Homeland Security Acquisitions
Coast Guard Cutter
Source: U.S. Coast Guard.
DHS has faced significant challenges in developing an effective acquisition organization that satisfies its mission needs and provides needed support to its component agencies; program offices that have been tasked with managing large-scale, mission-critical acquisitions have long been challenged in making sure that cost-effective solutions are delivered on time and within budget. As a result, the department has not been successful in acquiring and deploying key investments designed to protect the homeland. GAO's work has highlighted the need for the department to strengthen its oversight of contractors, better manage the relationships and dependencies among related programs, and adhere to more rigorous management review and key acquisition management processes, such as requirements management, test management, and cost and schedule estimating, for a range of its acquisitions. GAO's work has also identified concerns with the adequacy of the department's acquisition workforce to manage its complex and varied procurement needs. Key challenges include the following:
- DHS has not effectively managed the technology component of its Secure Border Initiative, a multiyear, multibillion-dollar program to secure the nation's borders. In managing this technology component, known as SBInet, DHS has not effectively managed system requirements or testing. Moreover, the scope and timing of SBInet capabilities to be deployed have continued to change and remain unclear.
Highlights of GAO-08-1148T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1164T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1086 (PDF)
- Although DHS has partially defined a strategic solution for meeting program goals, the department has not yet implemented an exit capability for the US-VISIT program—a program to use biometric and biographic information to control and monitor pre-entry, entry, status, and exit of foreign visitors at more than 300 ports of entry. In addition, DHS has not adequately defined, justified, or coordinated a strategic solution to enhance already deployed entry capabilities.
Highlights of GAO-08-361 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-1065 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-632T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-499T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-278 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-248 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-404 (PDF)
- The Coast Guard has taken steps to strengthen its management of the Deepwater Program—the multiyear, multibillion dollar program to modernize its fleet—but continues to face challenges. While the Coast Guard has addressed its over–reliance on a contractor as systems integrator—by taking on many of the systems integrator functions itself, reducing the scope of work on contract, and implementing a more disciplined acquisition process—analysis and documentation of key acquisition activated have not yet been performed for certain assets. In addition, as the Coast Guard performs new estimates of the resources needed to complete its acquisition it is becoming apparent that the cost of some assets may exceed the program’s 2007 baseline unless trade–offs are made. Finally, while the Coast Guard continues to have gaps in its acquisition workforce, it has made progress in identifying and mitigating challenges in managing that workforce.
Highlights of GAO-09-620T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-745 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-270R (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-531T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-874 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-05-757 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-04-380 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-09-682 (PDF)
- Although radiation detection portal monitors are key in combating nuclear smuggling, DHS has not provided Congress with the full scope or cost estimate for the program.
Highlights of GAO-08-1108R (PDF)
- Despite significant problems encountered in developing and implementing Secure Flight—a program to assume from air carriers the function of matching passenger information against terrorist watch-list records—TSA has instilled much more disciple and rigor into the program's development. However, challenges remain that may hinder the program's progress, including unreliable cost and schedule estimates, incomplete performance testing, and limited definition and testing of security requirements.
Highlights of GAO-08-1024T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-456T (PDF)
- DHS has not adequately defined and effectively implemented key practices for managing its investments, including its process for reviewing and selecting among competing projects, ensuring that investments are aligned with the department's corporate blueprint for systems modernization, controlling investments throughout their life cycles, and evaluating the outcomes of acquisition methods and contracts.
Highlights of GAO-09-29 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1164T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-263 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-990 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-564 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-424 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-996 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-598T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-05-179 (PDF)
- While DHS has taken initial steps needed to develop an acquisition workforce, much work remains to fill critical positions with qualified, trained acquisition professionals.
Highlights of GAO-09-30 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1164T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-996 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-05-179 (PDF)
- DHS needs to strengthen the acquisition of SBInet to include assessing and disclosing acquisition, development, testing, and deployment risks; establishing and baselining specific program commitments; and implementing key requirements development and test management practices.
Highlights of GAO-08-1086 (PDF)
- DHS needs to define, justify, and coordinate its future investment in US-VISIT capabilities, including a proposed exit capability, and implement effective management controls for acquiring and investing in these capabilities.
Highlights of GAO-08-361 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-1065 (PDF)
- While the Coast Guard has restructured and increased accountability for its Deepwater program, it must ensure that it effectively implements its more disciplined acquisition approach and that it develops an adequate acquisition workforce to manage the program
Highlights of GAO-08-745 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-531T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-874 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-09-682 (PDF)
- DHS needs to revise cost estimates to reflect the monitors' design and development, sustainment, maintenance, deployment, and procurement needs and plans.
Highlights of GAO-08-1108R (PDF)
- TSA needs to ensure that its cost and schedule estimates are consistent with best practices, appropriately plan for system end-to-end testing, and ensure that information-security requirements are fully implemented and tested for the Secure Flight program.
