People

Feds promise states $1 billion

Money could start to flow to localities for interoperable communications.

People

Working group to study e-democracy efforts

An international organization wants to know how online meetings can boost citizen participation in government.

Digital Government

Massachusetts approves use of Office Open XML

State agencies can now use OOXML and the OpenDocument Format.

People

State fusion centers struggle to produce useful info, study finds

The report, by the Congressional Research Service, cited problems with the centers’ lack of connectivity with existing law enforcement databases and poor compliance with federally backed technical data-sharing standards.

People

E-gov survey ranks Delaware, Michigan as best

A team of researchers at Brown University evaluated Web sites for the presence of a wide variety of features, including online publications, privacy and security policies, and digital signatures and credit card payments.

Modernization

Will WiMax save the day?

In theory, WiMax can blanket a city with affordable and fast wireless data service, but how often that will happen remains to be seen.

People

States could get Real ID money

DHS sends plan to Hill to reinvigorate flow of grant funding to establish the program.

People

DHS, DOD solving first responder ID card interoperability problem

The Summer Breeze exercise in Washington metropolitan area runs multiple scenarios for emergency services personnel.

People

DHS releases Real ID implementation plan

The plan includes a staffing configuration for the Real ID Program Office and goals to focus on in the next year.

Digital Government

Utah, Wisconsin tops in mobility investment

The study, conducted by CDW Government, covers such mobility categories as notebook PCs, nonwireless handheld devices and wireless communications devices.

People

DHS bills offer plenty for locals

State and local emergency managers are the clear winners in the approps process.

People

Georgia upgrades financial, HR software

The state will use updated Oracle PeopleSoft products to better track operational performance and move into e-procurement.

Cybersecurity

Encryption BPAs are open to all

Contracts awarded under GSA’s SmartBuy signal better intergovernmental relations.

Acquisition

Chicago extends GIS

The city has hired a team of contractors to assist with a plan to expand an existing geographic information system.

People

The outsourcer's dilemma

Many agencies need the help of contractors now more than ever, but outsourcing can be a minefield for the ill-prepared.

Acquisition

10 SmartBuy encryption contracts awarded

The government will save as much as $73 million through cost avoidance during the agreements and could accelerate standard data security on mobile devices.

Cybersecurity

After the breach, now what?

Would a federal breach notification law bring greater security and sanity to those who find their personal data has been lost or stolen?

People

Navy rethinks its approach to collecting, sharing data

While patrolling the Persian Gulf, the Navy is amassing larger than ever amounts of information and must figure out the best way for the military and its partners to use it.

Digital Government

Illinois toll system gets upgrade

The state has converted its toll plazas from the barrier style to open-road tolling in which vehicles equipped with transponders cruise through the toll plaza at highway speeds.

Digital Government

Warner: Being green could be easy

The former Virginia governor tells business leaders to think about IT's effect on the environment.