People

USDA outsources its finances

The Agriculture Department could smooth the path for other large agencies to outsource their financial operations with its decision to award Accenture a $102.6 million financial management services contract

Digital Government

Timeline will show what's coming in health IT rules and standards

NCHICA and WEDI collaborate on online aid for planners and systems developers.

People

OMB mandates use of import, export data system

Agencies have until 2009 to begin using the International Trade Data System to collect or license cargo.

Modernization

Let software perform guard duty

Think of network access control as the sentry that keeps unsafe computers off your network.

Modernization

20 years of marvels and missteps

Come along for Federal Computer Week's guided information technology tour.

People

GSA beats goal of awarding contracts in 30 days or less

As initiative moves into its second phase, some industry officials question whether improvements are real.

People

NIST prepares due diligence standards for cybersecurity

As initiative moves into its second phase, some industry officials question whether improvements are real.

Digital Government

Editorial: A time for listening

NASA's response to employees' concerns about Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 is proof that, in some ways, the federal government is stuck in a bygone era.

People

CIA to launch integrated intell service

It will be the first piece of the larger Library of National Intelligence initiative.

Acquisition

Alaska native awards will count toward small-biz goals

A size rule change will let prime contractors count subcontracts to such firms as small-business and small disadvantaged business awards "even where the ANC or Indian tribe may be 'other than small'" under SBA regulations.

People

ITIL given a government spin

A new version of the popular IT self-help series offers advice tailored to the interests of the public-sector.

People

The new public-safety language

The National Information Exchange Model provides a rallying point for government and industry to coordinate homeland security efforts.

People

GAO releases guide to monitor program costs

The agency has released a draft of its GAO Cost Assessment Guide, intended to establish a consistent approach to managing program costs governmentwide.

Modernization

Talcove: A business case for IPv6

What’s exciting about the transition to IPv6 are the broadband applications it will enable.

People

Digital standards come first

Before agencies digitize their records, LOC group must develop standards.

People

TSA could lose FAR exemption

Lawmakers want TSA to follow the same procurement rules that everyone else does.

Digital Government

State interoperability guidelines revised

States will be eligible to be reimbursed for planning and coordination in addition to funding for software and equipment, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said.

Acquisition

GSA puts schedules in Express lane

Phase 2 of the agency's program to speed contract awards triples the number of available products.

Modernization

IPv6: Flying under the radar

Moving to a new generation of IP networking protocols is not yet a top priority for many feds, according to a Federal Computer Week survey.

Modernization

IT execs ask: What can IPv6 do for me?

Preparations to install IPv6 on government backbone networks are in full swing, but who's asking, "How can IPv6 improve government services?"