Modernization
Judge sends Deepwater false claims lawsuit to trial
A U.S. District Court judge refuses to dismiss the False Claims Act lawsuit against the Deepwater contractors and sets trial for next year.
Cybersecurity
DHS falling short on small vessel security, IG says
The Homeland Security Department does not have an effective strategy or technologies in place to counteract the threat of attacks by terrorists who arrive on small boats, according to a new report.
Modernization
Federal CIO continues push for standards to enable interoperability
Creating interoperable systems across federal, state and local governments depends on establishing standards and building systems that adhere to those standards, Federal CIO Kundra says.
Modernization
FEMA falls short on warning systems, GAO says
A GAO official cited FEMA's lack of progress on its public alert systems for disasters, but a FEMA official defended the agency's pace.
Cybersecurity
DHS could hire 1,000 more cybersecurity professionals
The Homeland Security Department plans to hire up to 1,000 new employees to work in cybersecurity, officials said today.
Modernization
DHS establishes office for intelligence-sharing centers
The Homeland Security Department will establish a new office to coordinate its involvement with intelligence-sharing centers that rely on information technology.
Modernization
GAO says more planning needed for DHS emergency communications
The Homeland Security Department should beef up plans for key officials to communicate when networks go down, GAO recommends.
Cybersecurity
Outsourcing some services could be risky
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency plans to outsource disaster recovery planning, raising security questions.
Cybersecurity
Performance survey gives low grades to Interior, FEMA, Forest Service
Managers at the Interior Department, FEMA and the U.S. Forest Service got low rankings for using performance management data, according to the GAO.
Cybersecurity
DHS intell office to realign IT capabilities
The Homeland Security Department's top intelligence official told a House subcommittee how IT would help share security information.
Cybersecurity
DHS considers new structure for EAGLE II
The Homeland Security Department is considering getting rid of all functional categories and allowing broad competition for the possible EAGLE II-Unrestricted acquisition vehicle.
Modernization
DHS explores virtual world technologies
The Homeland Security Department wants to know how virtual world technologies and Web-based tools can help responders prepare for emergencies.
Cybersecurity
Authentication said key to cybersecurity
Bruce McConnell, a top cybersecurity official, said authentication of users and devices is key to cybersecurity.
Modernization
Citizenship agency launches interactive Web site
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a revamped Web site that lets users track their applications and petitions online. The new USCIS.gov site also makes national trend and raw data available.
Cybersecurity
TSA needs privacy IT tools, IG says
The TSA has made progress in implementing privacy protections, but still needs to beef up its monitoring and enforcement with automated tools, DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner says.
Cybersecurity
DOD opens some classified information to non-federal officials
Some officials working at state and local intelligence fusion centers will have limited access to data on the Defense Department's classified network.
Modernization
Lawmakers hit DHS on electronic border surveillance system
Lawmakers scolded Homeland Security Department officials for the latest round of delays on the SBInet electronic border surveillance project.
Cybersecurity
IG faults DHS for breaking rules on some noncompetitive contracts
DHS' Inspector General finds 70 examples where officials didn't follow federal acquisition rules in awarding noncompetitive contracts.
Cybersecurity
IG: DHS needs better management for OneNet
DHS needs better management for its project to consolidate its agencies' network infrastructures, the department's inspector general found.
Cybersecurity