Modernization
Commerce versus security
The debate about screening shipping containers is one problem that current technology is not going to solve.
People
No easy path to integrated MDA
Challenges in developing a collaborative maritime domain awareness system for better homeland security are many.
Modernization
Coast Guard fuses data sources
The Coast Guard uses a Trusted Computer Solutions product that received accreditation at the top-secret and secret levels in 2006.
People
In search of safe harbor
The complexities of port facilities make maritime domain awareness one of the biggest challenges in homeland security.
People
Letter: Managers hold too much control under NSPS
A reader writes that the National Security Personnel System "lets the manager's get away with too much without good checks and balances."
People
Ariz. assembles project experts
State officials say they are reaping the benefits of a training and certification program.
Digital Government
GAO cites problems with response tools
Urban fire, police and emergency response personnel do not have the equipment to accurately and quickly identify and respond to the release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials, according to the Government Accountability Office.
People
Unions expect to negotiate new rules
Labor union official cited problems that include performance payouts and job reassignments.
People
Letter: GSA's Jim Williams major career contributions not highlighted
A reader says Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Jim Williams implemented the merger of the Federal Technology Service and the Federal Supply Service among other great accomplishments.
Modernization
The federal enterprise architecture: Where it fits
The Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 called for agencies to adopt an IT architecture to govern the management and acquisition of new IT.
People
Treasury said to need better controls for report
Major weaknesses hurt the Treasury Department's processes used to prepare the annual governmentwide consolidated financial statement, the Government Accountability Office finds.
People
Letter: Clearances: The problem is in the technology managing the process
A reader writes, "In technology, any agency can go only as fast as your oldest technological processing system."
People
Letter: Who will fund the move to digital records?
A reader wants to know whether state and local governments will have to foot the bill to move to digital records.
People
Letter: Pay-for-performance projects leaves no one better off
A reader says, "The current [pay] system isn't broken, so leave it alone!"
People
Missouri to build interface for Real ID
The Homeland Security Department will pay Missouri $17 million to develop the "verification hub" that states will use to verify documents presented in the Real ID application process.
People
OFPP offers new guidelines to improve interagency contracting
Some say OFPP’s new policy guidance might be too little, too late to offer effective oversight.
Modernization
BBN field tests portable translator
BBN Technologies has developed a translation device that enables a two-way dialogue between speakers of different languages.
Modernization