; (2) an assessment of communication between the Department of State and such facilities; (3) identification of any areas for improvements and increased efficiencies; and (4) a description of how the Department of State and lockbox facilities are planning to shift responsibilities for processing of documents used in the application system for United States passports under an online passport application system. (c) Additional matters To be included The study required by subsection (a) shall also include a review of the Department of State’s efforts to estimate and adapt to periods of peak demand for passport services, as well as information on any additional topics that the Comptroller General determines are relevant to improving passport operations. 7. Passport operations staffing and passport employee recruitment and retention (a) In general The Secretary of State should brief Congress on the current staffing levels for employees supporting passport operations and make any recommendations regarding the provision of additional compensation to employees that have made outstanding contributions to decreasing backlogs in the processing applications for United States passports. (b) Consultation with congress The Secretary of State should consult with Congress on any additional authorities that may be needed to— (1) provide appropriate incentives and recognition to recruit and retain Department of State employees involved in processing applications for United States passports; and (2) encourage more overtime of such employees until backlogs in processing applications for such passports are reduced.