People

Senate committee's doubts about TWIC grow

Implementation delays cause concern, but TSA says they're needed to properly test new standards.

People

OMB wants desktop standard written into contracts

Karen Evans has recommended adding language to the Federal Acquisition Regulation requiring contracts to include the requirement that all software and hardware do no conform to the standard configuration.

People

VA considers life after HSPD-12 compliance

The department will expand its interoperable smart identification card pilot and begin handing out cards that meet FIPS 201.

Cybersecurity

HSPD-12 group said to be close on fingerprint exchange standard

A working group is deciding on a standard way for agencies to submit requests for fingerprint checks and how they will receive the information back.

People

Grimes: DOD needs to shift information culture to right-to-know

As the Defense Department develops a new information architecture, the need to share information with authorized users who have a right to know it has become paramount, he told a House subcommittee.

Cybersecurity

ODNI, DOD detail 7 areas of IT security to make standard

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Defense Department today released the seven areas of certification and accreditation for information technology systems that they will standardize.

Cybersecurity

ODNI, DOD agree on security certification processes

2 agencies will implement 7 new policies.

Digital Government

OMB: Vista is an opportunity to set desktop standards

Policies at the Air Force, Army serve as a governmentwide model.

Modernization

Section 508 update to build on existing standards

The Section 508 Refresh will further specify how federal agencies are expected to make IT accessible to people with disabilities.

People

DOD close to e-records software standard

The revised records management standard will address how to deal with additional metadata, such as e-mail, and workflow requirements, alerts and timing issues.

People

OMB looking for vendor to develop infrastructure metrics

OMB will work through GSA to hire a contractor to establish baseline metrics for three areas of the Infrastructure Optimization Initiative Line of Business.

Modernization

Big vendors give open source added clout

Familiar suppliers provide a higher comfort level for agencies.

People

OMB to require standard Windows desktop configuration

In a memo going out to CIOs as early as today, OMB will require agencies to move to a standard Windows desktop configuration developed by NIST and the Air Force by Feb. 1, 2008.

People

Radio astronomy and aeronautical telemetry don’t mix

Competition for limited spectrum pits radio astronomers against the FAA and airline industry.

People

The battle for spectrum

Growing demand and a finite supply of radio frequencies could force confrontation — and compromise — between the U.S. government and competing global interests.

Modernization

Remembering MCI Mail

MCI did something no other company had done before when it connected its e-mail to the Internet.

Digital Government

Hill presents alternative LOB strategy

CRS report suggests slowing OMB’s financial management initiative to demonstrate results.

Modernization

GSA considers establishing IPv6 program office

John Johnson said the agency is working on the idea to help guide GSA's compliance with the mandate to transition to the next-generation protocol.

Modernization

McManus: Opportunities lie beyond IPv6 deadline

The changeover is not about the protocol or telling people that IPv6 offers an almost unlimited number of IP address, he said. It’s about what the protocol enables.

Modernization

Industry sends DOT mixed message on GPS backup system

An aviation group supports shutting down the land-based Loran navigation system, but Boeing said the system could be useful if GPS services were disrupted.