People

State fusion centers struggle to produce useful info, study finds

The report, by the Congressional Research Service, cited problems with the centers’ lack of connectivity with existing law enforcement databases and poor compliance with federally backed technical data-sharing standards.

People

SARA panel draft report: Key recommendations

Here is a summary of the main findings and recommendations of the Acquisition Advisory Panel, as published in its final draft report.

Acquisition

SARA panel takes stand against T&M contracts

Panelists also rebuff industry groups that wanted the panel to recommend repealing a provision of SARA that requires competition on some time-and-material contracts.

Digital Government

Wireless mesh solution sought for mine safety

The federal government is seeking proposals for adapting wireless mesh communications to improve coal mine safety.

Modernization

USDA seeks encryption software for mobile devices

The department could buy as many as 150,000 licenses through blanket purchase agreements with businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

Cybersecurity

GAO: Feds still lack security research agenda

Numerous agencies are actively researching security issues, but they are not coordinating their work, according to GAO.

People

Pharma alliance builds e-gov system

A group of pharmaceutical vendors developed a system for filing reports to the FDA without receiving any FDA funds.

People

GAO: Web is no cure-all for DOD pandemic communications

DOD officials need a multipronged approach to sharing information during an influenza pandemic, GAO writes.

People

Border office wants link to Microsoft developers

Customs and Border Protection plans to award a noncompetitive contract to Microsoft for consulting services, saying no third-party group has sufficient access to Microsoft's development teams.

Digital Government

Input: Big IT contracts are getting smaller

The average value of the top 20 federal procurements will drop from $12 billion to $6 billion this year, according to the market research firm.

Cybersecurity

GAO: Security hinders absentee voting programs

Eighty-seven percent of military service members would vote via the Internet if the security and privacy of such systems were sufficient, according to a GAO survey.

People

ITAA: Tech-neutral mindset suits DHS travel program

The House and Senate have agreed not to mandate a specific standard for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

People

SSA aims to improve management of e-mail queries

The agency is looking for a commercial e-mail system that enables them to call on experts agencywide to answer questions from the public.

People

Virginia to post performance data online

Agency officials have been asked to identify key metrics to gauge how well they are fulfilling their missions.

Modernization

Virginia puts telework in the fast lane

Gov. Tim Kaine has created an office to promote the use of broadband networks and teleworking across the public and private sectors.

Modernization

Boucher: Net neutrality stalls broadband measure

A telecommunications reform bill now in Congress would allow government to provide high-speed Internet access where no other services are available.

Modernization

Air Combat Command to enforce password policy

The Air Force command plans to buy software that forces users to use passwords that are tough for hackers to crack.

Modernization

GSA seeks comments on governmentwide wireless buy

The procurement, part of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative, will cover products, services and management support.

Modernization

Vendors tackle high-speed encryption

Thales and Alcatel say they have developed a way to encrypt data traveling over optical networks that use Dense Wave Division Multiplexing technology without a big drop in performance.

Modernization

SSA asks for bids for voice-over-IP network

The agency plans to pick one contractor to build a single telephony system serving its 1,500 field offices.