State IT consolidation can succeed

Successful IT consolidation in state government usually means culture change, and that can require the deft use of carrots and sticks to overcome resistance.

Committee: Real ID Act needs security overhaul

The Real ID Act of 2005 raises serious concerns about privacy, data security, cost, fairness and so-called mission creep that should be fully scrutinized before it is implemented, says an advisory committee to the Homeland Security Department.

Homeland security networks require coordination: GAO

DHS and DOJ have spent $893 million on information-sharing networks in the last two years but still do not have effective networks in place, GAO reported.

Could Common Criteria be better with vendor input?

Symantec's director of product certifications charged that it might be more relevant if software vendors had input into the standard's development process.

CDW-G scouts for small business partners

CDW Government Inc. has issued a request for proposals soliciting small businesses to partner with on federal business opportunities.

FCC seeks comments on Frontline spectrum plan

The FCC invited public comments this week on a proposal advanced by Frontline Wireless LLC to set aside a 22 MHz block of radio spectrum for a wireless broadband network for first responders.

NASCIO: Feds must increase cybersecurity, Real ID funds

State CIOs want the federal government to restore the amount of homeland security funding available to them in the president's proposed budget for fiscal 2008 to its fiscal 2007 level.

Air Force gives eight a PASS

The Air Force has picked eight small businesses for contracts worth a total of $800 million to provide services for its Electronic Systems Center.

Panel: Funding battles ahead for state IT initiatives

Despite revenue growth across state government in recent years, funding for IT will face stiff competition with other priorities over the next several years.

Terrorists use net for recruiting

Terrorists are using the Internet to spread radical ideologies. Countering that movement will require sophisticated communications and online investigations, experts testified at a Senate hearing today.

Companies dispute HSPD-12 award

XTec and the Computer Literacy Team have protested GSA's award to EDS to run the agency's HSPD-12 Managed Services Office.

AT&T touts small business opportunities

As AT&T Government Solutions begins to develop business based on its March win of the GSA's Networx Universal contract, it is recruiting small business partners.

Twenty-four companies get GSA Satcom II awards

GSA awarded Satcom II contracts today to 24 communications companies, including nine small business contractors, to provide next-generation, worldwide satellite services to federal civilian and defense agencies.

Coalition attacks Real ID Act regulations

Civil liberties and consumer groups have started a campaign against the Real ID Act regulations issued by DHS, believing the new ID system will have negative impacts on civil rights.

Attacks on federal networks lead to concern for DHS

The House Homeland Security Committee wants to know whether DHS' networks have been hacked.

DHS data center to forge into new frontier

DHS plans to select a vendor this summer to build a second cross-agency data center, and has directed prospective contractors to propose locations in the Western U.S. to help shield the facility from any major East Coast blackout.

McCarthy pushes for NICS improvements

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy is promoting her legislation to make improvements to a national database used to check potential gun buyers for criminal records or mental illness.

NIST RFID report applies to private sector

NIST has issued guidelines and a set of best practices for the use of radio frequency technology by both federal agencies and private corporations.

Collaboration helps HUD address problems

The Housing and Urban Development Department has begun to improve its performance by bringing together leaders from different parts of the organization to discuss issues.

Double the audits, double the criticism for DHS

DHS' technology investment management came in for criticism from congressional auditors in a report last week. GAO described risks in the agency's use of technology to implement a port security law in a second report, while noting some progress.