Government Accountability Office
General Accounting Office
Security-related Reports

GAO Homeland Security Reports - Subcategories

September 11
Dept. of Homeland Security
Disaster Preparedness / Response
Combating Terrorism
Building Security
Nuclear/Chemical/Biological Terrorism
Aviation Security
Maritime Security
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Border Control
Coast Guard
Drug Control
Financial/Counterfeiting
Information Security
Information Technology
Flu Pandemic

Nuclear/Chemical/Biological Terrorism

• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: DHS Should Address Limitations to Its Program to Secure Key Cities, GAO-19-327, May 13, 2019
• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: NRC Needs to Take Additional Actions to Ensure the Security of High-Risk Radioactive Material, GAO-19-468, April 4, 2019
• Chemical Terrorism: A Strategy and Implementation Plan Would Help DHS Better Manage Fragmented Chemical Defense Programs and Activities, GAO-18-562, August 22, 2018
• Nuclear Security: CBP Needs to Take Action to Ensure Imported Radiological Material Is Properly Licensed, GAO-18-214, January 10, 2018
• Homeland Security: DHS's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Program Consolidation Efforts, GAO-18-284T, December 7, 2017
• Radioactive Sources: Opportunities Exist for Federal Agencies to Strengthen Transportation Security, GAO-17-58, February 7, 2017
• Bioforensics: DHS Needs to Conduct a Formal Capability Gap Analysis to Better Identify and Address Gaps, GAO-17-177, January 11, 2017
• Radiation Portal Monitors: DHS's Fleet Is Lasting Longer than Expected, and Future Acquisitions Focus on Operational Efficiencies, GAO-17-57, October 31, 2016
• High-Containment Laboratories: Actions Needed to Mitigate Risk of Potential Exposure and Release of Dangerous Pathogens, GAO-16-871T, September 23, 2016
• High-Containment Laboratories: Improved Oversight of Dangerous Pathogens Needed to Mitigate Risk, GAO-16-642, August 30, 2016
• Homeland Security: DHS's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Program Consolidation Proposal Could Better Consider Benefits and Limitations, GAO-16-603, August 11, 2016
• Biodefense: The Nation Faces Multiple Challenges in Building and Maintaining Biodefense and Biosurveillance, GAO-16-547T, April 14, 2016
• Biosurveillance: Ongoing Challenges and Future Considerations for DHS Biosurveillance Efforts, GAO-16-413T, February 11, 2016
• Biosurveillance: DHS Should Not Pursue BioWatch Upgrades or Enhancements Until System Capabilities Are Established, GAO-16-99, October 23, 2015
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Risk-Informed Covert Assessments and Oversight of Corrective Actions Could Strengthen Capabilities at the Border, by David C. Maurer, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, GAO-16-191T, October, 27, 2015
• Biosurveillance: Challenges and Options for the National Biosurveillance Integration Center, GAO-15-793, September 24, 2015
• Biosurveillance: Additional Planning, Oversight, and Coordination Needed to Enhance National Capability, by Chris Currie, director, homeland security and justice, and Steve D. Morris, director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, GAO-15-664T, July 8, 2015
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Research and Development on Radiation Detection Technology Could Be Strengthened, GAO-15-263, March 6, 2015
• Nuclear Terrorism Response Plans: Major Cities Could Benefit from Federal Guidance on Responding to Nuclear and Radiological Attacks, GAO-13-736, September 30, 2013
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Lessons Learned from Cancelled Radiation Portal Monitor Program Could Help Future Acquisitions, GAO-13-256, May 13, 2013
• Emergency Alerting: Capabilities Have Improved, but Additional Guidance and Testing Are Needed, GAO-13-375, April 24, 2013
• Emergency Preparedness: NRC Needs to Better Understand Likely Public Response to Radiological Incidents at Nuclear Power Plants, GAO-13-243, March 11, 2013
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Efforts to Assess Chemical Security Risk and Gather Feedback on Facility Outreach Can Be Strengthened, GAO-13-353, April 5, 2013
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Megaports Initiative Faces Funding and Sustainability Challenges, GAO-13-37, October 31, 2012
• Biosurveillance: Observations on BioWatch Generation-3 and Other Federal Efforts, by William O. Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittees on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, House Homeland Security Committee, GAO-12-994T, September 13, 2012
