Major Management Challenges at the Department of Homeland Security

The implementation and transformation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains high risk. DHS was designated high risk in 2003 for three reasons: (1) DHS faced enormous challenges in implementing an effective transformation process, developing partnerships, and building management capacity because it had to transform 22 agencies into one department; (2) DHS faced a broad array of operational and management challenges that it inherited from its component legacy agencies; and (3) DHS's failure to effectively address its management challenges and program risks could have serious consequences for our national security. Overall, DHS has made some progress, but significant challenges remain to concurrently transform DHS into a more effective organization with robust planning, management, and operations while maintaining and improving readiness for its highly critical mission to secure the homeland. Additional information on implementing and transforming the DHS can be found in High Risk Series: An Update ( GAO-05-207 ).

DHS continues to face challenges in implementing an effective transformation process, developing partnerships, and building management capacity. Since DHS's inception in March 2003, its leadership has provided a foundation to maintain critical operations while concurrently trying to implement an effective transformation . DHS has worked to protect the homeland and secure transportation and borders, and funded emergency preparedness improvements while issuing its first strategic plan. However, in managing its transformation, DHS must overcome a number of significant challenges that as yet are not adequately addressed. For example, annual goals and time frames are vague or missing, and the capacity to achieve them is uncertain. Performance measures and plans to monitor, assess, and independently evaluate the effectiveness of corrective measures are not fully developed. Also, DHS has not completed legislatively mandated risk assessments to set priorities to help focus its limited resources where most needed ( Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 201(d)(1)-(3), 6 U.S.C. § 121(d)(1)-(3) (Supp. II 2000).) Moreover, given these challenges to achieve departmentwide transformation, DHS needs sustained leadership and a strategy that incorporates accountability and oversight to succeed in its multiyear transformation efforts.

DHS cannot achieve its mission alone. Developing effective partnerships with other agencies and private entities is central to achieving its mission. DHS has begun to form necessary partnerships with other agencies and undertaken a number of efforts with private entities. Key partnering efforts, however, are still evolving. Current partnering does not provide timely and specific threat information, and DHS has not provided sufficient guidance to other government agencies for developing continuity-of-operations plans in case of an adverse event. GAO has recommended that DHS partner with external entities, such as other federal departments and agencies, and state and local agencies to (1) enhance program performance in such areas as coordinating transportation security, (2) identify and address gaps in emergency preparedness, and (3) develop a coordinated strategic plan to establish goals and priorities for enhancing first responder capacities. GAO has also recommended that DHS partner to enhance research and development and to develop training. In addition, GAO has recommended that DHS components prepare detailed guidance on crosscutting integration issues that affect operational readiness.

DHS also must follow through on its initial actions in building management capacity .

•  DHS must continue to strengthen internal controls and address material weaknesses in its financial systems . DHS components are developing and implementing action plans to address financial weaknesses. DHS is acquiring an integrated financial enterprise solution, and the Congress made DHS subject to the Chief Financial Officers Act effective fiscal year 2005. However, DHS experienced a setback in its financial reporting in fiscal year 2004 when the number of material weaknesses increased from 7 to 10. DHS needs to establish an effective financial environment to address its outstanding financial weaknesses and to obtain a clean audit opinion. GAO has recommended that DHS continue to maintain strong involvement of key stakeholders and top management throughout the acquisition and implementation of its integrated financial enterprise solution and complete development of corrective action plans for all material weaknesses, reportable conditions, and observations and recommendations.

•  DHS must continue to develop a departmentwide framework for managing information . DHS has recognized the need for a strategic management framework that addresses key information technology disciplines. While DHS has made a significant effort to make improvements in each of these disciplines, this remains a work in progress. DHS will need to fully develop and institutionalize the management framework, including strengthening strategic planning, having a process to ensure that key investments undergo timely control reviews, ensuring the enterprise architecture is developed using best practices, improving processes for acquiring and managing selected major information technology investments, and strengthening the management of information systems security. GAO's recommendations for DHS include (1) limiting information technology investments until the department's strategic management framework is completed and available to effectively guide and constrain the billions of dollars that DHS is spending on such investments (2) taking appropriate steps to correct any limitations in the Chief Information Officer's ability to effectively support departmentwide missions; and (3) ensuring that the department develops and implements a well-defined enterprise architecture to guide and constrain business transformation and supporting system modernization.

