THE REPORT DISCUSSES THE INFORMATION THE BUREAU USES TO DETERMINE HOW MANY AND WHAT TYPES OF PRISONS ARE NEEDED. NOTWITHSTANDING AN APPARENT NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FACILITIES, THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE BELIEVES IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE PLANNING PROCESS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BUREAU MAINTAIN A RANGE OF ESTIMATES OF EXPECTED POPULATION WITH SPECIFICATION OF THE POSSIBLE VARIATIONS, BOTH HIGH AND LOW, AND THAT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS SHOULD SATISFY THE MINIMUM ESTIMATE OF PROJECTED POPULATION. THE BUREAU IS URGED TO ACQUIRE AND USE MORE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE SECURITY OR CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS OF THE EXISTING INMATE POPULATION AND EXPLAIN ALL FACTORS USED TO PROJECT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNED FACILITIES AND PROJECTED POPULATION. IT IS FINALLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DIRECT THE BUREAU TO MAKE FUTURE SELECTIONS OF FACILITY DESIGNS AFTER DETERMINING LIFE-CYCLE COSTS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)