People

Cohen: CIOs not viewed as thought leaders

Most agencies have CIOs, but most CIOs do not have the role that Cohen and others had intended, panelists say.

Modernization

Are small-biz PC makers a thing of the past?

It does not make sense to set aside contracts for small-business computer manufacturers, because none seem to exist in the federal market, SBA says.

Cybersecurity

IBM to upgrade VA IT organization

Under the $16 million, two-year contract IBM will help create a more standardized, interoperable and secure IT environment at the department.

Acquisition

Deloitte to build migrant student database

The Education Department will use the database to track the educational history of migrant workers’ children, whose school records are often incomplete or missing.

Modernization

Google's Cerf to advise NSF on Internet designs

The Internet pioneer is part of a panel that will look at possible architectures for a new and improved World Wide Web.

People

SBA breaks records in commercial financing loans

The Small Business Administration backed 100,197 loans worth $19.1 billion under its two primary small-business loan programs in fiscal 2006.

People

Vendors band together for critical infrastructure bids

A consortium of five companies will develop high-tech solutions to improve the management of airports, military bases and other secure locations.

People

ICF adds senior VP for defense, homeland security

Christine Kelley Cimko will work with national security clients on defense communications, management and acquisition, and defense policy-making.

People

Panel: Bloggers can expect more victories

Blogs were a conduit for citizens to join the fight for passage of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, a blogger said.

Cybersecurity

DOE partially yields on mandatory polygraphs for employees

The Department of Energy will decrease reliance on polygraph testing in screening prospective counterintelligence employees.

Digital Government

IG: IRS not doing enough to safeguard taxpayers' privacy

The Treasury IG says that the IRS has not conducted impact assessments on all of its computer systems, and that it does not pay enough attention to applying privacy laws.

People

Ciber wins $2.3M port security contract

The company will provide an integrated solution that incorporates port security, safety and management, and Maritime Domain Awareness to Port Freeport, Texas.

People

SRA buys RABA Technologies

The purchase adds high-end technology services to SRA's offerings for the national security and intelligence communities.

Cybersecurity

DHS laptops still vulnerable, IG finds

Laptops used by DHS' Office of the Inspector General are still susceptible to attacks, despite a number of recent steps taken to harden security.

Modernization

e-Gobierno, en Español

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Modernization

Google Earth gives flight control a new dimension

Much of the U.S. Forest Service's Automated Flight Following pizzazz comes from Google Earth Pro client software.

Modernization

Stamp of approvals

The Agriculture Department's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service expedites permit approval process while adding security and accountability.

Modernization

CRC benefits from nimble organization

A crucial factor in the success of the IT division of the Combat Readiness Center has been structuring it so that the best ideas don’t die on the vine of the bureaucracy.<@SM>

Modernization

Tom Hughes | A model for security

Under CIO Tom Hughes, the Social Security Administration has attained top grades in IT security. The agency also earned the highest rankings in e-government, human capital, financial management, and performance integration on the President’s Management Agenda.

Modernization

Program pays off (without interest)

The Interior Department’s GovPay program has hit all the e-government marks promoted by the Office of Management and Budget, reducing costs, improving performance and—most important—letting agency workers focus on their mission.<@SM>