•  DHS must continue to transform its human capital systems. DHS initiated strategic human capital planning efforts and published proposed regulations for a modern human capital management system, and its leadership has been committed to the design process and has formed teams to implement the regulations. However, DHS has not systematically collected relevant data for its human capital planning. In addition, nearly half of DHS civilian employees are not covered by the DHS workforce regulations, including more than 50,000 Transportation Security Agency (TSA) screeners. GAO has recommended that DHS's new human capital system be linked to the DHS strategic plan. GAO has also recommended actions to specific program offices and organizational entities that would ensure that the human capital resources are provided to (1) improve the effectiveness of management capabilities and (2) develop human capital plans that clearly describe how these components will recruit, train, and retain staff to meet their growing demands as they expand and implement new program elements.

DHS continues to face operational and management challenges that it inherited from its component legacy agencies. DHS is initiating action on a broad array of inherited challenges that require sustained effort. These challenges include: transforming transportation security; enhancing the management of U.S. Coast Guard acquisitions and meeting its new security mission; improving the regulation of commercial trade while ensuring protection against the entry of illegal goods at U.S. borders, and improving enforcement of immigration laws and the provision of immigration services. DHS must also effectively coordinate the mitigation and response to all hazards formerly addressed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• DHS must continue to transform transportation security . TSA took steps to improve passenger and baggage screening, and air cargo security, and worked to strengthen airport access and perimeter controls. TSA has also made efforts to collaborate with federal, state, local, and private entities, and DHS has developed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Transportation to help ensure coordination to secure the nation's transportation system. However, additional improvements are needed in TSA's commercial aviation security efforts, including measuring the effectiveness of security initiatives to make targeted improvements, implementing a passenger prescreening program, and screening air cargo. Furthermore, TSA is tasked with addressing all transportation security needs but has not clarified how it plans to address modes of transportation other than aviation and has not fully integrated a risk management approach into its processes to help prioritize its efforts. TSA also needs to continue to strengthen the security of airport perimeters and the controls that limit access to secured airport areas and continue to develop consistent, sustained, and effective partnerships with other governmental and private entities. GAO has recommended that TSA continue its efforts to enhance security for various modes of transportation; integrate a risk management approach—including assessments of threat, vulnerability, and criticality—in prioritizing security efforts; strengthen stakeholder coordination; and conduct security evaluations and technology assessments of the commercial airport system.
  
• The Coast Guard needs to improve the management of its acquisitions and continue to enhance its security mission while meeting other mission responsibilities. Through the Deepwater Program, the Coast Guard is replacing its aging fleet and updating its outmoded capabilities; however, it is experiencing cost overruns and is challenged to meet its acquisition schedule. The Coast Guard has taken many actions to improve maritime security since September 11, 2001. To achieve these improvements, the Coast Guard has partnered with stakeholders at the federal, state, and local level as well as private companies responsible for much of the nation's critical infrastructure in and around ports. The Coast Guard must also establish an effective strategy to ensure that security plans are properly implemented and enhance partnerships to reduce costs and facilitate implementation of the Automated Vessel Identification System. In addition, to perform its non-homeland security missions, the Coast Guard needs the complete replacement of its 30-year-old search and rescue communication system, including acquiring needed software and resolving technical problems that have delayed the system's implementation. GAO has recommended that the Coast Guard improve its program management for Project Deepwater, follow procedures outlined in the human capital plan to ensure adequate staffing is in place for the project, and update the original 2002 Project Deepwater acquisition schedule. In addition, GAO has recommended that the Coast Guard take measures to better ensure that Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements are being implemented effectively and to facilitate future cost savings. GAO has also recommended that the Coast Guard develop a time frame for proceeding with plans to accurately account for resources it expends on its various missions and develop a strategy to identify factors affecting performance results.