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Is Taking Action to Better Manage Its Chemical Security Program, but It Is Too Early to Assess Results, by Cathleen A. Berrick, managing director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy, House Committee on Energy and Commerce, GAO-12-567T, September 11, 2012
• Biosurveillance: DHS Should Reevaluate Mission Need and Alternatives before Proceeding with BioWatch Generation-3 Acquisition, GAO-12-810, September 10, 2012
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS has Developed Plans for Its Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, but Challenges Remain in Deploying Equipment, by David C. Maurer, director, homeland security and justice, and Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, House Committee on Homeland Security, GAO-12-941T, July 26, 2012
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Assessments: DHS Should Establish More Specific Guidance for Their Use, GAO-12-272, January 25, 2012
• Homeland Defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Additional Steps Could Enhance the Effectiveness of the National Guard's Life-Saving Response Forces, GAO-12-114, December 7, 2011
• Biosurveillance: Nonfederal Capabilities Should Be Considered in Creating a National Biosurveillance Strategy GAO-12-55, October 31, 2011
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS has Developed a Strategic Plan for its Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, but Gaps Remain, GAO-11-869T, Jul 26, 2011
• National Preparedness: DHS and HHS Can Further Strengthen Coordination for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Assessments, GAO-11-606, Jun 21, 2011
• Public Health Preparedness: Developing and Acquiring Medical Countermeasures Against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Agents, GAO-11-567T, Apr 13, 2011
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Inadequate Communication and Oversight Hampered DHS Efforts to Develop an Advanced Radiography System to Detect Nuclear Materials, GAO-10-1041T, Sep 15, 2010
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Has Made Some Progress but Not Yet Completed a Strategic Plan for Its Global Nuclear Detection Efforts or Closed Identified Gaps, GAO-10-883T, Jun 30, 2010
• Biosurveillance: Efforts to Develop a National Biosurveillance Capability Need a National Strategy and a Designated Leader, GAO-10-645, Jun 30, 2010
• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Actions Needed to Better Prepare to Recover from Possible Attacks Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials, GAO-10-204, Jan 29, 2010
• Biosurveillance: Developing a Collaboration Strategy Is Essential to Fostering Interagency Data and Resource Sharing, GAO-10-171, Dec 18, 2009
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Recent Testing Raises Issues About the Potential Effectiveness of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, GAO-10-252T, Nov 17, 2009
• Homeland Defense: Planning, Resourcing, and Training Issues Challenge DOD's Response to Domestic Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosive Incidents, GAO-10-123, Oct 7, 2009
• Homeland Defense: Greater Focus on Analysis of Alternatives and Threats Needed to Improve DOD's Strategic Nuclear Weapons Security, GAO-09-828, Sep 18, 2009
• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Preliminary Observations on Preparedness to Recover from Possible Attacks Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials, GAO-09-996T, Sep 14, 2009
• Biological Research: Observations on DHS's Analyses Concerning Whether FMD Research Can Be Done as Safely on the Mainland as on Plum Island, GAO-09-747, Jul 30, 2009
• Homeland Defense: Preliminary Observations on Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Consequence Management Plans and Preparedness, GAO-09-927T, Jul 28, 2009
• Project BioShield Act: HHS Has Supported Development, Procurement, and Emergency Use of Medical Countermeasures to Address Health Threats, GAO-09-878R, Jul 24, 2009
• Project Bioshield: HHS Can Improve Agency Internal Controls for Its New Contracting Authorities, GAO-09-820, Jul 21, 2009
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Lessons Learned from DHS Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, GAO-09-804T, Jun 25, 2009
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Improved Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, but Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New Technology, GAO-09-655, May 21, 2009
• Nuclear Detection: Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Should Improve Planning to Better Address Gaps and Vulnerabilities, GAO-09-257, Jan 29, 2009
• Terrorism Insurance: Status of Coverage Availability for Attacks Involving Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, or Radiological Weapons, GAO-09-39, Dec 12, 2008
