Modernization

FEMA needs better IT systems to cut risk of double-dipping, auditors say

FEMA pays out billions in disaster aid without the means to guard against double-dipping, according to a new audit.

Cybersecurity

Wronged travelers to get new system for filing complaints

The Homeland Security Department has agreed to replace its IT support system for the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program to fix longstanding problems, a new report states.

Digital Government

IRS wins some, loses a few in fight against identity theft and data loss

The IRS recorded more than 51,000 cases of taxpayer identity theft in 2008 and paid out $15 million in fraudulent refunds, and a GAO report finds that internal information security weaknesses constitute some of the most significant challenges faced by the agency.

Modernization

CGI gets $29 million financial services hosting contract from GSA

CGI Federal will transition the General Services Administration to a new financial management system under a $29 million contract.

Cybersecurity

DHS Web sites vulnerable to hackers, IG says

The DHS inspector general has found vulnerabilities related to uneven security patch management in the department's nine most popular Web sites.

People

State struggles to track contractor data: GAO

The data contractor personnel tracking system's information is so poor that GAO said it couldn't draw conclusions or recognize trends about contractor personnel numbers.

People

IG hits VA's use of life cycle management for IT

The Veterans Affairs Department has not been applying its life cycle management principles to all of its large IT investments, according to a new IG report.

Cybersecurity

USCIS redesigns Web site to improve usability, access

Obama administration sees redesigned site as a model for others.

Cybersecurity

Outsourcing some services could be risky

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency plans to outsource disaster recovery planning, raising security questions.

Modernization

VA could repeat mistakes in IT program, IG says

The VA's program to develop a financial and logistics system has the same problems as a previous effort, according to a new report from the department's inspector general's office.

Cybersecurity

TSA needs privacy IT tools, IG says

The TSA has made progress in implementing privacy protections, but still needs to beef up its monitoring and enforcement with automated tools, DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner says.

Modernization

Do contractor ID numbers taint transparency?

Advocacy groups are reviving long-standing questions about the suitability of corporate ownership of a critical government database.

Modernization

IRS fails to plug all security gaps, IG says

The IRS has installed effective security controls on its laptop computers, but still has problems with reporting breaches and in backup data storage, a new report says.

Cybersecurity

Immigration agency to outsource disaster recovery plans

The Office of the CIO for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking for a contractor that can take over disaster recovery planning and management.

Modernization

IT upgrades, increased public interaction coming for Citizenship and Immigration Services

Alejandro Mayorkas, the new director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said he wants the agency to be more engaged with the public and also to move into the electronic age.

Cybersecurity

Report: ICE needs better database to track detainees

The DHS agency needs better information systems and database to track its 32,000 detainees and ensure good management, a report recommends.

Cybersecurity

NARA digs out of digital avalanche

The National Archives is under mounting pressure to help the federal government manage its rapidly growing store of electronic records.

Digital Government

OMB architect identifies 'semantic harmonization' as key to effective enterprise architecture

The Federal Enterprise Architecture is moving toward a more shared architecture that looks across boundaries, according to Kshemendra Paul, chief architect with the Office of Management and Budget.

People

Regulators propose database on contractors' past work

The system would contain specific information on the integrity and performance of contractors and federal grantees.

Modernization

FDA plans electronic filing for some safety reports

Proposed rules announced today would require that all mandatory post market reporting of adverse effects for drugs and medical devices be filed electronically, either through a gateway, a Web portal under development, or on disk or tape.