• DHS must improve the regulation of commercial trade while securing our borders. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) partnered with the Department of State to improve visa issuance and border security policies and has refined its system for identifying containers that may pose a terrorist threat. However, CBP needs to further refine the system by incorporating all key elements of a risk management framework and recognized modeling practices. Also, DHS needs to continue to coordinate with the Department of State to fully address weaknesses in its visa processes and conduct mandated visa waiver program biennial reviews to update which countries should be eligible for the visa waiver program. The United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program ( US-VISIT) is being developed to address long-standing weaknesses in tracking visitors. The first phase of US-VISIT was largely deployed as planned, with an entry capability operational at 115 airports and 14 seaports. However, GAO has reported that US-VISIT is a risky program. Accordingly, GAO has made recommendations aimed at improving DHS's program management capabilities (people, process, technology, and facilities), aligning the program with its enterprise architecture, and perform cost-benefit analyses to justify initial phases. CBP is conducting another multiyear, multibillion-dollar acquisition—a new trade processing system called the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), which is planned to support the movement of legitimate imports and exports and strengthen border security. GAO has made recommendations to CBP that would enhance and improve CBP's efforts to secure U.S. borders and ports of entry while enforcing trade laws and facilitating the legitimate movement of trade. In particular, GAO has recommended that CBP (1) ensure the effectiveness of resources in selected border areas, (2) provide improved guidance regarding field operations, (3) improve information technology and human capital management, (4) work with stakeholder departments and agencies to minimize the risks facing the US-VISIT program, and (5) improve ACE management by addressing recurring cost and schedule problems.
  
• DHS must improve the enforcement of immigration laws and the provision of immigration services . Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken the initial steps toward forming a unit that aligns and integrates once-disparate offices into a single investigative program and has taken initial steps toward managing its human capital challenges concerning the integration of former immigration and customs investigators. ICE is also beginning to use a threat assessment approach to concentrate its enforcement resources, for example, on critical infrastructure protection. However, ICE has yet to complete additional important steps to fully integrate investigators, which include establishing more uniform policy and procedures, addressing communication and coordination problems, and clarifying roles and responsibilities. ICE also needs to ensure that custody reviews of detained aliens are timely and that conditions of release are met. Since January 2003, GAO has not done any work on the provision of immigration services. GAO has recommended that ICE (1) provide additional detailed written guidance to field managers and staff on the processes and procedures to follow for the provision of shared services, (2) create a mechanism for periodically obtaining employee feedback and consider this feedback in its future transformation and communications strategies, (3) work with stakeholder and partnering departments and agencies to strengthen the visa revocation process as an antiterrorism tool, and (4) consult with partnering departments and agencies in developing strategic plans and accompanying implementation plans to ensure these plans establish, at a minimum, goals regarding the coordination and sharing of information for law enforcement on federal lands. GAO has also recommended that DHS monitor and report on how well its Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is meeting performance requirements.

• DHS needs to effectively coordinate the mitigation and response to all hazards formerly addressed by FEMA. Since it became part of DHS in March 2003, FEMA's responsibilities have been dispersed and its role is evolving. For example, some grants previously managed by FEMA have been transferred to DHS's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, created in March 2004. FEMA retains responsibility for disaster assistance and the National Flood Insurance Program. GAO has done limited work on FEMA's evolving role within DHS and how DHS is coordinating the mitigation and response to both man-made and natural disasters.

DHS failing to effectively carry out its mission exposes the nation to potentially serious consequences. Although DHS has made some progress, it must not only concurrently complete a highly complex transformation while addressing major legacy problems, it must do this while maintaining and improving readiness for major attacks that could occur at any time. Taken together, this makes for a very difficult and critical mission. Therefore, DHS's transformation remains high risk.

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DHS Continues to Face Challenges in Implementing an Effective Transformation Process, Developing Partnerships, and Building Management Capacity

Implementing an Effective Transformation

Homeland Security: Management Challenges Remain in Transforming Immigration Programs . GAO-05-81 . Washington, D.C.: October 14, 2004.

9/11 Commission Report: Reorganization, Transformation, and Information Sharing . GAO-04-1033T . Washington, D.C.: August 3, 2004.

Human Capital: Building on the Current Momentum to Transform the Federal Government . GAO-04-976T . Washington, D.C.: July 20, 2004.

Homeland Security: Transformation Strategy Needed to Address Challenges Facing the Federal Protective Service . GAO-04-537 . Washington, D.C.: July 14, 2004.

Department of Homeland Security: Financial Management Challenges. GAO-04-945T . Washington, D.C.: July 8, 2004.

Transfer of Budgetary Resources to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) . Washington, D.C.: GAO-04-329R . April 30, 2004.

Additional Posthearing Questions Related to Proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Human Capital Regulations . GAO-04-617R . Washington, D.C.: April 30, 2004.

Homeland Security: Selected Recommendations from Congressionally Chartered Commissions and GAO . GAO-04-591 . Washington, D.C.: March 31, 2004.

Posthearing Questions Related to Proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Human Capital Regulations . GAO-04-570R . Washington, D.C.: March 22, 2004.