• Health Information Technology: More Detailed Plans Needed for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Redesigned BioSense Program, GAO-09-100, Nov 20, 2008
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS's Phase 3 Test Report on Advanced Portal Monitors Does Not Fully Disclose the Limitations of the Test Results, GAO-08-979, Sep 30, 2008
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Needs to Consider the Full Costs and Complete All Tests Prior to Making a Decision on Whether to Purchase Advanced Portal Monitors, GAO-08-1178T, Sep 25, 2008
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS's Program to Procure and Deploy Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors Is Likely to Exceed the Department's Previous Cost Estimates, GAO-08-1108R, Sep 22, 2008
• Biosurveillance: Preliminary Observations on Department of Homeland Security's Biosurveillance Initiatives, GAO-08-960T, Jul 16, 2008
• Nuclear Detection: Preliminary Observations on the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's Efforts to Develop a Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, GAO-08-999T, Jul 16, 2008
• Nuclear Security: NRC and DHS Need to Take Additional Steps to Better Track and Detect Radioactive Materials, GAO-08-598, Jun 19, 2008
• High-Containment Biosafety Laboratories: DHS Lacks Evidence to Conclude That Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Can Be Done Safely on the U.S. Mainland, GAO-08-821T, May 22, 2008
• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Key Emergency Response Facilities Could Be Strengthened GAO-08-285T November 15, 2007
• Project Bioshield: Actions Needed to Avoid Repeating Past Mistakes GAO-08-208T October 23,2007
• Project Bioshield: Actions Needed to Avoid Repeating Past Problems with Procuring New Anthrax Vaccine and Managing the Stockpile of Licensed Vaccine GAO-08-88 October 23,2007
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Adequate Testing of Next Generation Radiation Detection Equipment GAO-07-1247T September 18, 2007
• Anthrax Detection: DHS Cannot Ensure That Sampling Activities Will Be Validated GAO-07-687T, March 29, 2007
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS's Decision to Procure and Deploy the Next Generation of Radiation Detection Equipment Is Not Supported by Its Cost-Benefit Analysis GAO-07-581T, March 14, 2007
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DNDO Has Not Yet Collected Most of the National Laboratories' Test Results on Radiation Portal Monitors in Support of DNDO's Testing and Development Program GAO-07-347R, March 9, 2007
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS's Cost-Benefit Analysis to Support the Purchase of New Radiation Detection Portal Monitors Was Not Based on Available Performance Data and Did Not Fully Evaluate All the Monitors' Costs and Benefits GAO-07-133R, October 17, 2006
• Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could Be Strengthened GAO-06-1015, September 21, 2006 [PDF 3.32MB]
• Mail Security: Incidents at DOD Mail Facilities Exposed Problems That Require Further Actions GAO-06-757, September 15, 2006
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Efforts to Deploy Radiation Detection Equipment in the United States and in Other Countries, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-05-840T, June 21, 2005.
• Homeland Security: Contract Management and Oversight for Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Need to Be Strengthened GAO-06-404, June 9, 2006
• Homeland Security: Federal and Industry Efforts Are Addressing Security Issues at Chemical Facilities, but Additional Action Is Needed, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-05-631T, April 27, 2005.
• Preventing Nuclear Smuggling: DOE Has Made Limited Progress in Installing Radiation Detection Equipment at Highest Priority Foreign Seaports. GAO-05-375, March 31, 2005. [PDF 2.5MB]
• Anthrax Detection: Agencies Need to Validate Sampling Activities In Order to Increase Confidence in Negative Results. (GAO-05-251), March 31, 2005 [PDf 3.77 MB]
• Bioterrorism: Information on Jurisdictions' Expenditure and Reported Obligation of Program Funds. GAO-05-239, February 28, 2005.
• NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Improve Security at Nuclear Power Plants (GAO-04-1064T), September 14 2004 [206 Kb]
• U.S. POSTAL SERVICE Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure an Appropriate Response to Anthrax Contaminatio (GAO-04-239), September 2004 [PDF 1 Mb]
• HOMELAND SECURITY DHS Needs a Strategy to Use DOE's Laboratories for Research on Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Detection and Response Technologies (GAO-04-653), May 2004 [PDF 728 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Federal Action Needed to Address Security Challenges at Chemical Facilities, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. (GAO-04-482T), February 23, 2004 [PDF 201 KB]
