Number: RL33777
Title: Privatization and the Federal Government:: An Introduction
Authors: Kevin R. Kosar, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: This report is an introduction to privatization in the federal governmental context. It discusses the emergence of privatization on the federal policy agenda in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This report also supplies a typology of the various means through which federal agencies and activities have been privatized. Next, the report explains the distinction between privatization and marketization, an alternative to privatization, which is "the structuring of a government agency so that it provides goods and services in the efficient manner of a private firm." Finally, the report notes that, whenever policymakers consider privatizing a federal agency or activity, a fundamental issue arises - "Which activities are essential to the state and should remain directly accountable to the elected representatives of the people and which may be carried out by the private sector?"
Pages: 33
Date: April 23, 2007