Highlights of GAO-08-1024T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-456T (PDF)
- DHS should routinely assess requirements for major, complex investments to ensure they are well-defined; develop measurable standards linked to these requirements; and, at a departmentwide level, systematically evaluate the outcomes of major investments and relevant contracting methods.
Highlights of GAO-08-263 (PDF)
- DHS needs strategic-level guidance for determining the appropriate mix of government and contractor employees to meet mission needs; assess the risk of using contractors for services as part of the acquisition-planning process; and define contract requirements to clearly describe roles, responsibilities, and limitations of contractors performing such services as part of the acquisition-planning process.
Highlights of GAO-07-990 (PDF)
- DHS needs to define and implement effective investment management processes and practices for both individual programs and projects and for portfolios of programs and projects, and it needs to fully define an enterprise architecture (corporate blueprint) for achieving DHS mission priorities and ensure that each investment aligns to this blueprint.
Highlights of GAO-07-424 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-564 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-598T (PDF)
- Coast Guard: As Deepwater Systems Integrator, Coast Guard Is Reassessing Costs and Capabilities but Lags in Applying Its Disciplined Acquisition Approach
- GAO-09-682, July 14, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Update on Deepwater Program Management, Cost, and Acquisition Workforce
- GAO-09-620T, April 22, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security: A Strategic Approach Is Needed to Better Ensure the Acquisition Workforce Can Meet Mission Needs
- GAO-09-30, November 19, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 46 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Billions Invested in Major Programs Lack Appropriate Oversight
- GAO-09-29, November 18, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Significant Risks in Delivering Key Technology Investment
- GAO-08-1086, September 22, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Progress and Continuing Concerns with Acquisition Management
- GAO-08-1164T, September 17, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security: Better Planning and Assessment Needed to Improve Outcomes for Complex Service Acquisitions
- GAO-08-263, April 22, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Strategic Solution for US-VISIT Program Needs to Be Better Defined, Justified, and Coordinated
- GAO-08-361, February 29, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 65 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
More Reports
- Coast Guard: As Deepwater Systems Integrator, Coast Guard Is Reassessing Costs and Capabilities but Lags in Applying Its Disciplined Acquisition Approach
- GAO-09-682, July 14, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Update on Deepwater Program Management, Cost, and Acquisition Workforce
- GAO-09-620T, April 22, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Observations on Changes to Management and Oversight of the Deepwater Program
- GAO-09-462T, March 24, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 12 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program Planning and Execution Improvements Needed
- GAO-09-96, December 12, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 139 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: A Strategic Approach Is Needed to Better Ensure the Acquisition Workforce Can Meet Mission Needs
- GAO-09-30, November 19, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 46 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Billions Invested in Major Programs Lack Appropriate Oversight
- GAO-09-29, November 18, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Management Improvements Needed on the Department of Homeland Security's Next Generation Information Sharing System
- GAO-09-40, October 8, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 58 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Improvements Could Further Enhance Ability to Acquire Innovative Technologies Using Other Transaction Authority
- GAO-08-1088, September 23, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 29 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Significant Risks in Delivering Key Technology Investment
- GAO-08-1086, September 22, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Progress and Continuing Concerns with Acquisition Management
- GAO-08-1164T, September 17, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Change in Course Improves Deepwater Management and Oversight, but Outcome Still Uncertain
- GAO-08-745, June 24, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 51 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- National Flood Insurance Program: Financial Challenges Underscore Need for Improved Oversight of Mitigation Programs and Key Contracts
- GAO-08-437, June 16, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 94 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Better Planning and Oversight Needed to Improve Complex Service Acquisition Outcomes
- GAO-08-765T, May 8, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security: Better Planning and Assessment Needed to Improve Outcomes for Complex Service Acquisitions
- GAO-08-263, April 22, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Status of Selected Aspects of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program
- GAO-08-270R, March 11, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text
- Information Technology: Improvements for Acquisition of Customs Trade Processing System Continue, but Further Efforts Needed to Avoid More Cost and Schedule Shortfalls
- GAO-08-46, October 25, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 123 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Risk Assessment and Enhanced Oversight Needed to Manage Reliance on Contractors
- GAO-08-142T, October 17, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 18 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security: Improved Assessment and Oversight Needed to Manage Risk of Contracting for Selected Services
- GAO-07-990, September 17, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 44 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program's Long-standing Lack of Strategic Direction and Management Controls Needs to Be Addressed
- GAO-07-1065, August 31, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 167 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Challenges Affecting Deepwater Asset Deployment and Management and Efforts to Address Them
- GAO-07-874, June 18, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 82 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security: Progress and Challenges in Implementing the Department's Acquisition Oversight Plan
- GAO-07-900, June 13, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Department of Homeland Security: Ongoing Challenges in Creating an Effective Acquisition Organization
- GAO-07-948T, June 7, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 15 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security
- GAO-07-833T, May 10, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text
