DHS faces US-VISIT implementation issues

DHS will probably miss its 2009 deadlines to implement the US-VISIT exit system and Electronic System for Travel Authorization, according to a new GAO report.

Agencies must allow competition once a procurement begins

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has just decided a case that clarifies the limits of an agency's efforts to avoid competition by subcontracting the acquisition to an integrator under a prime contract.

Orizon picks up HR support at EPA

Orizon Inc. will support the Environmental Protection Agency's PeoplePlus system under a new contract.

Agencies discuss new cyber security plan

Officials yesterday shared new details on the National Cyber Security Initiative.

Veteran subcommittee nominations sought

The Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Subcommittee would help GSA to meet its 3 percent contracting goal for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

Prepare to bid adieu to 'substantial transformation'

Manufacturers of technology must now evaluate a newly proposed system for determining the country of origin of manufactured items because the old "substantial-transformation" test will likely give way to a "tariff-shift" test.

Letter to the editor | Small-business programs deserve protection

As a long time advocate for legitimate small businesses across the country, I have to disagree with Jerry Grossman's comments on federal small business contracting policy.

Pragmatics picks up State's desktop support

Pragmatics Inc. will support 37,000 desktops at the State Department under a new task order.

Net result of proposed rule on 'substantial transformation' unclear

A rule proposed by the DHS' Bureau of Customs and Border Protection would require federal government contractors to revisit their Trade Agreements Act certifications to ensure they are selling compliant supplies.

Raytheon team to devise FAA air traffic training

A team led by Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC will provide training support to the Federal Aviation Administration.

DHS needs to re-evaluate SBInet plan

Changes to the agency's approach to managing technology in its Secure Border Initiative Network need to be made immediately, according to one GAO official.

Sentel to aid FAA safety programs

Sentel Corp. will provide the Federal Aviation Administration with safety risk management and quality control expertise under new contract.

FCC plans new auction for first-responder spectrum

Details of a plan to create a national communications network for first responders were announced Sept. 5 by the FCC after an earlier effort to sell the network this year failed to produce a buyer.

News briefs

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Data interoperability and accessibility

For years, data was the forgotten stepchild of public safety communications, but recently it has moved closer to the forefront.

Public warning and notification

Notification is growing more dynamic as FEMA comes closer to adopting standards for its Integrated Public Warning and Alert System.

Lockheed team wins $3B Hanford Site deal

Lockheed Martin will provide a broad range of services at the Energy Department's Hanford Site under a $3 billion contract.

Lockheed gets NIH support services deal

Lockheed Martin Corp. will provided technical, scientific, management and administrative services to a new office of the National Institutes of Health.

Labor seeks management support for data centers

The Labor Department wants information from small businesses interested in providing data-center management services.

NASA issues RFI for infrastructure program

NASA has issued an RFI to get feedback on the scope, schedule, technical requirements and procurement approach for its Information Technology Infrastructure Improvement Program.