The DHS IG has said the Secret Service has adequate oversight and management of its acquisitions, a bit of positive news regarding management of the agency that has come under heavy criticism in recent times and that led to the removal earlier this month of several top officials.
The audit said that the agency spent about $500 million in 2014—of a $1.6 billion budget—on items such as information technology, training, rent, utilities, procurements, and acquisitions. The acquisition management program office “has adequate oversight and management of its acquisition process, complies with DHS acquisition guidance, and has implemented some best practices,” it said.
The IG’s only criticisms were that at the time of the audit, the Secret Service did not have its own guidance for acquisitions valued at less than $300 million—relying on general DHS policy instead—and did not have a designated component acquisition executive. The agency has addressed both issues, it said.