- Information Technology: DHS Needs to Fully Define and Implement Policies and Procedures for Effectively Managing Investments
- GAO-07-424, April 27, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Immigration and Customs Enforcement Needs to Fully Address Significant Infrastructure Modernization Program Management Weaknesses
- GAO-07-565, April 27, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 71 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Observations on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, Performance, Reorganization, and Related Challenges
- GAO-07-489T, April 18, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Status of Efforts to Improve Deepwater Program Management and Address Operational Challenges
- GAO-07-575T, March 8, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 31 pages) Accessible Text
- Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Planning and Management Improvements Needed to Control Risks
- GAO-07-504T, February 27, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 19 pages) Accessible Text
- Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Expenditure Plan Needs to Better Support Oversight and Accountability
- GAO-07-309, February 15, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 69 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Planned Expenditures for U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Need to Be Adequately Defined and Justified
- GAO-07-278, February 14, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 143 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Coast Guard Efforts to Improve Management and Address Operational Challenges in the Deepwater Program
- GAO-07-460T, February 14, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Observations on the Department of Homeland Security's Acquisition Organization and on the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program
- GAO-07-453T, February 8, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security
- GAO-07-452T, February 7, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 36 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security
- GAO-07-398T, February 6, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 36 pages) Accessible Text
- Purchase Cards: Control Weaknesses Leave DHS Highly Vulnerable to Fraudulent, Improper, and Abusive Activity
- GAO-06-1117, September 28, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 63 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Interagency Contracting: Improved Guidance, Planning, and Oversight Would Enable the Department of Homeland Security to Address Risks
- GAO-06-996, September 27, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 37 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Immigration and Customs Enforcement Is Beginning to Address Infrastructure Modernization Program Weaknesses but Key Improvements Still Needed
- GAO-06-823, July 27, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 78 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Challenges in Creating an Effective Acquisition Organization
- GAO-06-1012T, July 27, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text
- Purchase Cards: Control Weaknesses Leave DHS Highly Vulnerable to Fraudulent, Improper, and Abusive Activity
- GAO-06-957T, July 19, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text
- Department of Homeland Security's Use of Special Streamlined Acquisition Authorities in Section 833 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
- GAO-06-783R, June 20, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 5 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Observations on Agency Performance, Operations and Future Challenges
- GAO-06-448T, June 15, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 42 pages) Accessible Text
- Information Technology: Customs Has Made Progress on Automated Commercial Environment System, but It Faces Long-Standing Management Challenges and New Risks
- GAO-06-580, May 31, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 155 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- United States Coast Guard: Improvements Needed in Management and Oversight of Rescue System Acquisition
- GAO-06-623, May 31, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 58 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Changes to Deepwater Plan Appear Sound, and Program Management Has Improved, but Continued Monitoring Is Warranted
- GAO-06-546, April 28, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 51 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Progress Continues, but Challenges Remain on Department's Management of Information Technology
- GAO-06-598T, March 29, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text
- Information Technology: Management Improvements Needed on Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Infrastructure Modernization Program
- GAO-05-805, September 7, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 67 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Progress Being Made on Addressing Deepwater Legacy Asset Condition Issues and Program Management, but Acquisition Challenges Remain
- GAO-05-757, July 22, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 65 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Preliminary Observations on the Condition of Deepwater Legacy Assets and Acquisition Management Challenges
- GAO-05-651T, June 21, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 32 pages) Accessible Text
- Coast Guard: Preliminary Observations on the Condition of Deepwater Legacy Assets and Acquisition Management Challenges
- GAO-05-307T, April 20, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 29 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Overview of Department of Homeland Security Management Challenges
- GAO-05-573T, April 20, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Security: Successes and Challenges in DHS's Efforts to Create an Effective Acquisition Organization
- GAO-05-179, March 29, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 46 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Customs Automated Commercial Environment Program Progressing, but Need for Management Improvements Continues
- GAO-05-267, March 14, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 128 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Further Action Needed to Promote Successful Use of Special DHS Acquisition Authority
- GAO-05-136, December 15, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Coast Guard: Deepwater Program Acquisition Schedule Update Needed
- GAO-04-695, June 14, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Early Releases of Customs Trade System Operating, but Pattern of Cost and Schedule Problems Needs to Be Addressed
- GAO-04-719, May 14, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 113 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Agencies' Use of Procurement Flexibilities Provided in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296)
- GAO-04-447R, March 31, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 3 pages) Accessible Text
- Contract Management: Coast Guard's Deepwater Program Needs Increased Attention to Management and Contractor Oversight
- GAO-04-380, March 9, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)