**GAO-09-29**                      Published: Nov 18, 2008. Publicly Released: Nov 20, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

In fiscal year 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) obligated about $12 billion for acquisitions to support homeland security missions. DHS's major investments include Coast Guard ships and aircraft; border surveillance and screening equipment; nuclear detection equipment; and systems to track finances and human resources. In part to provide insight into the cost, schedule, and performance of these acquisitions, DHS established an investment review process in 2003. However, concerns have been raised about how well the process has been implemented--particularly for large investments. GAO was asked to (1) evaluate DHS's implementation of the investment review process, and (2) assess DHS's integration of the investment review and budget processes to ensure major investments fulfill mission needs. GAO reviewed relevant documents, including those for 57 DHS major investments (investments with a value of at least $50 million)--48 of which required department-level review through the second quarter of fiscal year 2008; and interviewed DHS headquarters and component officials.

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## Topics

Homeland Security

Agency missionsBudget administrationCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisFinancial managementHomeland securityInvestment planningInvestmentsMission budgetingMission essential operationsNeeds assessmentPerformance measuresProcurementProcurement planningProcurement practicesProgram evaluationProgram managementReporting requirementsRisk assessmentRisk managementSchedule slippagesRequirements definitionExecutive agency oversightProgram implementation