Homeland Security: Information Sharing Responsibilities, Challenges, and Key Management Issues . GAO-03-1165T . Washington, D.C.: September 17, 2003.

Results-Oriented Cultures: Implementation Steps to Assist Mergers and Organizational Transformations . GAO-03-669 . Washington, D.C.: July 2, 2003.

Homeland Security: Information Sharing Responsibilities, Challenges, and Key Management Issues . GAO-03-715T . Washington, D.C.: May 8, 2003.

Developing Effective Partnerships

Homeland Security: Further Actions Needed to Coordinate Federal Agencies' Facility Protection Efforts and Promote Key Practices. GAO-05-49 . Washington, D.C.: November 30, 2004.

General Aviation Security: Increased Federal Oversight Is Needed, but Continued Partnership with the Private Sector Is Critical to Long-Term Success. GAO-05-144 . Washington, D.C.: November 10, 2004.

Maritime Security: Better Planning Needed to Help Ensure an Effective Port Security Assessment Program. GAO-04-1062 . Washington, D.C.: September 30, 2004.

Homeland Security: Effective Regional Coordination Can Enhance Emergency Preparedness . GAO-04-1009 . Washington, D.C.: September 15, 2004.

Border Security: Joint, Coordinated Actions by State and DHS Needed to Guide Biometric Visas and Related Programs . GAO-04-1080T . Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2004.

Maritime Security: Partnering Could Reduce Federal Costs and Facilitate Implementation of Automatic Vessel Identification System . GAO-04-868 . Washington, D.C.: July 23, 2004.

Taxpayer Information: Data Sharing and Analysis May Enhance Tax Compliance and Improve Immigration Eligibility Decisions. GAO-04-972T . Washington, D.C.: July 21, 2004.

Homeland Security: Federal Leadership and Intergovernmental Cooperation Required to Achieve First Responder Interoperable Communications . GAO-04-740 . Washington, D.C.: July 20, 2004.

Homeland Security: Federal Leadership and Intergovernmental Cooperation Required to Achieve First Responder Interoperable Communications . GAO-04-963T . Washington, D.C.: July 20, 2004.

Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Eliminate Weaknesses in the Visa Revocation Process. GAO-04-795 . Washington, D.C.: July 13, 2004.

Maritime Security: Substantial Work Remains to Translate New Planning Requirements into Effective Port Security . GAO-04-838 . Washington, D.C.: June 30, 2004.

Homeland Security: Communication Protocols and Risk Communications Principles Can Assist in Refining the Advisory System . GAO-04-682 . Washington, D.C.: June 25, 2004.

Homeland Security: Coordinated Planning and Standards Needed to Better Manage First Responder Grants in the National Capital Region . GAO-04-904T . Washington, D.C.: June 24, 2004.

Border Security: Agencies Need to Better Coordinate Their Strategies and Operations on Federal Lands . GAO-04-590 . Washington, D.C.: June 16, 2004.

Homeland Security: Management of First Responder Grants in the National Capital Region Reflects the Need for Coordinated Planning and Performance Goals . GAO-04-433 . Washington, D.C.: May 28, 2004.

Homeland Security: DHS Needs a Strategy to Use DOE's Laboratories for Research on Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Detection and Response Technologies. GAO-04-653 . Washington, D.C.: May 24, 2004.

Information Technology: Homeland Security Should Better Balance Need for System Integration Strategy with Spending for New and Enhanced Systems. GAO-04-509 . Washington, D.C.: May 21, 2004.

Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Face Continuing Coordination Challenges . GAO-04-710T . Washington, D.C.: May 11, 2004.

Continuity of Operations: Improved Planning Needed to Ensure Delivery of Essential Services . GAO-04-638T . Washington, D.C.: April 22, 2004.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Establishing Effective Information Sharing with Infrastructure Sectors . GAO-04-699T . Washington, D.C.: April 21, 2004.

Project SAFECOM: Key Cross-Agency Emergency Communications Effort Requires Stronger Collaboration . GAO-04-494 . Washington, D.C.: April 16, 2004.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Challenges and Efforts to Secure Control Systems. GAO-04-628T . Washington, D.C.: March 30, 2004.

Homeland Security: Risk Communication Principles May Assist in Refinement of the Homeland Security Advisory System . GAO-04-538T . Washington, D.C.: March 16, 2004.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Challenges and Efforts to Secure Control Systems. GAO-04-354 . Washington, D.C.: March 15, 2004.

