But reporters at the Pentagon have known for more than a week that officials were preparing a briefing.

The problem has become evident as officials prepare for a second round of base closings.

In the Clinton administration, senior officials prepared elaborate plans to coordinate the government's response to a terrorist attack.

With the briefing room's power now clear, other officials also prepared carefully.

As officials prepare to carry out the study, here are some things they should keep in mind.

Judging from activity in Washington, elected officials and political consultants are already preparing.

Then came a break: the officials were preparing for the high jump, traditionally the closing event of the Games.

But officials are always preparing for the next onslaught of causes.

For five years, officials of the club and the towns have been preparing for the event, the first Open here since 1980.

Senior officials in the interim government are already preparing the security forces to control possible street protests.