Breaking Down DHS Acquisition Roadblocks: Workload, Hiring, and Workforce Data Gaps

In a conversation with the Government Accountability Office’s Travis Masters, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, we’re tackling the biggest acquisition challenges at the Department of Homeland Security and how agencies can fix them. He breaks down a recent GAO report that highlights critical roadblocks in DHS acquisition, including overwhelming workloads, lengthy hiring timeframes, and a lack of comprehensive workforce data.

Travis explains how GAO selected four DHS components—Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, and TSA—for analysis, representing two-thirds of the department’s contract obligations in 2023. He shares insights from interviews with 55 acquisition professionals, revealing that heavy workload issues—caused by staffing shortages, role overlap, and inefficient processes—are a top concern. Additionally, hiring delays of up to 18 months, often due to security clearance bottlenecks, are making it harder to bring in needed talent.

Travis outlines GAO’s four recommendations to DHS, emphasizing the need for clear strategies to link mitigation efforts to real challenges. He also shares actionable advice for other agencies looking to get ahead of similar acquisition hurdles.

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