However, the federal government does not yet have commonly accepted and authoritative definitions for key terms, such as homeland security. At the same time, we could not confirm that another key element, a definition of homeland security, was being addressed at the time we collected data for our report. Public and Private Sector Relationships Are Evolving

Partnerships are being established among federal, state, and local governments, and private sector entities to promote a unified homeland security approach. In terms of the private sector, partnerships between it and the public sector are forming, but they are not yet developed to the level of those in Y2K efforts, generally due to the emerging nature of homeland security. Nonetheless, some progress has been made. An Official, Governmentwide Definition of Homeland Security Does Not Exist

Commonly accepted definitions help provide assurance that organizational, management, and budgetary decisions are made consistently across the organizations involved in a crosscutting effort. In the interim, the potential exists for an uncoordinated approach to homeland security caused by duplication of efforts or gaps in coverage, misallocation of resources, and inadequate monitoring of expenditures. As shown in our previous reports on combating terrorism, duplication and gaps in coverage can occur when the nation’s capabilities are not effectively integrated.
Why GAO Did This Study

The issue of homeland security crosscuts numerous policy domains, impinging on the expertise and resources of every level of government, the private sector, and the international community.

What GAO Found

GAO found that although combating terrorism crossed organizational boundaries, it did not sufficiently coordinate the activities of the 40 federal entities involved, resulting in duplication and gaps in coverage. The homeland security efforts of public and private entities do not yet represent a unified approach, although key supporting elements for such an approach are emerging. Progress has been made in developing a framework to support a more unified effort. Other remaining key elements--a national strategy, establishment of public and private sector partnerships, and the definition of key terms--are either not in place yet or are evolving. At the same time, key terms, such as "homeland security," have not been defined officially; consequently, certain organizational, management, and budgetary decisions cannot currently be made across agencies. In the interim, the potential exists for an uncoordinated approach to homeland security that may lead to duplication of efforts or gaps in coverage, misallocation of resources, and inadequate monitoring of expenditures.