Modernization

DHS gets mixed reviews on IT modernization

The agency is seeing uneven results on two of its most important efforts, cloud migration and data center consolidation, according to a new agency watchdog report.

Modernization

CBP expects cloud management contract next year

Border agency looks to early next year for cloud integration services contract.

Acquisition

Huawei ban looms for contractors

Federal contractors are still facing uncertainty about new rules to get rid of Chinese-made gear.

Acquisition

Lawmakers push for border tech assessment

Legislation would have the Department of Homeland Security assess its border security technologies and consider new ones.

Acquisition

Army extends software contracts under ITES

The Army's enterprise software office extends a multiple award contract.

Acquisition

Lawmakers push back on STARS shutoff date

Changes the GSA made to one of its most popular governmentwide small business set-aside acquisition vehicles draws congressional scrutiny.

Modernization

Lawmakers seek red team testing of vulnerable grid networks

Senators want to craft authorities for federal agencies and private power infrastructure providers to allow more cybersecurity testing of energy grid network security.

Digital Government

Lawmakers look to expand FITARA oversight

As agencies improve IT operations, lawmakers want to modernize FITARA scorecard categories.

Digital Government

CBP seeks more data on small packages

Customs and Border Protection modified tariff rules to get more data on small packages that can bring in bogus medical supplies.

Digital Government

No failures, but some declines in 10th round of agency FITARA grades

Although all two dozen agencies got passing grades on the latest Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) scorecard, some agencies had cybersecurity and reporting challenges.

People

Hackers target teleworking feds

A senior General Services Administration acquisition official says emerging technology can help protect infrastructure and individual users defend against attacks.

Modernization

GSA rolls out IT acquisition learning portal

The GSA's new IT acquisition portal offers a range of training on how to use and buy new technologies.

Acquisition

DHS seeks permanent flexible acquisition authorities

Temporary acquisition authorities that aid the Department of Homeland Security in getting innovative commercial technologies and goods in response to the COVID-19 crisis should be lasting tools in the department's acquisition toolbox, the agency's top acquisition official told a Senate panel.

Modernization

CBP lands TMF award to modernize legacy system

Customs and Border Protection won a $15M award to update a COBOL-based fee collection system and move it to the cloud.

Cybersecurity

DHS tests anti-drone tech

The tests by the Border Patrol are designed to gather information about the use of drones by drug smugglers and other criminal organizations at the border and to determine what agents need by way of response.

Acquisition

SBA defends data exposure response

The notification of companies whose data had been exposed by the Small Business Administration's effort to set up advanced electronic emergency loan portals was slowed by a contracting issue, the agency's deputy CIO told Congress.

Cybersecurity

CISA hires cyber risk experts to meet emerging threats

The Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity and infrastructure arm hires experts to help understand shifting cyber threats in the pandemic.

Modernization

As Huawei ban looms, waivers are an option

Waivers for a looming federal rule prohibiting agencies from signing new contracts with companies that use a list of Chinese-made communications gear are only a temporary fix, says one expert.

Acquisition

OMB says fourth quarter spending spree can help boost economy

The director of the Office of Management and Budget reminded agencies to keep category management, acquisition flexibilities and quick vendor payments in mind during the upcoming busy fourth quarter federal buying season.

Modernization

DHS pushes toward data center consolidation

The Department of Homeland Security is closing in on a final solicitation for the management of its Mississippi data center, with an eye to supporting cloud and hybrid IT operations.