The commission believes that contracting for the operation of entire facilities, and not just particular programs within them, is an appropriate governmental option. Although noting that there are legitimate concerns about accountability and liability in the private operation of prisons, many of which cannot be conclusively resolved at this time, the commission observes that these matters have not proved to be insurmountable obstacles in jurisdictions where contractual operations exist. The commission proposes that the Federal Bureau of Prisons prepare an analysis of total government costs for an existing Federal correctional institution. This would compare currently contracted Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) detention facilities with those run directly by the INS. Other recommendations are that the Bureau of Prisons and the INS be encouraged and authorized to pursue lease-purchase arrangements for the addition of new facilities and that the Justice Department continue to give high priority to research on private-sector involvement in corrections. 68 notes.