CIO should be part of DHS Joint Requirements Council, says GAO

The Government Accountability Office has reviewed the Department of Homeland Security's new Joint Requirements Council and found its structure and management approach generally benefits informed investment priorities. However, GAO recommended the Office of the Chief Information Officer take a more prominent, permanent role on the council to reinforce properly developed IT programs.

The Joint Requirements Council — first established in 2003, declared inactive in 2008 then reestablished in 2014 — helps identify, review and prioritize department needs. Reviewing

requirements processes, guidance and lessons learned from DHS components and the Department of Defense, the JRC informs how DHS invests over $180 million on IT systems, aircraft and other major acquisitions.

GAO auditors surveyed policies and procedures, documents and efforts, and interviewed officials and found the JRC consistent with key practices for organizational transformations.

With a majority of upcoming investments to be made in information technology, however, having the OCIO as a more active adviser evaluating all new and existing DHS requirements by fiscal year 2018 could cut down on budget inefficiencies by fiscal year 2021.

The report can be viewed in its entirety on the GAO website.

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