People

House passes bills on technology, science

The House has approved bills designed to strengthen federal agencies' cooperation on international science and technology research and on domestic science education.

Cybersecurity

Bill aims to speed frequent fliers through security

The TSA reauthorization legislation passed by the House has a provision that would strengthen the Registered Traveler program, a business group says.

Digital Government

ONCHIT tests guidance for health records

HHS is testing a template for an electronic personal health record

Cybersecurity

DHS draws flak for review of services contracts

DHS' new mandatory reviews of professional service contracts: A good idea or too tough to do?

Cybersecurity

IG: DHS security clearances need IT help

The Homeland Security Department could improve its security clearance process by beefing up its computer support, IG says.

Modernization

Health IT needs more functionality, CIO says

Theresa Cullen, CIO of the Indian Health Service, said health IT leaders should create more functionality in their systems, including the ability to track diseases without current lag times.

People

GAO: The FDA needs strategic IT plan

The Food and Drug Administration doesn't have a comprehensive strategic plan for managing its numerous IT modernization projects, the GAO reports.

Cybersecurity

Former Deepwater engineer's allegations untrue, Lockheed says

A False Claims Act lawsuit against Lockheed Martin involves a former employee's allegations that the company says it has already investigated and found without merit.

Cybersecurity

Deepwater milestone signals a step forward

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore, assistant commandant for acquisition, discusses the final acceptance of the National Security Cutter Bertholf, which is the largest asset completed so far in the service's controversial $24 billion Integrated Deepwater Systems acquisition program.

Cybersecurity

DHS' IG reports millions recovered from fraud

The Homeland Security Department's inspector general has recovered $228 million in fines and other payments by investigating complaints of alleged waste, fraud and abuse.

Cybersecurity

Obama's likely pick for cybersecurity head remains murky

Although some analysts have ideas about the qualities the person filling the position might need, no one is naming names of likely contenders.

Cybersecurity

GAO: FDA's tracking system isn't secure

FDA's planned Sentinel system for tracking medications and medical devices and their effects on public health has many problems ahead in privacy and security, GAO auditors said.

Cybersecurity

DHS expands RFID use at borders today

DHS has started the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires displaying eligible ID documents, most with RFID tags, at land and sea borders.

Cybersecurity

$300M in transit grants to aid in homeland security projects

DHS announced $300 million in economic stimulus law funding is available for eligible port security and mass transit projects.

People

Health IT commission postpones certifications

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology said it will put off some of its certification activities until it reviews what HHS has in mind for health IT

Modernization

DHS to scrutinize service contracts

As part of an efficiency initiative, DHS officials will perform an extra review on all professional service contracts over $1 million starting immediately.

Digital Government

Health IT standards panel creates workgroups

After it gets some policy guidance, the Health IT Standards Committee will ask its three new workgroups to deliver recommendations in 90 days.

Modernization

Q & A: High-tech cutter reaches milestone

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore expects the first National Security Cutter to receive certification for classified communications in the near future.

Modernization

Online forum slow for Regulations.gov

A federal Web site created to collect ideas for improving Regulations.gov is getting off to a relatively slow start.

Digital Government

HHS tests template for electronic health record

The national coordinator for health IT is testing an online model for a digital personal health record.