The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in the process of developing a modern information technology (IT) systemâ€"the Trilogy programâ€" that is designed to provide a high-speed network, modern workstations and software, and an applicationâ€"the Virtual Case File (VCF)â€"to enhance the ability of agents to organize, access, and analyze information. Implementation of this system has encountered substantial difficulties, however, and has been the subject of much investigation and congressional concern. To help address these problems, the FBI asked the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a quick review of the program and the progress that has been made to date. This report presents that review. The current status of four major aspects of the programâ€"the enterprise architecture, system design, program management, and human resourcesâ€"are discussed, and recommendations are presented to address the problems.

In the 21st century, more than any other time, US agencies have relied on contractors to conduct core intelligence functions. This book charts the swell of intelligence outsourcing in the context of American political culture and considers what this means for the relationship between the state, its national security apparatus and accountability within a liberal democracy. Through analysis of a series of case studies, recently declassified documents and exclusive interviews with national security experts in the public and private sectors, the book provides an in-depth and illuminating appraisal of the evolving accountability regime for intelligence contractors.