IBM to upgrade VA infrastructure

IBM Corp. won a $16 million contract to create a standardized, interoperable and secure IT infrastructure for the Veterans Affairs Department.

CACI to help tighten diplomatic security

CACI International Inc. won a task order for software development and program management services for the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

GAO: CMS' IT controls need strengthening

A review of the effectiveness of information security controls used by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services found 47 weaknesses in its communication networks ? electronic access and other system controls.

EAC issues certifying voting systems guide

The Election Assistance Commission has released a draft of its Testing and Certification Program Manual for voting systems and is seeking public comment throughout the month.

DHS progresses in IT security

Homeland Security Department officials cited progress in securing IT systems across the sprawling organization and expressed confidence that the department would receive a passing grade for the first time in next year's federal IT security report card.

Telos wins pair of Air Force network deals

Telos Corp. won two military contracts worth more than $4.1 million to provide network solutions.

DOD 2007 budget authorized

House and Senate conferees have authorized the Defense Department to spend $532.8 billion on its programs in fiscal 2007. Lawmakers reached agreement recently on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2007.

AeA launches government procurement group

The trade association AeA has launched a new unit targeting the government procurement market.

IG audit reveals own laptop security lapses

The Homeland Security Department's shortcomings in information security extend to its own Office of the Inspector General.

Pearson takes on EA work

Pearson Blueprint Technologies Inc. won an $8.8 million contract to support the Health and Human Services Department implement an enterprise architecture.

GSA digital federal forms contract reopens

A contract by the General Services Administration is being evaluated for the third time after the Government Accountability Office ruled the agency erred in evaluating the bidders' proposals and making its source selection decision.

Congress approves $3.4B for port security

Congress passed a $3.4 billion port security bill before adjourning Saturday that will send more funding and technology to the nation's ports.

New facility, market to be under Merlin's spell

Merlin International Inc. plans to open a new facility for national security work with the federal government in February, as well as delve deeper into state and local government business, the company's president and chief executive officer said.

SGI gets $115M to fuel bankruptcy recovery

After filing for bankruptcy protection in May, Silicon Graphics Inc. now has an approved reorganization plan and financing in place, according to company officials.

Lockheed Martin closes PAE buy

Lockheed Martin Corp. has completed its acquisition of Pacific Architects and Engineers Inc.

GSA issues Alliant solicitations

The General Services Administration issued requests for proposals today for its 10-year, $65 billion Alliant procurement program designed to let federal agencies buy a wide range of IT services.

Data protection is on its way

There is no magic bullet for executive branch requirements for protecting personal data being accessed and downloaded by government employees. But pieces of the puzzle are coming into place.

DHS begins deploying e-passport readers

The Homeland Security Department has installed radio frequency identification device readers capable of receiving data from electronic passports at San Francisco International Airport.

Abacus launches into Air Force communications work

Abacus Technology Corp. won a five-year, $15 million contract from the Air Force to furnish IT support services to F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

DHS to get hefty boost in funding bill

The House is scheduled today to begin considering a final agreement on the fiscal 2007 Homeland Security Department spending bill, which increases the department's budget to $34.8 billion ? a $2.3 billion increase.