Transition Resources: Government
These web sites and reports from the federal government provide information on a variety of matters related to the transition, from general administrative and personnel procedures to recommendations for specific programs and policies. For more policy recommendations provided to the next administration, both during and after the election, see the Reports page.
General Information Sources
2008-2009 Presidential Transition Resources - a transition directory site maintained by GSA and the National Archives
2008 Plum Book - index of all U.S. Government policy and supporting positions, published by the Government Printing Office
USA.gov - more general information and links
Executive Branch
- Transition Site
- Executive Order establishing the Presidential Transition Coordinating Council
- Transition Coordinating Council fact sheet
- Statement by the Secretary - 6 November 2008
- Office of the Secretary - Presidential Transition Guide
- Press Release - 4 November 2008
- The Defense Science Board report "Defense Imperatives for the New Administration" - August 2008
Department of Energy - has a posted a fact sheet that lists its responsibilities and activities during the transition.
Department of Homeland Security
- Statement by the Secretary - 6 November 2008
- Top Ten Challenges Facing the Next Secretary of Homeland Security - 11 September 2008
- Report of the Administration Transition Task Force - January 2008
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - issued a report in October 2008 entited "A National Geospatial Strategy: Recommendations for the 2008-2009 Presidential Transition Team"
Legislative Branch
Congressional Research Service reports to Congress:
- "The President's Office of Science and Technology Policy: Issues for Congress" - 10 November 2008
- "2008-2009 Presidential Transition: National Security Considerations and Options" - 21 April 2008
- "Presidential Transitions" - 11 February 2008
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform - held a hearing on 24 October 2008 entitled "Passing the Baton: Preparing for the Presidential Transition." Information is available at the linked website.
Senate Committee on Government Affairs website for the presidential transition
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- 2009 Congressional and Presidential Transition
- Report: THE UPCOMING TRANSITION: GAO's Efforts to Assist the 111th Congress and the Next Administration" (GAO-08-1153T)
Independent Agencies
National Academy of Sciences - has issued its report on its recommendations for the transition to the next administration entitled "Science and Technology for America's Progress: Ensuring the Best Presidential Appointments in the Next Administration."
Office of Personnel Management - has a dedicated transition website, with detailed information on appointments and staffing
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) - has a transition website, with information on its role in facilitating the transition
