Digital Government
Defense, VA ask for $2.8 billion to fund health technology in 2011
Funding matches fiscal 2010 spending levels, but reflects the importance of IT in providing medical care to nearly 16 million soldiers, veterans and family members.
Digital Government
VA's $6.6 Billion Man
President Obama has proposed a $3.3 billion information technology budget for the Veterans Affairs Department in fiscal 2011, the same as the record VA IT budget in fiscal 2010. This must make Roger Baker, the department's chief information officer, the most sought after <a href=http://whatsbrewin.nextgov.com/2009/05/the_good_news_and_bad_news.php>canasta partner</a> in all of Washington.
Digital Government
Obama budget proposal counts on IT to save millions
Enterprise software licenses, turning off computers at night and eliminating paper check stubs among ways to try to make a dent in a record $1.6 trillion deficit.
Digital Government
Wildfire Radios Sent to Haiti
When the U.S. Southern Command needed a whole mess of radios to support folks engaged in Haitian relief operations, it turned to the <a href=http://www.nifc.gov/communications_radios.htm>National Interagency Fire Center</a> in Boise, Idaho.
Digital Government
White House eyes Army Reservist, surgeon for Defense top doc job
Sources say the administration might name Dr. Jonathan Woodson, an associate dean at Boston University, to be the next assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Digital Government
Before iPad, There was Newton
By now, practically everyone on the planet knows that Steve Jobs and Apple introduced on Wednesday the iPad tablet, the machine That Will Change The World As We Know It Forever.
Digital Government
Who's in Charge at MHS?
That's a good question, since <a href=http://mhs.osd.mil/bioDetail.aspx?ID=19>Ellen Embry</a>, who has been performing the duties of the assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs since Dr. S. Ward Casscells <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/slideshows/casscells-slideshow.php>resigned</a> in April 2009, announced at the kick off of the Military Health System Conference on Monday that she too plans to retire. Folks in the know tell me she will leave in a matter of days.
Digital Government
The Army's Five Year Afghanistan Plan
The United States has operated in Afghanistan for nine years and based on a FedBizOpps notice last week, at least one part of the Army plans for another five years.
Digital Government
A Call Center That Doesn't Take Calls?
The answer to that question is the Veterans Affairs Department's Education Call Center in Muskogee, Okla., which no longer takes calls from veterans on Thursdays or Fridays.
Digital Government
Governments to rely on high-tech security center for Olympics
Employees from 70 federal, state and local agencies will use data streaming into the Olympic Security Coordination Center from roadside cameras, aircraft video and digital maps to provide security for the games.
Digital Government
Strike Two?
I'm picking up five-by-five signals - that's "loud and clear" in radio speak -- that the Veterans Affairs Department's $600 million financial and asset management system may never take wing.
Digital Government
VA slips slightly in deployment of GI bill claims system
First release of software will be ready in March, but won't be able to handle complex claims.
Digital Government
U.S. Behind Haiti Earthquake?
Some truly off-the-wall comments on a story on the Haitian relief operations <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100115_9940.php>I wrote last week</a> suggest that Haiti was not hit by an earthquake but some sort of a planned attack by the United States.
Digital Government
Poorly networked systems leave vets on their own when seeking care
Wounded soldiers tell lawmakers that the lack of a seamless transition from Defense and Veterans Affairs reduces the quality of health care.
Digital Government
Is Boeing's New 747 Hackable?
Boeing's newest version of its largest commercial aircraft, the 747-8, could be hacked, according to a little noticed <a href=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-661.htm>item</a> published in the Federal Register by the Federal Aviation Administration on Jan. 15.
Cybersecurity
Air Force issues second call for network attack capabilities
Service seeks technologies to destroy or disrupt enemy information networks.
Digital Government
Agencies step up efforts to coordinate Haiti relief
Poor telecommunications, overwhelmed airport continue to frustrate operations.
Digital Government
Disaster is the Common Enemy
Some hard working soul has put together a mind-boggling <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Response_to_the_2010_Haiti_earthquake>Wikipedia list</a> of more than 70 countries that have joined together to provide millions of Haitian people battered by Tuesday's earthquake with the basics of life: food, water and shelter.
Digital Government