Cybersecurity

DHS launches YouTube channel

The Homeland Security Department has a new YouTube channel with links to YouTube videos by FEMA, the Coast Guard and other agencies.

Modernization

FEMA plans consolidation of IT support contracts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will consolidate the ways it contracts for systems engineering support and technical assistance.

Cybersecurity

War games spark better-informed decisions

War games are not just for children and generals. The authors of a new book demonstrate how the concepts can apply to vexing business problems.

Modernization

Emergency responder ID program progresses

FEMA officials demonstrated a pilot program today for interoperable credentials for emergency responders.

Cybersecurity

Auditors: Coast Guard, FEMA weak on controls

The Coast Guard and FEMA still struggle with IT control problems, auditors say.

Cybersecurity

FEMA publishes reorganization details

The agency describes details of its recent reorganizations and says the changes do not effect its substance.

Modernization

FEMA seeks contractor for asset-tracking system

The agency has published an RFI looking for a contractor to develop and manage its asset-tracking system.

Cybersecurity

GAO: DHS has mixed record on FOIA

Some DHS agencies are falling behind on their Freedom of Information Act requests, while others saw improvement in the past two years, GAO says.

Digital Government

Lawmakers want more interoperability in emergency comms

House subcommittee leaders say more is needed to make emergency communications devices interoperable; they and other officials say FEMA should stay in DHS.

Modernization

Auditors: FEMA acquisition files are a mess

Private auditors could locate only eight of the 24 contracting files they requested in a recent review at the agency's headquarters.

Modernization

FEMA requests comments on alert standard

The agency wants comments on the new emergency alert technical standard it has proposed as part of the Common Alerting Protocol XML standard.

Cybersecurity

IG: FEMA should stay in DHS

DHS' inspector general recommends Congress not endorse moving FEMA out of DHS.

Cybersecurity

FEMA seeks IT for ID management

The agency wants innovative pricing choices for software that would control access and identity management to deal with surges in use after major disasters.

Cybersecurity

DHS offers social media to boost preparedness

The Homeland Security Department will offer new media tools to encourage the public to prepare for emergencies.

Cybersecurity

FEMA starts channel on YouTube

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has started a channel on the Web site to publicize its disaster-recovery efforts in video format.

Cybersecurity

FEMA releases guideline for first responder ID cards

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking state and local agencies to voluntarily follow interoperability rules rather than issuing a federal mandate.

Cybersecurity

FEMA investigates breach of Katrina victims’ private information

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suspects that a recent data breach originated at a state agency that was authorized to receive the data but was not authorized to release it.

Cybersecurity

IG: FEMA acquisition workforce still not prepared

DHS' inspector general said in an audit of FEMA's acquisition workforce that the agency is not adequately prepared to effectively respond to a disaster.

Cybersecurity

FEMA looks ahead on emergency warning system

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking for information while it studies how to acquire support services for implementing its new emergency warning system.

Cybersecurity

Chertoff: Hands off FEMA; upgrade IT

The outgoing secretary opposes carving FEMA out of DHS and wants continued progress on IT programs.