People

Standards needed for first-responder ID cards, industry group says

The Smart Card Alliance recommends adopting FIPS 201, which is already the security standard for federal ID cards.

People

Michigan gets DHS approval to issue border card

Michigan’s Secretary of State expects to begin accepting applications for the new license next year from Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens only.

People

DHS not prepared for cyberattacks, House committee chair says

Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, the department is to establish a response framework based on scenarios, including natural disasters, chem-bio attacks and cyberattacks.

People

Visitor driver's license applicants must show U.S. approval

Under a new rule the Texas Department of Public Safety will issue a new type of driver’s license to foreign visitors.

Modernization

FEMA deploys e-signature solution for disaster victims

Computer application is designed to quicken the pace of processing release forms for disaster relief funding and loans.

People

DHS components lagging on information security, IG says

Nineteen IT systems had incomplete contingency plans, and five systems did not follow federal standard guidelines, an inspector general report states.

People

IBM Center publishes presidential transition guides

One handbook is aimed at senior management, while another is billed as a guide for government executives.

People

DOD, private sector team up on ID management research

The Defense Department and two other agencies will work with Indiana University and other organizations to tackle identity theft, document fraud and other challenges.

People

Congress sets conditions on DHS spending

Homeland Security Department must make improvements before Congress releases hold on funding.

People

Border project gets new manager

Retired Air Force Col. Mark Borkowski replaces Greg Giddens.

People

Bill would tighten task-order rules governmentwide

The legislation requires the government to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation within one year of the bill’s passage to reflect the new policy.

People

DHS distributes travel widget online to publicize new rules

The WHTI Widget is an Adobe AIR application that is free to download.

People

N-Dex: Strong growth potential in info-sharing

Some reports are now included in the FBI’s National Data Exchange (N-Dex) law enforcement information-sharing system.

People

Companies show mix of competitive, noncompetitive contracts

Government information shows individual contractors have a mixed record on competition.

People

Competition eludes easy fixes

Competition for federal contracts has become a political hot button but still defies a quick solution.

Digital Government

Registered Traveler starts at Atlanta airport

Atlanta's airport today began offering the Registered Traveler program's expedited security lanes for enrolled and pre-screened travelers who get biometric identity cards.

People

DOD authorization bill reinforces competition, transparency, oversight

The bill, now heading to the White House, also calls for a Contingency Contracting Corps to ensure efficiency in urgent contracting.

People

IG to audit contractor award fees at DHS

The DHS inspector general says he will review the department's award fees to contractors and acquisition data management in fiscal 2009.

People

Measure would upgrade IT, oversight at DHS

New authorizing legislation for the Homeland Security Department would give more power to the CIO there and require more contract oversight.

People

DHS has IT oversight problems, IG finds

The Homeland Security Department has made progress in managing its $5 billion in annual information technology investments but still has problems, according to a new report.