The General Accounting Office (GAO) was asked to determine (1) whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has completed a strategic R&D plan and coordinated its efforts with other federal agencies, (2) how DHS plans to use the Department of Energy (DOE)’s laboratories to carry out its R&D, and (3) what controls DHS is establishing to monitor projects at DOE’s laboratories. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Homeland Security (1) complete a strategic R&D plan, (2) ensure that this plan is integrated with homeland security R&D conducted by other federal
agencies, (3) develop criteria for distributing annual funding and for making long−term investments in laboratory capabilities, and (4) develop guidelines that detail how DOE’s laboratories would compete for funding with private sector and academic entities. In commenting on the report, DHS agreed with our recommendation to complete a strategic R&D plan, but did not explicitly agree or disagree with our remaining recommendations. Full Story
