IBM, PriceWaterhouse pay fines for alleged kickbacks

IBM will pay $2.97 million, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers will pay $2.32 million, to settle allegations that they made improper payments in connection with federal IT contracts.

MicroTech, EDS partner on Social Security award

MicroTech LLC and EDS Corp. have partnered on an IT services contract with the Social Security Administration worth up to $80 million.

Air Force issues security clearance RFI

Acting as the procurement arm for a group that includes ODNI, DOD and OMB, the Air Force issued a RFI asking vendors for strategies on how to meet Congress' 2009 deadline for improving the security clearance process.

Moss: E-passports offer long-term improvements

The State Department's electronic passports should be considered a success despite long wait times and assertions that they are not being widely scanned, said a former State official.

Dell scores $248M VA desktop win

Dell Inc. has won the contract to serve as the exclusive provider of desktop computer systems to the Veterans Affairs Department.

Data mining program near rock bottom

A key data mining program at DHS is on the verge of cancellation if it does not succeed in winning more support within the department, according to a new report.

Bioterrorism program lacks sound management

DHS' program to coordinate surveillance information on bioterrorism is at risk of going over budget and falling behind schedule, according to a new report.

Northrop to build military health care database

Northrop Grumman will deploy, enhance and maintain a health data repository initiative to help the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments share patient information.

Centuria gets Forest Service software deal

The Forest Service, a division of the Agriculture Department, has awarded Centuria Corp. a software development contract worth $70 million.

US-VISIT security flaws puts sensitive data at risk, report finds

Steven Pecinovsky, director of DHS' GAO/Office of Inspector General Liaison Office, concurred with GAO's report findings, noting that Customs and Border Protection is moving to address some of the issues.

Input downplays Alliant prospects

GSA set a ceiling of $50 billion for the Alliant governmentwide acquisition contract, but Input analysts believe that it will actually generate far less business.

Despite some issues, audit finds Sentinel on track

In the second report on the management of the Sentinel program, GAO found that the FBI is heading down a successful path, but needs to address some outstanding problems.

GSA HSPD-12 contract with EDS upheld

GAO denied Aug. 6 two protests by unsuccessful bidders of the GSA's $66 million contract to EDS.

SRA names Brooks government affairs head

SRA International has hired Charles Brooks, a former legislative affairs director at DHS, as vice president in charge of government affairs.

Velazquez: Gulf Coast small businesses being neglected

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee chairwoman, wasn't impressed with what Bush administration officials had to say at a hearing about small businesses in the Gulf Coast's recovery efforts.

Agriculture's animal ID program slipping: GAO

The federal government is lagging behind in its program to tag and track U.S. livestock and poultry to improve investigation of animal disease outbreaks, according to a new GAO report.

Oceans of opportunity

Start-up consulting firm sails on, minus a founder at the helm.

Better by FAR

New contracting ethics regulations will alter the playing field.

Briefs

None

GSA awards Alliant contract

GSA awarded the contract to 29 of the companies that submitted bids. The contract has a ceiling of $50 billion and could span as long as 10 years.