People

GAO praises TSA for its handling of sensitive info

The agency has met congressional mandates regarding the handling of sensitive security information.

People

GAO: Quantity of information, databases challenge fusion centers

State and local officials say they have problems accessing federal networks and handling the high volume of information they receive from federal authorities.

People

DHS submits revised Real ID plan to OMB

The Office of Management and Budget has 90 days to review the new standards states must meet for ID cards to comply with the Real ID Act.

People

FlipSide: A few minutes with...James Van Derhoff

The State Department's CIO is leaving after 33 years at State and 41 years as a federal employee.

People

DHS to seek help with Coast Guard communication system

The Nationwide Automatic Identification System will improve how ships correspond with one another and communicate with shore stations.

People

DHS infrastructure protection chief cites progress

Bob Stephan cited the department's partnerships with state and local authorities as crucial to future success.

People

How secure are security clearances?

Recent guilty plea of former FBI, CIA employee calls the process into question

People

State Department proposes new contractor ID rule

It would add language to its acquisition regulations to require contractors to use interoperable, smart identification cards to gain access to State buildings and systems as required by HSPD-12.

People

Brubaker's new focus is research

DOT's funding decisions will help shape the future civilian transportation infrastructure

People

IT central to challenges facing Justice

The department's IG gives IT its own spot on its annual top 10 list of management challenges and notes it plays a role in other areas of concern.

People

Lawmaker wants small biz to get more DHS work

The House Homeland Security Committee’s chairman says small firms can react quicker to change than large contractors can.

People

Records maintenance rule loses paper vs. digital distinction

Beginning Dec. 17, agencies will not submit separate plans for doing upkeep on digital files.

People

House Democrats rebuke State's IG

They say he mismanaged an investigation into laptop computers thought to have posed a security risk.

People

Court orders White House to preserve e-mail backups

A complaint alleges that the Bush administration has illegally discarded about 5 million e-mail messages that it was required to keep under records laws.

People

Terrorist screening chief: Biometrics crucial to accuracy

But legal, technological and privacy challenges must be worked out before a system can be put in place.

People

Budget holdups could keep air travelers playing name game

Top DHS official says that funding for Secure Flight is key to fixing no-fly list problems.

People

FBI to bolster employee Internet access

The FBI plans to buy BlackBerry smart phones and desktop computers for employees who, until now, have been limited to using the agency's classified network at their desks.

People

Strategy refines fusion centers’ role

An expanded scope for the centers alarms privacy groups who fear misuse of data

Digital Government

Two-year extension won't help DHS hit HSPD-12 deadline

The department lacks implementation guidance and a system to issue smart cards, the IG said.

People

Bush releases national strategy for sharing intelligence

The National Strategy for Information Sharing defines the roles of the fusion centers through which state, local and federal agencies share threat data.