Enrollment in Newest TSP Fund Surpasses Predictions

Overall, the TSP has more than $185 billion in assets and more than 3.6 million participants.

In yesterday's report to the thrift board, officials said the TSP will conduct a survey of participants this year to gauge their retirement-planning needs and their satisfaction with TSP options.

Greg Long , director of product development for the board, said survey results should be available before the end of December.

The board also has hired a consultant for a study, due later this year, to review the investment options offered to participants and to shed light on whether a real estate investment fund would be appropriate.

A House bill would add real estate investment trusts as a category, and Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.), chairman of the House Government Reform Committee and one of the bill's sponsors, recently wrote Amelio to remind him that sponsors expect the consultants to produce an objective report. The Davis letter appears to have been prompted in part by perceptions that the board is resisting the congressional effort to create the new fund.

Andrew M. Saul , the thrift board chairman, noted yesterday that the board had made a commitment to complete the study this year. "The board will weigh in on those findings very heavily," he said.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.