DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act

DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess contractor personnel performing services along the U.S. land border with Mexico and plan to implement recommendations developed from the assessment.

Specifically, DHS must report to Congress regarding active contracts with a total value of $50 million or more relating to the procurement of services along the border.

The report must include, among other things

• the criteria used by DHS to determine whether contractor personnel were necessary to assist in carrying out its mission along the border;
• an analysis of the purpose, quantity, and location of contractor personnel addressing DHS mission needs along the border and enhancing the capability of DHS personnel to perform primary mission responsibilities;
• an assessment of the benefits of contractor personnel performing the services;
• a strategy to improve the procurement and delivery of the services through contracts over a five-year period; and
• recommendations based on the report's findings.

DHS must (1) submit with the report a plan to implement the recommendations and strategy contained in such report to enhance coordination, minimize overlap, and increase cost effectiveness; and (2) brief Congress with respect to the status of implementation.

Bill 118 hr 4467, also known as the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a process for reviewing and evaluating contracts awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for border security services.

If passed, the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act would require the DHS to conduct regular reviews of all contracts related to border security services, including contracts for the construction of physical barriers, the deployment of technology, and the hiring of personnel. These reviews would assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided under the contracts, as well as the cost and impact on border security operations.

The bill also includes provisions for increasing transparency and accountability in the contracting process. It would require the DHS to provide regular reports to Congress on the status and outcomes of border security contracts, as well as any issues or challenges that arise during the implementation of these contracts. Overall, the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and effectively on border security services. By establishing a process for reviewing and evaluating contracts, this bill seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DHS operations at the border.