Combating Terrorism: Federal Agencies Face Continuing Challenges in Addressing Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering . GAO-04-501T . Washington, D.C.: March 4, 2004.

Homeland Security Advisory System: Preliminary Observations Regarding Threat Level Increases from Yellow to Orange . GAO-04-453R . Washington, D.C.: February 26, 2004.

Homeland Security: Federal Action Needed to Address Security Challenges at Chemical Facilities . GAO-04-482T . Washington, D.C.: February 23, 2004.

Investigations of Terrorist Financing, Money Laundering, and Other Financial Crimes. GAO-04-464R . Washington, D.C.: February 20, 2004.

Combating Terrorism: Evaluation of Selected Characteristics in National Strategies Related to Terrorism . GAO-04-408T . Washington, D.C.: February 3, 2004.

Posthearing Questions from the September 17, 2003, Hearing on “Implications of Power Blackouts for the Nation's Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection: The Electric Grid, Critical Interdependencies, Vulnerabilities, and Readiness.” GAO-04-300R . Washington, D.C.: December 8, 2003.

Homeland Security: Challenges in Achieving Interoperable Communications for First Responders . GAO-04-231T . Washington, D.C.: November 6, 2003.

Homeland Security: Information Sharing Responsibilities, Challenges, and Key Management Issues. GAO-03-1165T . Washington, D.C.: September 17, 2003.

Maritime Security: Progress Made in Implementing Maritime Transportation Security Act, but Concerns Remain . GAO-03-1155T . Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2003.

Homeland Security: Efforts to Improve Information Sharing Need to Be Strengthened. GAO-03-760 . Washington, D.C.: August 27, 2003.

Border Security: New Policies and Procedures Are Needed to Fill Gaps in the Visa Revocation Process. GAO-03-798 . Washington, D.C.: June 18, 2003.

Bioterrorism: Information Technology Strategy Could Strengthen Federal Agencies' Abilities to Respond to Public Health Emergencies . GAO-03-139 . Washington, D.C.: May 30, 2003.

Homeland Security: Information Sharing Responsibilities, Challenges, and Key Management Issues. GAO-03-715T . Washington, D.C.: May 8, 2003.

Information Technology: Terrorist Watch Lists Should Be Consolidated to Promote Better Integration and Sharing . GAO-03-322 . Washington, D.C.: April 15, 2003.

Information Security: Progress Made, But Challenges Remain to Protect Federal Systems and the Nation's Critical Infrastructures. GAO-03-564T . Washington, D.C., April 8, 2003.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Challenges for Selected Agencies and Industry Sectors. GAO-03- 233 . Washington, D.C.: February 28, 2003.

Building Management Capacity

Homeland Security: Further Action Needed to Promote Successful Use of Special DHS Acquisition Authority. GAO-05-136 . Washington, D.C.: December 15, 2004.

Human Capital: Principles, Criteria, and Processes for Governmentwide Federal Human Capital Reform . GAO-05-69SP . Washington, D.C.: December 1, 2004.

Information Technology: Major Federal Networks That Support Homeland Security Functions. GAO-04-375 . Washington, D.C.: September 17, 2004.

Department of Homeland Security: Formidable Information and Technology Management Challenge Requires Institutional Approach . GAO-04-702 . Washington, D.C.: August 27, 2004.

Homeland Security: Efforts Under Way to Develop Enterprise Architecture, but Much Work Remains . GAO-04-777 . Washington, D.C.: August 6, 2004.

Financial Management: Department of Homeland Security Faces Significant Financial Management Challenges . GAO-04-774 . Washington, D.C.: July 19, 2004.

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Lack of Controls and Key Information for Property Leave Assets Vulnerable to Loss or Misappropriation. GAO-04-819R . Washington, D.C.: July 15, 2004.

Department of Homeland Security: Financial Management Challenges . GAO-04-945T . Washington, D.C.: July 8, 2004.

Status of Key Recommendations GAO Has Made to DHS and Its Legacy Agencies . GAO-04-865R . Washington, D.C.: July 2, 2004.

The Chief Operating Officer Concept and its Potential Use as a Strategy to Improve Management at the Department of Homeland Security . GAO-04-876R . Washington, D.C.: June 28, 2004.

Homeland Security: Communication Protocols and Risk Communications Principles Can Assist in Refining the Advisory System. GAO-04-682 . Washington, D.C.: June 25, 2004.

Human Capital: DHS Faces Challenges in Implementing Its New Personnel System . GAO-04-790 . Washington, D.C.: June 18, 2004.

