**GAO-07-990**                      Published: Sep 17, 2007. Publicly Released: Oct 17, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

In fiscal year 2005, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) obligated $1.2 billion to procure four types of professional and management support services--program management and support, engineering and technical, other professional, and other management support. While contracting for such services can help DHS meet its needs, there is risk associated with contractors closely supporting inherently governmental functions--functions that should be performed only by government employees. This report (1) describes the contracted services, (2) identifies potential risk and the extent to which DHS considered risk when deciding to contract for these services, and (3) assesses DHS's approach to managing and overseeing these services. GAO analyzed 117 judgmentally selected statements of work and 9 cases in detail for contracts awarded in fiscal year 2005 by the Coast Guard, the Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

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## Topics

Homeland Security

AccountabilityContract administrationContract oversightContract performanceFederal procurementFederal procurement policyGovernment contractsHomeland securityProcurement planningProcurement policyProcurement practicesProgram managementRisk managementService contractsStrategic planningGovernment agency oversight