Computation of Cost-of-Living Allowances for Federal Employees in Nonforeign Areas Could Be More Accurate
FPCD-82-25
Published: Feb 08, 1982. Publicly Released: Feb 08, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the methodology used by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Departments of State and Defense (DOD) to compute cost-of-living allowances (COLA's) for Federal personnel. Concerns have been raised by Federal personnel about the appropriateness of that methodology.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director, OPM, should weight sale prices to reflect the proportion of purchases made at sale and regular prices. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Adoption of the recommendation would entail additional data gathering, and the effect, if any, would probably not be significant.
|
| Office of Personnel Management | The Director, OPM, should require agencies to use a scientific sampling system to make living pattern and housing cost surveys. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Civilian employeesCompensationCost of livingData integrityEvaluation methodsFederal employeesHousing allowancesPricing surveysSubsistence allowancesSurveys