GAO said Wednesday the department has fully addressed 10 of the 30 actions and outcomes related to those four key functions to date.
The government watchdog indicated that DHS has struggled to manage cost, schedule, and performance of several of its large programs.
DHS and its component agencies buy systems intended for border security, marine safety, traveler screening, cybersecurity and disaster response efforts, according to GAO.
The report says the department has established a policy to manage multi-year programs that cost more than $300 million.
“To ensure that recent efforts are sustained, the department must continue to implement its sound acquisition policy consistently and effectively across all components,” the agency noted.