Grant Thornton-HSDBC Study: Govt, Industry Should Expand Comms in Acquisition to Back Homeland Security Enterprise

A new report by Grant Thornton and the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council says the government and industry should build up engagement and communication throughout the acquisition process.

Grant Thornton’s public sector business and HSDBC said Thursday they polled over 200 government and industry leaders through an online survey, focus groups and in-person interviews in the spring and summer of 2017 for the 20/20 Project on the Homeland Security Enterprise.

The report also recommends continuous support for Unity of Effort programs that include the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer’s Acquisition Innovations in Motion effort, Deputy’s Management Action Group and the Joint Requirements Council.

The homeland security industrial base and HSE should collaborate to address challenges associated with “excessive protests” as well as advance innovative processes to meet mission requirements, according to the study.

“This year’s survey confirms that the overwhelming majority of respondents agree, but acknowledge that the HSIB and the HSE must do a better job of coordinating and collaborating in order to build greater mutual trust between these two communities,” said David Haun, a director with Grant Thornton’s public sector segment.