Transportation Security Administration: High-Level Attention Needed to Strengthen Acquisition Function. GAO-04-544 . Washington, D.C.: May 28, 2004.

Immigration Enforcement: Better Data and Controls Are Needed to Assure Consistency with the Supreme Court Decision on Long-Term Alien Detention . GAO-04-434 . Washington, D.C.: May 27, 2004.

Information Technology: Homeland Security Should Better Balance Need for System Integration Strategy with Spending for New and Enhanced Systems . GAO-04-509 . Washington, D.C.: May 21, 2004.

Budget Issues: Reprogramming of Federal Air Marshal Service Funds in Fiscal Year 2003 . GAO-04-577R . Washington, D.C.: March 31, 2004.

Homeland Security: Risk Communication Principles May Assist in Refinement of the Homeland Security Advisory System. GAO-04-538T . Washington, D.C.: March 16, 2004.

Contract Management: Coast Guard's Deepwater Program Needs Increased Attention to Management and Contractor Oversight. GAO-04-380 . Washington, D.C.: March 9, 2004.

Human Capital: Preliminary Observations on Proposed DHS Human Capital Regulations . GAO-04-479T . Washington, D.C.: February 25, 2004.

Information Technology: OMB and Department of Homeland Security Investment Reviews . GAO-04-323 . Washington, D.C.: February 10, 2004.

Aviation Security: Efforts to Measure Effectiveness and Address Challenges . GAO-04-232T . Washington, D.C.: November 5, 2003.

Human Capital: DHS Personnel System Design Effort Provides for Collaboration and Employee Participation . GAO-03-1099 . Washington, D.C.: September 30, 2003.

Department of Homeland Security: Challenges and Steps in Establishing Sound Financial Management . GAO-03-1134T . Washington, D.C.: September 10, 2003.

Contract Management: INS Contracting Weaknesses Need Attention from the Department of Homeland Security . GAO-03-799 . Washington, D.C.: July 25, 2003.

Container Security: Expansion of Key Customs Programs Will Require Greater Attention to Critical Success Factors . GAO-03-770 . Washington, D.C.: July 25, 2003.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: Capacity Planning and Management Oversight Need Improvement. GAO-03-736 . Washington, D.C.: July 24, 2003.

GAO: Additional Human Capital Flexibilities Are Needed. GAO-03-1024T . Washington, D.C.: July 16, 2003.

Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security in Balancing its Border Security and Trade Facilitation Missions . GAO-03-902T . Washington, D.C.: June 16, 2003.

Information Technology: Homeland Security Needs to Improve Entry Exit System Expenditure Planning . GAO-03-563 . Washington, D.C.: June 9, 2003.

Coast Guard: Comprehensive Blueprint Needed to Balance and Monitor Resource Use and Measure Performance for All Missions . GAO-03-544T . Washington, D.C.: March 12, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: A Governmentwide Perspective. GAO-03-95 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Homeland Security . GAO-03-102 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

DHS Continues to Face Inherited Operational and Management Challenges That It Inherited from its Component Legacy Agencies

DHS Must Continue to Transform Transportation Security

Aviation Security: Preliminary Observations on TSA's Progress to Allow Airports to Use Private Passenger and Baggage Screening Services . GAO-05-126 . Washington, D.C.: November 19, 2004.

General Aviation Security: Increased Federal Oversight Is Needed, but Continued Partnership with the Private Sector Is Critical to Long-Term Success. GAO-05-144 . Washington, D.C.: November 10, 2004.

Aviation Security: Further Steps Needed to Strengthen the Security of Commercial Airport Perimeters and Access Controls . GAO-04-728 . Washington, D.C.: June 4, 2004.

Transportation Security Administration: High-Level Attention Needed to Strengthen Acquisition Function . GAO-04-544 . Washington, D.C.: May 28, 2004.

Aviation Security: Challenges in Using Biometric Technologies . GAO-04-785T . Washington, D.C.: May 19, 2004.

Aviation Security: Private Screening Contractors Have Little Flexibility to Implement Innovative Approaches . GAO-04-505T . Washington, D.C.: April 22, 2004.

Aviation Security: Improvement Still Needed in Federal Aviation Security Efforts. GAO-04-592T . Washington, D.C.: March 30, 2004.

Rail Security: Some Actions Taken to Enhance Passenger and Freight Rail Security, but Significant Challenges Remain . GAO-04-598T . Washington, D.C.: March 23, 2004.

