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          - Federal Government Structure              - “The Plum Book”
            - Government Manual
            - Federal Register
            - Government Organizational Chart 
          - Ethics & Accountability              - Government Accountability Office
            - Office of Government Ethics 
          - Transition Overview              - Introduction to the Transition Overview
            - 2016 Transition Activities
            - 2016 Presidential Transition Timeline
            - Agency Transition Directors Council
            - White House Transition Coordinating Council
            - Frequently Asked Questions 
          - Records Management Guidelines              - Introduction to Records Management
            - Federal Records
            - Presidential Records
            - Presidential Records FAQ 
          - External Transition Resources              - External Resources
            - About GSA                - Federal Transition Coordinator
              - GSA’s Role in Presidential Transition
              - GSA’s Presidential Transition Teams 
            - Guiding Legislation 

# Introduction to the Transition Overview

## Introduction to the Transition Overview

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The Transition Overview provides a synopsis of the 2016 Presidential transition process. It outlines the major transition activities and governance structure in order to provide a quick guide of the who, what, and when of the major milestones that occur during a Presidential transition. While this document offers a broad overview, the designated transition lead within each agency is the appropriate contact for agency-specific transition questions.

Transition Overview PDF

The peaceful transfer of power has been a hallmark of American democracy for more than 200 years. Presidential transitions are a time of significant change across the Federal government. President Barack Obama was grateful for the seriousness and thoroughness with which the George W. Bush Administration approached the transition process in 2008. Like his predecessor, President Obama is committed to leaving the federal government in the best possible stead for his successor.

As we prepare for the upcoming Presidential transition we know that, while many Federal employees have experienced one or more Presidential transitions, it will be the first transition for a number of Federal employees. Regardless of whether this transition is your first, or one of many, we hope this overview will help all Federal employees – both career and appointees – better understand and engage in this important process. Federal employees play a critical role in the process, and we look forward to working collaboratively across the Administration to ensure a smooth Presidential transition.

### Transition Overview

                    - Introduction
                    - Transition Activities
                    - Presidential Transition Timeline
                    - Agency Transition Directors Council
                    - White House Transition Coordinating Council
                    - Frequently Asked Questions

                - About GSA
                - Additional External Resources