• HHS Bioterrorism Preparedness Programs: States Reported Progress but Fell Short of Program Goals for 2002. (GAO-04-360R), February 10, 2004 [PDF 352 KB]
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Agency Leadership Taking Steps to Improve Management and Leadership, but Challenges Remain. (GAO-04-219), January 30, 2004 [PDF 622 KB]
• Bioterrorism: A Threat to Agriculture and the Food Supply, statement for the record by Lawrence J. Dyckman, director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs (GAO-04-259T), November 19, 2003 [PDF 169 kb]
• Bioterrorism: Public Health Response to Anthrax Incidents of 2001, (GAO-04-152), October 15, 2003 [PDF 1.02 Mb]
• Nuclear Regulation: NRC Needs More Effective Analysis to Ensure Accumulation of Funds to Decommission Nuclear Power Plants (GAO-04-32), October 30, 2003 [PDF 1.52 Mb]
• Emerging Infectious Diseases: Surveillance Capabilities of State and Local Agencies Need Improvement, by Janet Heinrich, director, health care-public health issues, before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response, House Select Committee on Homeland Security, (GAO-03-1176T), September 24, 2003 [PDF 468 Kb]
• Combating Bioterrorism: Actions Needed to Improve Security at Plum Island Animal Disease Center, (GAO-03-847), September 19, 2003 [PDF 1.68 Mb]
• Nuclear Security: Federal and State Action Needed to Improve Security of Sealed Radioactive Sources, (GAO-03-804), August 6, 2003 [PDF 10 Mb]
• Spent Nuclear Fuels: Options Exist to Further Enhance Security (GAO-03-426), July 15, 2003 [PDF 3.06 Mb]
• Capitol Hill Anthrax Incident: EPA's Cleanup Was Successful; Opportunities Exist to Enhance Contract Oversight, June 4, 2003 (GAO-03-686) [PDF 2.98 Mb]
• Bioterrorism: Information Technology Strategy Could Strengthen Federal Agencies' Abilities to Respond to Public Health Emergencies, May 30, 2003, (GAO-03-139) [PDF 1.26 Mb]
• SARS Outbreak: Improvements to Public Health Capacity Are Essential for Responding to Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases, by Janet Heinrich, director, health care--public health issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce, May 7, 2003 (GAO-03-769T) [PDF 296 Kb]
• Smallpox Vaccination: Implementation of National Program Faces Challenges, April 30, 2003 (GAO-03-578) [PDF 318 Kb]
• Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Bioterrorism Preparedness Efforts Have Improved Public Health Response Capacity, but Gaps Remain, by Janet Heinrich, director, public health issues, before the House Committee on Government Reform, April 9, 2003 (GAO-03-654T) [PDF 153 Kb]
• Bioterrorism: Adequacy of Preparedness Varies Across State and Local Jurisdictions, April 7, 2003 (GAO-03-373) [PDF 773 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Voluntary Initiatives Are Under Way at Chemical Facilities, but Extent of Security Preparedness Is Unknown, March 14, 2003 (GAO-03-439) [PDF 545 Kb]
• Homeland Security: EPA's Management of Clean Air Act Chemical Facility Data, March 14, 2003 (GAO-03-509R) [PDF 64 Kb]
• NUCLEAR REGULATION: Emergency Preparedness Issues at the Indian Point 2 Nuclear Power Plant, Statement of Jim Wells, Director Natural Resources and Environment, March 10, 2003 (GAO-03-528T) [140 Kb]
• Food-Processing Security: Voluntary Efforts Are Underway, but Federal Agencies Cannot Fully Assess Their Implementation, February 14, 2003 (GAO-03-342) [PDF 1.45 Mb]
• Homeland Security: CDC's Oversight of the Select Agent Program, November 22, 2002 (GAO-03-315R) [PDF 67 Kb]
• CHEMICAL SAFETY: Emergency Response Community Views on the Adequacy of Federally Required Chemical Information, July 2002 (GAO-02-799) [PDF 865 Kb]
• Bioterrorism: Public Health and Medical Preparedness -- Statement of Janet Heinrich Director, Health Care-Public Health Issues, (09-OCT-01, GAO-02-141T). [PDF 1.24 Mb]
• Responses of Federal Agencies and Airports We Surveyed About Access Security Improvements, August 31, 2001 (GAO-01-1069R) [PDF 38 Kb]
• CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT: Selected Federal Agencies' Procedures, Assumptions, and Policies, August 2001 (GAO-01-810) [PDF 1.59 Mb]
• Bioterrorism: Coordination and Preparedness -- Statement of Janet Heinrich Director, Health Care-Public Health Issues, (05-OCT-01, GAO-02-129T). [PDF 1.23 Mb]
• BIOTERRORISM: Review of Public Health Preparedness Programs -- Statement of Janet Heinrich Director, Health Care-Public Health Issues, October 10, 2001 (GAO-02-149T) [PDF 1.23 Mb]
• Bioterrorism: Federal Research and Preparedness Activities, (28-SEP-01, GAO-01-915). [PDF 748 Kb]
• Combating Terrorism: Observations on Biological Terrorism and Public Health Initiatives (Testimony, 03/16/99, GAO/T-NSIAD-99-112).