Modernization
Firm provides swine flu updates to agencies
A private firm is providing updates on the swine flu outbreak in Mexico to U.S. health agencies and the public.
Modernization
More rules are due on stimulus money
OMB will issue a third round of guidance in early May to help agencies handle the data reporting and audit requirements of the economic stimulus law.
Cybersecurity
DHS opens Global Entry program to Netherlands
DHS has signed an agreement with the Netherlands to jointly recognize each other's trusted traveler programs for air passengers.
Cybersecurity
Survey: IT high on wish list for new money
State and local public safety agencies want to use new federal money to help fund technology projects, according to a new survey.
Modernization
City Web sites track new federal money
Several cities have established Web sites to track the $50 billion in economic stimulus spending cities will get.
Digital Government
Bill would help state auditors track money
A House committee chairman is writing legislation to provide federal funds to state auditors to help them oversee spending under the stimulus law.
Modernization
Agencies to hold online talk with IT community
Starting April 27, OMB and the stimulus oversight board will ask the IT community how to best achieve transparency for reporting spending under the economic stimulus law.
Cybersecurity
Interior Department to upgrade disaster monitoring
The U.S. Geological Survey will upgrade volcano, earthquake, and flood monitoring and warning systems.
Modernization
POGO releases latest version of Federal Contractor Misconduct Database
The largest 100 federal contractors have paid $26 billion in penalties related to admitted and alleged misconduct since 1995, according to a watchdog group.
Cybersecurity
HHS releases guidance on securing electronic health data
The department issues guidelines on encryption and destruction to protect sensitive personal health records.
Modernization
States launch stimulus-tracking sites
All 50 states are now online with stimulus act Web sites, but they vary in quality and usefulness.
Cybersecurity
Administration addresses power grid weaknesses
The Obama administration is speeding development of cyber protections for the smart grid.
Acquisition
Group: Keep the price reduction clause
GSA's price reduction clause should be kept because because it helped the government get a $128 million settlement, a government watchdog group urges.
Modernization
Cloud computing moves into public safety
Companies introduce software as a service for communications between fire, police and emergency agencies.
Modernization
41 states and DC now publishing tax-expenditure reports
Many states are now releasing tax-break tallies, according to a new report.
Modernization
Lawmakers lag in publishing schedules online
Only 10 members of Congress publish their schedules on their Web sites despite encouragement from transparency advocates.
Modernization
CBP updates trade data repository
The agency has updated its Automated Commercial Environment system to take into account new document rules.
Cybersecurity
GAO: Dead people can still get passports
The State Department needs to conduct mandatory checks of a death database to avoid issuing fraudulent passports, GAO recommends in a new report.
Cybersecurity
IG: CBP didn't give auditors enough info on passenger system
DHS' inspector general said he did not receive enough information to fully assess the privacy and security enhancements to Customs and Border Protection's airline passenger database.
Modernization