The General Accounting Office examined the problem of attracting and retaining a high-quality information technology (IT) workforce in federal government agencies. The problem was traced to a longstanding lack of effective leadership and management and lack of a strategic approach to marshaling, managing, and maintaining the human capital needed for the government to discharge its responsibilities and delivery on its promises. An analysis of the current state and likely future of the IT field yielded the following findings: (1) rapid changes in IT require a skilled and well-managed workforce; (2) the demand for skilled IT workers remains substantial; (3) agencies are making limited progress in addressing IT human capital issues; and (4) agency reliance on contracted IT services requires improved oversight capabilities. The following actions for addressing IT human capital problems were recommended: (1) assess the knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform IT operations to support agency missions and goals; (2) inventory current IT staff members' knowledge and skills to identify gaps in needed capabilities; (3) develop strategies and implement plans for hiring, training, and professional development to fill identified gaps; and (4) evaluate program and use the evaluation results to continuously improve the organization's human capital strategies. (Contains 34 references.) (MN)