People

OMB, DHS take various steps to secure networks

Secure desktop configuration, training and a software acquisition guide should make federal systems more secure, officials say.

People

Academic programs in homeland security make gains, report states

More academic institutions are offering degree and certificate programs in homeland security, but the field lacks standard coursework and core teaching areas, according to a new report.

People

OMB adds to High Risk list

The agency credits better management oversight for the growing number of projects needing special attention.

People

Contracting officers are easy target

Program managers are a large part of the problem with flawed contracts.

People

GAO: DHS lags on tracking incorrect payments

The department needs to develop better risk-assessment plans and follow through with them, according to a new report.

People

White House order puts HHS in charge of biosurveillance efforts

President Bush's order on public health preparedness for a medical emergency says biosurveillance should rely on e-medical records where possible.

People

House seeks WAN services to connect reps, districts

The contract is not set aside for small businesses, but the House urges them to enter a proposal.

People

DOD official orders head count of private security guards

The department will centrally track personal, contract and detailed deployment information on all private security contractors and translators working in Iraq and Afghanistan.

People

Magistrate recommends court order to preserve White House e-mail messages

A judge will decide whether to issue the order after weighing the recommendations and any objections from the government.

People

GSA to award contract for evaluating financial shared-services providers

The agency plans to issue an RFP early next year for testing that shared-services providers are capable of implementing financial management systems.

People

Over-reliance on contractors is nothing new

In response to a story about DHS relying too much on contractors, a long-time fed suggests providing more training and guidance to agency officials who oversee contractors.

People

Lawmakers seek more info on P2P security threats

A bipartisan group of 19 members of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee has asked FTC to better define the security risks associated with popular file-sharing technology.

People

Akaka, Davis introduce bill to improve labor/management relations

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) have introduced legislation in the Senate and House that would create a labor/management partnership council.

People

Letter: Harsh words for the Defense Travel System

In response to a recent article about DTS, an Air Force reader highlights numerous shortcomings of the software -- and suggests a face-off between the system and a human with a typewriter and phone at hand.

People

Contracting officers need training in critical areas, survey finds

The survey, conducted by OFPP, OPM and other agencies, also finds that many of the best-trained contracting officers are likely to retire in the next 10 years.

People

The Lectern: Good jobs for young people in government

None

People

Panel details fixes for care of wounded warriors

The recommendations include creating a scorecard for documenting the progress of information sharing between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.

People

DHS to issue plan for US-VISIT exit program by January

Agency will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking describing its plan to capture fingerprints of visitors when they check in at the airport.

People

IG: DHS falls short on security

Despite improvements, DHS still falls short in protecting its critical IT systems and data, according to a new report from the department’s inspector general.

People

GAO: DHS relies too much on contractors

DHS is paying billions to professional service contractors to perform tasks that are similar to work usually reserved for government employees, officials said today.