Modernization
Pa. chooses PKI to manage first-responder access cards
The standardized digital infrastructure will allow state officials to adjust to emergencies by distributing personnel where they’re needed most.
People
Mass. transit authority issues smart cards for e-ticketing
Using smart cards from Gemalto, passengers on buses and subways in the Boston area can swipe them in front of a reader that deducts fares.
People
GAO urges DOD to better regulate inventory lead times
Defense Department agencies regularly miss estimates on the lead times needed for acquiring spare parts, needlessly tying up billions of dollars, GAO found.
Acquisition
OMB starts small-biz regulatory review team
The Federal Acquisition Regulation Small Business Team will coordinate with SBA on rulemaking.
People
Katrina subcontracting plans incomplete, GAO finds
The recording problems have raised the ire of Sen. John Kerry, who requested that agencies send guidance to their procurement offices about better tracking data.
People
Agencies improved information dissemination, access in 2006, OMB says
According to the Office of Management and Budget's latest report to Congress, agencies’ use of e-government continued to grow.
People
DHS releases draft regulations for Real ID
They come a day after Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) reintroduced a bill to repeal the law, citing the burden on states along with privacy concerns.
People
New group to coordinate homeland security intelligence
The group's analysts will not generate alerts or warnings, but will provide strategic assessments of threats and disseminate them through established routes.
Cybersecurity
Are there perils in penetration testing?
Yes, but calm heads can help you choose whether to outsource or do it yourself.
People
A new Congress is open to new ideas
Experts in congressional relationships say agency leaders should seize the opportunity.
People
Indiana DHS to use software to better track emergency response
Envisage Technologies’ Acadis Readiness Suite will let the department keep tabs on training statewide for fire, hazmat, medical, search and rescue, and other first responders.
People
HUD creates online housing locator for disaster assistance
The locator lets users set search criteria to locate available housing in a one-stop shop environment.
Digital Government
City uses energy auction to save money
The city of Worcester, Mass., expects to save more than $870,000.
People
GAO: NASA should tie award fees to desired outcomes
The agency has developed guidance for use of cost-plus-award contracts but does not always adhere to its approach, the Government Accountability Office said.
People
GAO: DHS fails to deliver plan for Congress' oversight of US-VISIT
Despite improvements in compliance with the DHS Appropriations Act of 2006, the department has not yet provided a sufficient spending plan and supporting data, GAO said.
People
GAO: IRS modernization still needs improvement
The agency has yet to implement some controls and capabilities related to requirements, development and management, and post-implementation reviews of its BSM program.
Acquisition
GAO faults D.C. procurement
Poor practices undermine reforms established 10 years ago, auditors find.
Acquisition
U.S., India agree to expand small-biz opportunities
SBA and India’s Ministry of Small Scale Industry intend to increase cooperation and identify opportunities for strategic alliances.
Digital Government
Commerce Department-wide council may replace Technology Administration
The Bush administration is proposing a new agencywide technology council to handle implementing technology policy and promoting U.S. technological innovations.
Digital Government