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Return to Article: Homeland Security criticized for lax oversight of programs worth billions

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  The key is in the phrase "acquisition management practices are still new ". Why on earth does DHS require its own, unique, acquisition process when DoD has thousands of experts in all phases of it? Especialy when it is obvious they cannot do it. DHS should focus on its missions, not waste tax dollars, and leave support functions to those who already know how to do it.

  M Onger Posted November 26, 2008 3:18 PM
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  And with Janet Napiltano's fiscal record in Arizona does anyone think or believe it will get any better? I certainly hope there ends up being some adult supervision watching over this area.

  James Tribbett Posted November 26, 2008 10:17 AM
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  More ignorance from Ketter. Most "small town cops" deal primarily with quality of life complaints such as public intoxication and traffic accidents on a daily basis, and aren't necessarily "versed on all aspects of the criminal law." No knock on them, but most small towns aren't exactly overrun with crime. You're comparing apples and oranges, as usual.

  Have you ever been employed by Agriculture, Immigration, or Customs? My guess is you haven't, because you haven't got a clue as to what these agencies do, and the problems they have faced since the creation of DHS. Your latest post is just another one of your typical pot shots against federal employees. What do YOU do for a living, besides spend all you time posting on Gov Exec, ranting against those who actually know what they're talking about, unlike you?

  And finally, most federal jobs these days require college degrees. Once again, your ignorance, and meanspiritness, is astounding.

  DHS Posted November 25, 2008 2:55 PM
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  DHS subsets were never the pick of the litter when they were independent entities. Unfortunately DHS problems have been compounded by a work force that is unwilling to change. Until these old heads retire not much progress will be made but change must come and they need to get out of the way. It always amazes me that a small town cop has to be versed on all aspects of the criminal law and yet CS are unwilling or incapable of juggling more than 1 ball at a time. It appears that the other big problem is who DHS attracts for employment maybe they should raise the requirement to at least a high school graduate

  dan ketter Posted November 25, 2008 10:41 AM
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  Mike, you've hit the nail on the head! By consolidating agencies with diverse missions like customs and immigration, we've become "jacks of all trades and masters of none" due to the vast differences in knowledge, skills, laws, etc. required for each job. Those of us who are on the front lines have known this since the inception of DHS, but our input was never sought by the amateurs who put this monstrosity together. We all hope that sanity will finally prevail, and we can all go back to doing what we do best.

  ICEd Posted November 24, 2008 3:47 PM
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  GAO has been a hard working watch dog as Congress keeps ignoring the details in various new programs and purchases. They neglect to fund staff and necessary support equipment. There's a attitude that there's plenty people and equipment to cover new functions. They seem to have forgotten all of the retirement incentives and hiring freezes. That includes the contractors who picked up full departments of Federal workers then put most on layoff to cut costs. The experienced managers and staff needed for these programs have all taken early retirement. That GS-5 new hire will not be ready for a few years (if he/she stays).

  Anthony Weishar Posted November 24, 2008 6:45 AM
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  This is an agency that doesn't have a clear mission. With border security, terrorism, customs work, and the overwhelming immigration, it's just too much to handle. From a perspective view of a non federal employee, it will be better for the DHS to separate into different entities so each will be responsible for one specific mission.

  Mike Posted November 22, 2008 12:06 AM