Department of Homeland Security: Ongoing Challenges in Creating an Effective Acquisition Organization

Since it was created in 2003, the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has obligated billions of dollars annually to meet its expansive homeland security mission. The dept¿s. acquisitions support complex and critical trade, transportation, border security, and information tech. investments. In FY 2007, DHS spent over $12 billion on procurements to meet this mission including spending for complex services and major investments. DHS has made some initial progress in developing its acquisition function since 2003, esp. acquisition planning and oversight for procurement and major acquisitions need improvement. This testimony discusses findings in these areas and is based on a body of work on acquisition mgmt. issues. Includes recommend.