerce
Programs Resolution Agency (CPRA) that would be created under the
proposed Commerce Dismantling Act. GAO noted that: (1) the Commerce
Dismantling Act, one of several proposals to abolish or reorganize the
Department of Commerce, would create CPRA to administer Commerce's
affairs; (2) few precedents exist for dismantling a Cabinet-level
federal agency, but agency reorganizations under the Reorganization Act
of 1977 share some characteristics with CPRA; and (3) CPRA is focused on
dismantling Commerce over 2 1/2 years, but the current budget
environment and other reorganization proposals call for a continuing
capacity to guide reorganizations and downsizing. In addition, GAO noted
that as Congress continues to deliberate the provisions of the Commerce
Dismantling Act, it may wish to consider such issues as the: (1) need
for additional implementation planning; (2) tight deadline CPRA would
face; (3) suitability of CPRA staff for some CPRA responsibilities; (4)
possibility of CPRA exemptions from certain statutes and additional
guidance on asset sales; (5) challenges posed by funding limitations;
(6) loss of the inspector general function; (7) assignment of
termination responsibilities; and (8) mandate for GAO reports.

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

 REPORTNUM:  T-GGD-95-233
     TITLE:  Commerce Dismantlement: Observations on Proposed 
             Implementation Mechanism
      DATE:  09/06/95
   SUBJECT:  Federal agency reorganization
             Proposed legislation
             Strategic planning
             Agency missions
             Personnel management
             Reporting requirements
             Inspectors General
             Census
IDENTIFIER:  Dept. of Commerce Dismantling Act
             
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