Modernization

Toughbook 51 puts the pedal to the metal

Panasonic's newest ruggedized notebook ? Toughbook 51 ? can withstand a one-foot drop in its magnesium alloy case.

Acquisition

GSA confirms data charges

Individuals or companies wanting direct access to federal procurement database must pay one-time charge.

Acquisition

American Indian company grows in the public sector

The small company is one of many competing for the government's information technology business.

Cybersecurity

DHS buys information assurance

Homeland Security Department officials have awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman and Q1 Labs for software that analyzes and mitigates cyberthreats.

People

U.S. forces in Iraq lack bomb jammers

U.S. troops in Iraq have only a small number of jammers to defeat roadside bombs.

Cybersecurity

Troops in Iraq buy own radios

Faced with a shortage of military radios, American troops in Iraq have resorted to buying their own inexpensive, insecure commercial radios to fill the gap.

Cybersecurity

Feds limited on digital signatures

OMB says agencies should stick to government-approved digital signature providers.

People

Five vie for wireless work

Motorola, AT&T, Boeing, Lockheed and General Dynamics are in phase two bidding for the Integrated Wireless Network, sources say.

Acquisition

Input: Few reversals for IT

About 8 percent to 10 percent of money spent by state governments through reverse auctions went to information technology purchases in fiscal 2004, market researcher Input said last week.

People

Immigration bureau to buy IT services

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau expects to purchase $500 million of IT work.

People

IG: 'Significant deficiencies' at FTS

Officials at many Federal Technology Service regional centers have done a poor job of following procurement regulations, according to the GSA inspector general.

People

GAO: Use DHS acquisition pilot

A Homeland Security program to promote acquisition of cutting-edge technology while exempt from federal statutes needs more attention, GAO says.

Acquisition

FAA acquisition policy needs improve, GAO says

The Government Accountability Office said the Federal Aviation Administration must strengthen policies and oversight for its acquisition management system.

Modernization

Three win Air Force computer deals

The service can now buy nonruggedized computers from iGov, NCS Information Systems and Westwood Computer.

People

FTS pledges improvement

Federal Technology Service officials met with members of Congress to discuss recent reports about shoddy procurement practices.

Modernization

Treasury award protested

The telecom firm filed a protest against the Treasury Department's award to AT&T of a contract that could be worth up to $1 billion.

Acquisition

Performance basis

Feds urge greater use of performance-based contracts as success stories emerge

Acquisition

Kelman: Show off share-in-savings

Applications for about 45 share-in-savings projects await approval.

People

Army awards 13 contracts

They cover advisory and assistance services for Aviation and Missile Command.

Acquisition

Rule implements share-in-savings

The two councils that set acquisition rules for federal agencies have approved a draft final rule that would lay out share-in-savings contracting procedures.