People

House passes Deepwater reform bill

The Coast Guard would be prohibited from using a private contractor as a lead systems integrator for the Integrated Deepwater Program, except in special circumstances to continue current work until 2011.

Digital Government

Bailout could cost agencies

A $700 billion bailout package for Wall Street would tighten many federal agencies' budgets, but state and local agencies would feel it the most.

People

GAO: Los Alamos Lab has cybersecurity gaps

The Los Alamos National Laboratory has weaknesses that affect how it protects information on its network, the Government Accountability Office reports.

People

GAO: DHS needs data on acquisition authority

The Homeland Security Department’s special acquisition authority appears to be working, but better data would help it assess that success, the Government Accountability Office says.

People

DHS seeks model telework demonstration program

The department’s chief administrative officer is seeking a consultant with experience in developing telework policies, guidelines and training to help workers do their jobs from remote locations.

People

$20M Northern Border tech project kept alive

A House subcommittee chairman has rejected a request to cancel a $20 million high-tech program at the border of the United States and Canada.

People

GAO finds problems with SBInet

A report says the SBInet high technology system continues to be “in a state of flux” with regard to what capabilities are to be delivered, and when.

People

GAO: DOD should reassess security of command center

The Defense Department might have overlooked some security concerns when it consolidated command centers of NORAD and the Northern Command, according to the Government Accountability Office.

People

DHS plans new TWIC rule

The program is on track to enroll 1.2 million workers by April 2009, according to the TWIC program manager.

People

Report urges better information sharing

The next administration should focus more on building preparedness, resiliency and professionalism to improve homeland security, a study recommends.

People

New York issues hybrid driver's licenses

New York has begun issuing driver’s licenses that also serve as official identification cards at the country's land borders.

People

GAO official: Delay won't derail SBInet

The Homeland Security Department’s troubled SBInet border surveillance project will survive despite a forced delay, a Government Accountability Office official said.

Digital Government

DHS will test multiband radios

The Homeland Security Department will hold tests of the newly engineered radios to improve emergency communications, officials said.

People

DOD tests contractors’ ID cards

The pilot program’s future could hinge on the question of who conducts background checks.

People

Audit reveals new IT security weaknesses

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center has received 20 reissued notices of weaknesses in information technology systems and nine notices of new IT weaknesses, an audit reports.

People

US-VISIT may miss deadline

The Homeland Security Department is said unlikely to meet the statutory deadline of next July 1 to implement the US-VISIT exit system that records departures of air travelers from other countries.

Digital Government

Council points to security challenges

The next administration will face major strategic challenges in homeland security, according to a new report from the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

People

IG: Coast Guard needs to improve security

Overall, the DHS inspector general finds the service is doing a good job of securing its computer networks.

People

GAO: SBInet technology management falls short

GAO’s criticism is the latest in a series of troubling developments.

People

Bill would give FERC authority on cyber threats

A House subcommittee has begun considering legislation that would expand the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deal with cyber threats against the nation’s electric power grid.