Virtual Border

Following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed and troubled projects from around the world.


Dept. Homeland Security – USA
Project: Secure Border Initiative Network
Project type : Virtual border control system
Date : Oct 2010 Cost :$1B

Synopsis :
The Department of Homeland Security refuses to renew a contract for the construction of a virtual border control system. Aimed at controlling the flow of drugs and weapons, the system was designed to leverage technology to help manage and secure the border. After four years of effort and more than $1B in costs, only 53 miles of the system had been built.

Contributing factors as reported in the press:
Lack of oversight of the main contractor. Failure to establish appropriate Project Management controls. Shortfalls in the capabilities of the technologies being deployed.

Reference links :

  1. DHS Needs to Strengthen Management and Oversight of Its Prime Contractor
  2. Homeland Security Junks Billion Dollar ‘Virtual Fence’