WASHINGTON, Nov. 30  -- U. S. officials say the Department of Homeland Security is still experiencing growing pains that have left some key projects in various states of disarray.

The Boston Globe said Sunday that around 75 percent of the agency staff in Washington has been on the job for less than two years and has become bogged down in running the sprawling $50 billion-a-year operation.

"It is very important," said Cathleen Berrick of the General Accountability Office. "That is how they let contracts and oversee programs. It is such a huge challenge."

The Globe said the incoming Obama administration will have to get various agency programs on track, including major ones involving border security, communications, re-equipping the Coast Guard and securing maritime and hazardous cargoes. (UPI)