Cybersecurity

NIST supplies IT security handbook to managers

The publication provides managers with an overview of information security practices.

Modernization

House aviation chairman endorses FAA telecom funding

An Appropriations Committee staffer confirmed that the FTI program was funded at the level of the president’s request of $28 million.

Modernization

University of New Hampshire revamps storage plan

The university crafts a storage blueprint and plans to award a contract later this month.

People

GSA details audit problems

Agency deputy IG identifies $900 million in miscalculated funds in GSA’s 2005 audit.

Cybersecurity

VA conducts security review of laptop PCs, bars nondepartment PCs from VPN

Agency has also suspended the practice of permitting employees in the Veterans Benefit Administration from removing claims files from office computers and working on them at home.

People

USPTO reveals updated Web filing system

New EFS-Web to cut down on 2 million weekly pages worth of paperwork.

Cybersecurity

GAO: FEMA, Red Cross must coordinate logistics better

A GAO report says FEMA's lack of a comprehensive system to track assistance requests in 2005 added to the Red Cross’ workload and slowed delivery of relief services.

People

Accenture establishes public service institute

The group will bring together academics, officials and government service providers to discuss government policy and service delivery strategies.

People

GTSI names VP of customer advocacy

Sandra Blaisdell, who spent 16 years with AT&T, will be responsible for identifying and resolving the service-related needs of GTSI customers.

People

Only 150 accept GSA buyouts

Only 150 of the 395 buyout offers at GSA have been accepted so far, agency officials said.

Modernization

GSA cleans up processes that led to $900m accounting problems

The General Services Administration has changed policies and standardized processes so it can achieve a clean audit this year after statements about its accounting of $900 million in budgetary resources sank last year’s audit.<@SM>

Digital Government

Rep. Joe Wilson misses an opportunity

None

People

GAO: IRS lacks strong internal controls

The agency has made progress on some prior recommendations, but GAO adds to the list.

People

DHS’ Holcomb to retire

Lee Holcomb, the Homeland Security Department’s chief technology officer, will retire at the end of June, according to a letter sent to the federal CIO Council.

People

Senate unanimously passes bill to scrutinize purchase card spending

The bill's sponsor said the waste can occur when the government does not understand its buying habits using purchase cards.

Cybersecurity

DOD data center worked overtime on stolen personnel files

Data specialists spent last weekend sifting through records to determine that the missing Veterans Affairs database also contained info on active-duty personnel.

People

Fortress America announces first deal

The special purpose acquisition corporation is purchasing VTC, which designs hardened data centers and other information technology-intensive facilities.

Cybersecurity

Gartner critical of current business continuity plans

In a recent survey, 72 percent of respondents said they did not include federal, state and local authorities in their 2005 planning efforts.

Modernization

2010 census may be forced back to paper

Problems with implementing handheld mobile computing devices could force the 2010 census back to using manual data capture procedures.

Modernization

GPO seeks vendor to run D.C. identity card facility

The cards are part of a Homeland Security Presidential Directive requiring agencies to issue standard ID credentials to all employees and contractors.