Description

Join us for an in-depth briefing on the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) 11th Annual Assessment of the Department of Homeland Security's Major Acquisition Programs, a comprehensive review of the systems and capabilities DHS relies upon to execute its critical missions—from border security and maritime safety to cybersecurity and emergency response.

DHS invests tens of billions of taxpayer dollars in acquisition programs designed to deliver the technologies, infrastructure, and operational capabilities that protect the nation. These programs often take years to develop, test, and field, making effective oversight and management essential to mission success.

This exclusive briefing will examine the report's findings on the performance, risks, and future outlook of DHS's major acquisition portfolio, including programs with life-cycle costs exceeding $300 million. Participants will gain valuable insight into how these investments are performing against their original cost, schedule, and performance goals, and what recent policy and funding changes could mean for the future of DHS acquisitions.

Key discussion topics will include:

• DHS's October 2025 restructuring of acquisition oversight, including the dissolution of a key office responsible for acquisition governance and accountability.
• The unprecedented infusion of funding provided through the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, which allocated at least $14 billion to 12 major acquisition programs.
• Trends in program cost growth and schedule delays across the DHS acquisition portfolio.
• The impact of workforce challenges, management changes, and operational pressures on future program execution.
• Risks and opportunities facing DHS as it modernizes critical capabilities in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Among the report's most notable findings:

• Fifteen of nineteen reviewed programs have revised their original cost, schedule, or performance baselines at least once.
• Total baselined program costs have increased by approximately $11.4 billion since initial estimates were established.
• Twelve programs have delayed their planned dates for achieving full operational capability.
• Staffing uncertainties and other operational factors continue to create significant risks to meeting future milestones.