DHS Did Not Effectively Oversee TSA’s Acquisition of Computed Tomography Systems

Our audit objective was to determine to what extent the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) acquisition of computed tomography (CT) systems addresses needed capabilities. We determined TSA acquired CT systems that did not address all needed capabilities. These issues occurred because the Department of Homeland Security did not provide adequate oversight of TSA’s acquisition of CT systems. DHS is responsible for overseeing all major acquisitions to ensure they are properly planned and executed and meet documented key performance thresholds. However, DHS allowed TSA to use an acquisition approach not recognized by DHS’ acquisition guidance. In addition, DHS allowed TSA to deploy the CT system even though it did not meet all TSA key performance parameters. DHS also did not validate TSA’s detection upgrade before TSA incorporated it into the CT system. As a result, TSA risks spending over $700 million in future appropriated funding to purchase CT systems that may never fully meet operational mission needs. We made three recommendations to improve DHS’ oversight of TSA’s CT systems acquisition. DHS concurred with all three recommendations.