When the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, it was granted ¿other transaction¿ authority -- a special authority used to meet mission needs. While the authority provides greater flexibility to attract and work with nontraditional contractors to research, develop, and test innovative technologies, other transactions carry the risk of reduced accountability and transparency -- in part because they are exempt from certain fed. acquisition regulations and cost accounting standards. This report determines the extent to which nontraditional contractors have been involved in DHS¿s other transactions, and assesses DHS¿s mgmt. of the acquisition process when using this authority to identify additional safeguards. Includes recommendations. Illus.