Quarterly reports: Firms hit their targets

With the public federal IT services firms having reported results for the quarterended Dec. 31, there have been some noteworthy trends. Contract awards have generally been lighter than last quarter. However, I anticipate better contract award activity in the next few quarters.

Departures leave leadership vacuum

One of the most disturbing trends in Washington has been the contentious, overly partisan environment in which too many congressional hearings seem more focused onassessing blame than finding solutions.

A tale of two borders

The U.S. strategy for securing its border with Canada primarily will use technology, while DHS' strategy for securing the southern border also includes hundreds of miles of fencing.

Tech companies fight Md. sales tax

The Maryland information technology community is fighting hard against a new sales tax scheduled to go into effect July 1.

Winter Blast to feature credential demo

About 200 emergency medical personnel will flash a temporary federal credential in the DHS' Winter Blast disaster drill tomorrow in the Washington region.

DOD, vendors to secure internal networks

The Defense Department is working with contractors to shore up data security on their internal networks, one company at a time.

SBA launches contracting course

The Small Business Administration has added an online tutorial on winning federal contracts to its educational offerings for small businesses.

Judge sides with Alliant plaintiffs

A U.S. Federal Claims Court judge ruled March 3 in favor of companies protesting GSA's awards for its Alliant governmentwide acquisition contract.

ODNI journeys to the center of virtual worlds

Online gaming and virtual worlds are now being targeted for federal data-mining research as a possible source of intelligence about terrorist activity, according to a new report.

Chertoff asks for patience on cybersecurity

Federal civilian agencies need to work together more closely to coordinate their information technology network surveillance, said DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.

FCC: Do I hear $1.3B?

The FCC's auction of the 700-MHz portion of the spectrum has been a financial success, but the one loser in the ongoing auction, has been the D block.

Industry pushes for more H-1b visas

With the April 1 H-1b visa application deadline approaching, IT companies are urging Congress to authorize a larger number of visas to meet demand.

DHS defends SBInet

Homeland Security Department officials are strongly defending the department's SBInet border surveillance system following critical testimony by a Government Accountability Office director.

The trouble with security clearances

Lawmakers decry inefficiency in screening process.

GNS will help validate DOE systems

Global Network Systems Inc. will assist Energy Department's CIO with independent verification and validation support services.

Sun signs CDW-G deal

Sun Microsystems Inc. has inked a deal with CDW-Government Inc. to sell its products to federal agencies.

DHS puts brake on border fence

The department has extended the time frame for the first phase of SBInet by three years.

Obama pledges small business reform

Sen. Barack Obama wants to ensure that federal contracting dollars intended for small businesses go to those businesses, according to a statement the candidate posted on his Web site.

Army forces should be well ahead of foe

Having a force geared for conventional warfare is no longer the best model for the Army, which must be ready for insurgencies, irregular warfare and unstable peace.