Acquisition

Fixed-price contracts increase under stimulus law

The proportion of fixed-price contracts is increasing in the contracts funded under the economic stimulus law, a new report says.

People

HHS to award health-data network contracts by year's end

HHS is planning to award a series of competitive contracts for the Nationwide Health Information Network later this year.

Digital Government

SSA urged to adopt more open systems

SSA should develop more open IT systems as it modernizes, according to recommendations released in a white paper by the Computer & Communications Industry Association.

People

VA wants to share aging health IT system

VA CIO Roger Baker has asked IAC for help in formulating ideas to spread the department's health information technology system more broadly into the private sector

Modernization

Cancer institute seeks expert to develop data standards

The National Cancer Institute plans to standardize data elements in its research grid for better information sharing.

Cybersecurity

DHS approves enhanced tribal ID cards

The Homeland Security Department has signed agreements with four tribes to develop enhanced identification cards with some technology improvements.

Digital Government

Labor ISO five-year commitment

The Labor Department is soliciting proposals for a five-year support contract for a broad range of IT support services.

Modernization

VA data process needs improvement, IG says

The VA should improve its process to find some missing and bad data, according to a new report.

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.

Acquisition

Federal cost-reimbursement contract overview is a mess, GAO says

It is hard to get a handle on federal cost-reimbursement contracts because of missing documentation and incomplete accounting, says a new GAO report

People

Vendors flock to HHS's health information exchange

HHS' Connect software for health information exchange has been distributed to hundreds of organizations that who are starting to use it.

Cybersecurity

DHS' financial system consolidation needs better oversight, officials say

DHS' financial system consolidation program has progressed but still relies too much on contractors, GAO officials say.

People

Panel seeks Rx for secure health data exchange

A workgroup hears about the problems in implementing common standards for an electronic health care data exchange.

People

CDC expands flu-tracking efforts

The H1N1 swine flu virus has created an urgent need for public health authorities to track where and how quickly the illness is spreading.

Digital Government

HHS' IG plans audits for some health IT programs

HHS' inspector general will audit several IT systems and programs affected by the economic stimulus law.

Modernization

Education Department hit over Web site access

The National Federation of the Blind files an administrative complaint with the Education Department that alleges the agency's Web site is inaccessibile to blind visitors.

Modernization

Broadband grant program has problems, GAO official says

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service are adding staff members and contractors to help handle 2,200 applications for $7 billion in broadband grants and loans.

Modernization

FCC upgrades online comment system

The FCC is getting mostly enthusiastic responses to its upgraded Electronic Comment Filing System.

Modernization

'Smart grid' projects to get $3.4B in grants

President Barack Obama today announced $3.4 billion in grants for smart-grid projects in 49 states, including purchase of smart meters, sensors and systems.

Digital Government

NIH funds a Facebook for scientists

The National Institutes of Health funded a $12.2 million "Facebook for Scientists" project to set up a network for researchers.