Restoring integrity to GSA schedules

The three whistle-blower cases DOJ joined against Accenture Ltd., Sun Microsystems Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. represent the biggest challenge to manufacturers of commercial products in this decade.

Offshore work raises legal red flags

Performing software development, data entry and customer services work with offshoresubsidiaries is a common practice. But when a government contractor wants to launch an overseas operation, the practice raises questions.

Skinner: Screening system needs stronger controls

DHS has deployed robust IT security controls to protect personal data for air travelers within its Automated Targeting System, but a few key vulnerabilities remain, according to a new report.

IG Reform, telework, e-gov, property measures move forward in Senate

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday approved its version of the IG Reform Act along with three other bills that will affect agency policies on e-gov, telework and real property disposal.

Qwest gets final GSA Networx green light

Qwest Communications International is now cleared to take orders under the Networx Enterprise contract.

Contractor ethics rules may tighten

A proposed rule would require contractors to establish a code of ethics and put internal controls in place to detect and prevent improper conduct in contracting.

A tale of two spending bills

With two strokes of his pen, President Bush drew a line in the sand on the fiscal 2008 appropriations bills. He signed the DOD bill, but vetoed the Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies spending bill.

Group issues first-responder network requirements

A public safety communications umbrella group has published its recommendations for setting up and operating the 700 Mhz broadband network that the FCC is establishing for first responders.

TSC: Terror database must rely on biometrics

As long as the Terrorist Watch List uses names rather than biometrics to chronicle suspected terrorists, it remains vulnerable to fraudulent ID.

$3B border security fund gets the axe

The Defense Appropriations bill that passed Congress on Nov. 8 did not include a popular amendment to provide $3 billion for additional border security.

EMC, Canon say good-bye to GSA

Two more household names in the government IT market have walked away from the General Services Administration.

Senators urge H-1B visa program expansion

Nineteen senators are urging DHS Michael Chertoff to expand a program offering temporary work authorizations allowing foreign students to be employed by IT companies in the U.S.

Storm clouds gather over international acquisitions

Outcry from the pending Chinese investment in 3Com sets industry on edge.

Defense spending bill tops $460B

After less than 10 minutes of debate, the House passed the defense spending bill for fiscal 2008 that contains a resolution to continue funding the government through Dec. 14.

Two companies get WITS about them

GSA has awarded its Washington Interagency Telecommunications Systems 3 contract to Verizon Business Network Services Inc. and Level 3 Communications LLC.

Senate approves Accountability in Contracting Act

The Senate passed unanimously its version of a bill to alleviate many problems with federal contracting. The House passed a similar bill in March. Lawmakers will now work on the differences between the bills.

Building blocks

Contractors enlist to help build a national health network ? one piece at a time.

News briefs

DHS is trying to quash criticism of its slow development of an exit piece to the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program.

Congress tucks continuing resolution into DOD report

A new continuing resolution for fiscal 2008 is tucked inside the defense appropriations conference report.

Third-quarter awards feed a hungry sector

Public companies that provide federal IT services have continued to see their stock prices rise since mid-August, when most of the companies reported second-quarter results and issued outlooks that excited investors.