Aviation Security: Challenges Delay Implementation of Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System . GAO-04-504T . Washington, D.C.: March 17, 2004.

Aviation Security: Factors Could Limit the Effectiveness of the Transportation Security Administration's Efforts to Secure Aerial Advertising Operations . GAO-04-499R . Washington, D.C.: March 5, 2004.

Aviation Security: Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System Faces Significant Implementation Challenges . GAO-04-385 . Washington, D.C.: February 13, 2004.

Aviation Security: Challenges Exist in Stabilizing and Enhancing Passenger and Baggage Screening Operations . GAO-04-440T . Washington, D.C.: February 12, 2004.

The Department of Homeland Security Needs to Fully Adopt a Knowledge-based Approach to Its Counter-MANPADS Development Program . GAO-04-341R . Washington, D.C.: January 30, 2004.

Freight Transportation: Strategies Needed to Address Planning and Financing Limitations . GAO-04-165 . Washington, D.C.: December 19, 2003.

Posthearing Questions Related to Aviation and Port Security. GAO-04-315R . Washington, D.C.: December 12, 2003.

Aviation Security: Efforts to Measure Effectiveness and Strengthen Security Programs . GAO-04-285T . Washington, D.C.: November 20, 2003.

Aviation Security: Federal Air Marshal Service Is Addressing Challenges of Its Expanded Mission and Workforce, but Additional Actions Needed . GAO-04-242 . Washington, D.C.: November 19, 2003.

Aviation Security: Progress Since September 11, 2001, and the Challenges Ahead . GAO-03-1150T . Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2003.

Transportation Security: Federal Action Needed to Enhance Security Efforts. GAO-03-1154T . Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2003.

Transportation Security: Federal Action Needed to Help Address Security Challenges. GAO-03-843 . Washington, D.C.: June 30, 2003.

Rail Safety and Security: Some Actions Already Taken to Enhance Rail Security, but Risk-based Plan Needed . GAO-03-435 . Washington, D.C.: April 30, 2003.

Transportation Security Administration: Actions and Plans to Build a Results-Oriented Culture . GAO-03-190 . Washington, D.C.: January 17, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Transportation . GAO-03-108 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

The Coast Guard Needs to Improve the Management of Its Acquisitions and Continue to Enhance Its Security Mission, while Meeting Other Mission Responsibilities

Coast Guard: Deepwater Program Acquisition Schedule Update Needed . GAO-04-695 . Washington, D.C.: June 14, 2004.

Coast Guard: Key Management and Budget Challenges for Fiscal Year 2005 and Beyond . GAO-04-636T . Washington, D.C.: April 7, 2004.

Coast Guard Programs: Relationship between Resources Used and Results Achieved Needs to Be Clearer . GAO-04-432 . Washington, D.C.: March 22, 2004.

Contract Management: Coast Guard's Deepwater Program Needs Increased Attention to Management and Contractor Oversight . GAO-04-380 . Washington, D.C.: March 9, 2004.

Coast Guard: Challenges during the Transition to the Department of Homeland Security . GAO-03-594T . Washington, D.C.: April 1, 2003.

Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Coast Guard as it Transitions to the New Department. GAO-03-467T . Washington, D.C.: February 12, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Transportation . GAO-03-108 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

DHS Must Improve the Regulation of Commercial Trade while Securing Our Borders

Border Security: Joint, Coordinated Actions by State and DHS Needed to Guide Biometric Visas and Related Programs . GAO-04-1080T . Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2004.

Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Eliminate Weaknesses in the Visa Revocation Process . GAO-04-795 . Washington, D.C.: July 13, 2004.

Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Eliminate Weaknesses in the Visa Revocation Process . GAO-04-899T . W ashington, D.C.: July 13, 2004.

Border Security: Agencies Need to Better Coordinate Their Strategies and Operations on Federal Lands. GAO-04-590 . Washington, D.C.: June 16 , 2004.

Immigration Enforcement: Better Data and Controls Are Needed to Assure Consistency with the Supreme Court Decision on Long-Term Alien Detention. GAO-04-434 . Washington, D.C.: May 27, 2004.

Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Face Continuing Coordination Challenges . GAO-04-710T . Washington, D.C.: May 11, 2004.

Homeland Security: Summary of Challenges Faced in Targeting Oceangoing Cargo Containers for Inspection. GAO-04-557T . Washington, D.C.: March 31, 2004.

