"Another factor is the decision, made in 1976, to sharply divide the FBI and the foreign intelligence agencies. The FBI would collect within the United States; the foreign intelligence agencies would collect overseas"

This quote by Bobby R. Inman is referring to the decision made in 1976 to separate the FBI and foreign intelligence agencies. This decision was made to ensure that the FBI would concentrate on collecting info within the United States, while the foreign intelligence companies would focus on gathering information overseas. This decision was made to make sure that the FBI would not be sidetracked by foreign intelligence matters, which the foreign intelligence companies would not be distracted by domestic matters. This choice was made to ensure that both firms could focus on their respective areas of proficiency and ensure that the United States was safe both domestically and globally. This decision has actually been in location for over 40 years and has actually been a significant factor in the success of both the FBI and the foreign intelligence companies.