Modernization
Diplomatic patches
The State Department undertakes an ambitious program to centralize software patching and improve its neglected IT security at posts around the globe.
People
Bill would put brakes on DTS' travel portion
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) introduced a bill that would ban use of DTS for travel planning while preserving the system’s back-end functions.
Modernization
DOD to build medical data storage model
The Defense Department and Microsoft will jointly develop a medical data warehouse prototype for the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application
Modernization
The tools of the master forecaster
Five business intelligence applications that can help agency managers track changes and make better decisions about their programs.
People
OMB analyzing architecture of agency business lines
The Office of Management and Budget is focusing on specific segments to show enterprise architecture’s value outside of IT, OMB's chief architect said.
Modernization
USPS awards mail automation deal
The U.S. Postal Service awarded an $874.6 million contract to Northrop Grumman Corp. to provide technology that will further automate mail processing.
Modernization
A net gain from outsourcing?
The Homeland Security and Interior departments plan to use Networx for the switch to managed network services.
People
Katrina subcontracting plans incomplete, GAO finds
The recording problems have raised the ire of Sen. John Kerry, who requested that agencies send guidance to their procurement offices about better tracking data.
People
Agencies improved information dissemination, access in 2006, OMB says
According to the Office of Management and Budget's latest report to Congress, agencies’ use of e-government continued to grow.
People
New contract for Joint Test and Evaluation could total $937M
JT&E will use the money to develop future concepts for joint warfighting and homeland defense.
People
OMB: Agencies slowly improving financial management
A joint effort by OMB, chief financial officers and the inspectors general could bring further improvements, says OMB controller Linda Combs.
People
Government execs in U.S., Canada take similar positions on performance pay
Common themes emerging from recent surveys include support for performance management principles and a dissatisfaction with the ways pay is linked to performance.
Cybersecurity
OMB: Agencies make headway with IT security
The government’s cybersecurity position has improved in the past year, but significant holes remain, report states.
People
DHS releases draft regulations for Real ID
They come a day after Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) reintroduced a bill to repeal the law, citing the burden on states along with privacy concerns.
Acquisition
Catapult Technology wins big small-biz contract from GSA
Many companies that qualified to compete for the contract passed on the opportunity, believing that GSA asked for more than they could offer.
Cybersecurity
VA said lagging on data security improvements
The agency has taken steps to reduce security weaknesses, but it has not carried out recommendations made by its inspector general or the GAO, House panel told.
People