Homeland Security: Risks Facing Key Border and Transportation Security Program Need to Be Addressed. GAO-04-569T . Washington, D.C.: March 18, 2004.

Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection: Required Advance Electronic Presentation of Cargo Information . GAO-04-319R . Washington, D.C.: December 18, 2003.

Homeland Security: Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Target Security Inspections of Cargo Containers . GAO-04-325T . Washington, D.C.: December 16, 2003.

Homeland Security: Risks Facing Key Border and Transportation Security Program Need to Be Addressed . GAO-03-1083 . Washington, D.C.: September 19, 2003.

Land Border Ports of Entry: Vulnerabilities and Inefficiencies in the Inspections Process. GAO-03-1084R . Washington, D.C.: August 18, 2003.

Border Security: New Policies and Procedures Are Needed to Fill Gaps in the Visa Revocation Process . GAO-03-798 . Washington, D.C.: June 18, 2003.

Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security in Balancing its Border Security and Trade Facilitation Missions. GAO-03-902T . Washington, D.C.: June 16, 2003.

Counterfeit Documents Used to Enter the United States From Certain Western Hemisphere Countries Not Detected . GAO-03-713T . Washington, D.C.: May 13, 2003.

Information Technology: Terrorist Watch Lists Should Be Consolidated to Promote Better Integration and Sharing. GAO-03-322 . Washington, D.C.: April 15, 2003.

Border Security: Challenges in Implementing Border Technology . GAO-03-546T . Washington, D.C.: March 12, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of the Treasury . GAO-03-109 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

DHS Must Improve the Enforcement of Immigration Laws and the Provision of Immigration Services

Department of Homeland Security: United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program ("US-VISIT"); Authority to Collect Biometric Data From Additional Travelers and Expansion to the 50 Most Highly Trafficked Land Border Ports of Entry. GAO-05-112R . Washington, D.C.: October 15, 2004.

Immigration Enforcement: DHS Has Incorporated Immigration Enforcement Objectives and Is Addressing Future Planning Requirements . GAO-05-66 . Washington, D.C.: October 8, 2004.

Homeland Security: Performance of Information System to Monitor Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors Has Improved, but Issues Remain . GAO-04-690 . Washington, D.C.: June 18, 2004.

Overstay Tracking: A Key Component of Homeland Security and a Layered Defense . GAO-04-82 . Washington, D.C.: May 21, 2004.

Homeland Security: First Phase of Visitor and Immigration Status Program Operating, but Improvements Needed . GAO-04-586 . Washington, D.C.: May 11, 2004.

Homeland Security: Overstay Tracking Is a Key Component of a Layered Defense. GAO-04-170T . Washington, D.C.: October 16, 2003.

H-1B Foreign Workers: Better Tracking Needed to Help Determine H-1B Program's Effects on U.S. Workforce . GAO-03-883 . Washington, D.C.: September 10, 2003.

Homeland Security: Challenges to Implementing the Immigration Interior Enforcement Strategy . GAO-03-660T . Washington, D.C.: April 10, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Justice . GAO-03-105 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

DHS Needs to Effectively Coordinate the Mitigation and Response to All Hazards Formerly Addressed by FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Lack of Controls and Key Information for Property Leave Assets Vulnerable to Loss or Misappropriation . GAO-04-819R . Washington, D.C.: July 15, 2004.

Emergency Preparedness: Federal Funds for First Responders . GAO-04-788T . Washington, D.C.: May 13, 2004.

Disaster Assistance: Federal Aid to the New York City Area Following the Attacks of September 11th and Challenges Confronting FEMA . GAO-03-1174T . Washington, D.C.: September 24, 2003.

Homeland Security: Reforming Federal Grants to Better Meet Outstanding Needs. GAO-03-1146T . Washington, D.C.: September 3, 2003.

Disaster Assistance: Information on FEMA's Post 9/11 Public Assistance to the New York City Area . GAO-03-926 . Washington, D.C.: August 29, 2003.

Federal Assistance: Grant System Continues to Be Highly Fragmented . GAO-03-718T . Washington, D.C.: April 29, 2003.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Federal Emergency Management Agency . GAO-03-113 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.

DHS Failing to Effectively Carry Out Its Mission Exposes the Nation to Potentially Serious Consequences

9/11 Commission Report: Reorganization, Transformation, and Information Sharing . GAO-04-1033T . Washington, D.C.: August, 3, 2004.

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks: Department of Homeland Security . GAO-03-102 . Washington, D.C.: January 1, 2003.