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People
State fusion centers struggle to produce useful info, study finds
The report, by the Congressional Research Service, cited problems with the centers’ lack of connectivity with existing law enforcement databases and poor compliance with federally backed technical data-sharing standards.
People
SARA panel draft report: Key recommendations
Here is a summary of the main findings and recommendations of the Acquisition Advisory Panel, as published in its final draft report.
Acquisition
SARA panel takes stand against T&M contracts
Panelists also rebuff industry groups that wanted the panel to recommend repealing a provision of SARA that requires competition on some time-and-material contracts.
Digital Government
Wireless mesh solution sought for mine safety
The federal government is seeking proposals for adapting wireless mesh communications to improve coal mine safety.
Modernization
USDA seeks encryption software for mobile devices
The department could buy as many as 150,000 licenses through blanket purchase agreements with businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.
Cybersecurity
GAO: Feds still lack security research agenda
Numerous agencies are actively researching security issues, but they are not coordinating their work, according to GAO.
People
Pharma alliance builds e-gov system
A group of pharmaceutical vendors developed a system for filing reports to the FDA without receiving any FDA funds.
People
GAO: Web is no cure-all for DOD pandemic communications
DOD officials need a multipronged approach to sharing information during an influenza pandemic, GAO writes.
People
Border office wants link to Microsoft developers
Customs and Border Protection plans to award a noncompetitive contract to Microsoft for consulting services, saying no third-party group has sufficient access to Microsoft's development teams.
Digital Government
Input: Big IT contracts are getting smaller
The average value of the top 20 federal procurements will drop from $12 billion to $6 billion this year, according to the market research firm.
Cybersecurity
GAO: Security hinders absentee voting programs
Eighty-seven percent of military service members would vote via the Internet if the security and privacy of such systems were sufficient, according to a GAO survey.
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People
ITAA: Tech-neutral mindset suits DHS travel program
The House and Senate have agreed not to mandate a specific standard for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
People
SSA aims to improve management of e-mail queries
The agency is looking for a commercial e-mail system that enables them to call on experts agencywide to answer questions from the public.
People
Virginia to post performance data online
Agency officials have been asked to identify key metrics to gauge how well they are fulfilling their missions.
Modernization
Virginia puts telework in the fast lane
Gov. Tim Kaine has created an office to promote the use of broadband networks and teleworking across the public and private sectors.
Modernization
Boucher: Net neutrality stalls broadband measure
A telecommunications reform bill now in Congress would allow government to provide high-speed Internet access where no other services are available.
Modernization
Air Combat Command to enforce password policy
The Air Force command plans to buy software that forces users to use passwords that are tough for hackers to crack.
Modernization
GSA seeks comments on governmentwide wireless buy
The procurement, part of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative, will cover products, services and management support.
Modernization
Vendors tackle high-speed encryption
Thales and Alcatel say they have developed a way to encrypt data traveling over optical networks that use Dense Wave Division Multiplexing technology without a big drop in performance.
Modernization