Underperforming DHS IT Contracts

Here's a look at some of the $3 billion in IT contracts that are not performing as they should, whether because they're behind schedule, over cost, lack a qualified project manager, or are beset by a host of other problems

Project/ Program's Goal	Expected Cost (FY 08)	Prime Contractor(s)	Performance Shortfalls:			Not Sound Business Plan**	Other problems
			Unclear Parameters*	Cost and schedule overruns by more than 10%*	DHS Project Manager Not Qualified*
Secure Border Initiative	$1 billion	Boeing	X	X		X	Getting technology to work together
Gather information on attempted illegal border crossings using surveillance and sensory systems along border expanses
US-VISIT	$462 million	Accenture			X		Unable to monitor land exits
Collect, maintain, and share data on selected foreign nationals entering and exiting the U.S. at ports of entry
Alien Flight Student Program	$2 million	ManTech International; White Oak; American Association of Airport Executives	X				N/A
Conduct security threat assessments (STAs) on foreigners seeking flight training
Crew Vetting	$15 million	ManTech International; White Oak; American Association of Airport Executives	X	X	X		Missed key milestones
Verify that flight crews and cargo flight operators are authorized to operate flights to, from, or within the U.S., or overfly the U.S.
Hazmat Threat Assessment Program	$28 million	Varies by state	X	X	X		N/A
Use existing intelligence to perform STAs on commercial truck drivers who transport hazardous materials
Secure Flight	$53 million	IBM (current); Lockheed Martin (until 2005)		X			Missed key milestones; privacy concerns
Keep suspected terrorists off airplanes by comparing passenger information with federal No-Fly data
Transportation Worker Identification Credentialing	$38 million	Lockheed Martin (current); BearingPoint (until Fall 05), Maximus (until Fall 04)		X			Biometric card readers have trouble operating amid inclement conditions
Establish a credential system for people who need unescorted access to secure areas of the transportation system
Nationwide Automatic Identification System	$22 million	Shine Micro (first stage)		X			N/A
Establish an identification system that would collect and analyze information on certain Coast Guard vessels
Homeland Security Information Network	$21 million	The National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination (NC4) (since October)	X	X			Problems coordinating with key state and local systems
Provide secure data connectivity among federal, state, U.S. territory, local, and tribal governments and private sectors
Rescue 21	$300,000	General Dynamics		X	X	X	Extensive implementation delays
Develop an advanced command, control, and communications system for the Coast Guard
Infrastructure	$1.1 billion	Various	X	X		X	N/A
Move toward a system that ensures reliable information sharing within DHS and with first responders to facilitate a quick response in an emergency

Sources: Government Accountability Office, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Homeland Security

* As of June 2007, according to a GAO report

** As of Sept. 30, 2007, according to the Office of Management and Budget Management Watch List Investments