Covert action (defined by U.S. statute as “... an activity or activities of the United States Government to influence political, economic, or military conditions abroad, where it is intended that the role of the United States will not be apparent or acknowledged publicly....”) has been an important element of U.S. foreign and security policy since at least World War II. It has also been a source of substantial bureaucratic friction between government agencies. Since 2001 managing covert action has been an increasingly important issue as the intelligence community and the military are reported to have undertaken a wide array of activities. This project will examine the historical allocation of responsibilities for covert action and the manner in which covert action has been managed. The final product will provide analysis and recommendations for the client on covert action responsibilities and management.