Federal agencies begin to name transition liaisons

As George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore continue to sound out potential appointees to their respective administrations, federal agencies are in the process of preparing for the next President's transition team.

In a Nov. 22 memo to heads of executive departments and agencies, White House Chief of Staff John Podesta asked agencies to provide transition teams with information on internal agency goings-on as well as business the agency has with its stakeholders and Congress.

The White House also asked federal agencies to appoint transition coordinators in time for a Nov. 27 Cabinet meeting with the President, but so far many have neglected to do so. At least nine agencies have not yet appointed a designee. Another eight agencies, the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor and Treasury as well as the Social Security Administration, did not return phone inquiries .

Here's a look at the largest federal agencies and who they've appointed to lead the transition, if they've appointed anyone at all. GovExec.com will update this list as designees are named.