In a later report to Congress, the department acknowledged "several possible risk factors."

Department of Education officials acknowledged yesterday that there had been problems, and said plans were under way to change the system.

"The department acknowledged the abuse, tried to address it and believed that they had," he said.

The report said the department had acknowledged that this was a technically high-risk project.

The department acknowledges that it needs to do more.

Early in 2000, the department acknowledged for the first time that workers had been made sick or died because of their occupational exposures.

The department acknowledges the investigation, but will not say when it will be completed.

Many departments, particularly in smaller communities, acknowledge using them.

The department acknowledges that these people cannot possibly review every plan, and urges participants to be their own auditors.

Most departments now acknowledge the need to deal credibly with civilian complaints.