Contractors fear being blacklisted under new defense bill

Federal contractor groups are up in arms about a provision in the defense authorization bill that they believe will result in secret blacklists against their members.

Cookies may make a comeback on federal Web sites

A Defense official suggests the longstanding ban on cookies on federal Web sites may be lifted.

NFL technology is in play on the battlefield

The idea of the military tapping replay technology used by the National Football League to manage the fast-growing volume of battlefield video shouldn’t be overturned, GCN Lab director John Breeden writes.

New DOD cyber commander seeks better situational awareness

Army Gen. Keith Alexander says the Defense Department needs a common, real-time, understanding of what's happening across its many computer networks.

Senior executives honored with Presidential Rank awards

Honored executives saved government $49 billion

Harris IT award keeps DOD commissaries well stocked

A new $35 million contract will permit Harris Corp. to continue to deliver network operations support to the Defense Commissary Agency and its distribution of commissary goods to nearly 12 million customers in military communities around the world.

Cloud adoption on the rise, but new report highlights trouble spots

A new survey of federal leaders paints an early picture of which applications are migrating to cloud computing. But limited awareness and trust remain big hurdles for agencies.

DOD social media policy fails to answer security questions

Former Director of Defense Information Paul Strassmann questions how DOD's new directive, permitting NIPRNet access to the Internet, will work without more explicit security direction.

At least the military is serious about climate change

The next Quadrennial Defense Review directs military planners to keep track of the latest intelligence about climate change, according to a report in The Guardian.

Defense contractors go offshore to skip taxes, GAO says

Defense contractors expanded their use of offshore facilities from 2003 to 2008 mostly to avoid paying payroll taxes, GAO said in a new report.

SAIC to manage MHS communications, computing infrastructure

Science Applications International Corp. will provide system performance management services for the Military Health System under a five-year task order that could be worth more than $16 million if all options are exercised.

Vangent hastens access to DOD medical records

Vangent Inc. will make it easier for Defense Department health care providers to access patient records and other data through a $20 million contract. The DOD award calls for Vangent to build an integrated single sign-on and context management capability throughout the Military Health System.

New ethics policies might hurt competition, industry group says

The Defense Department needs to apply a "balanced approach" to avoid negative impacts from new conflict-of-interest rules, says a contractor group.

Defense auditors caught in crossfire

The Defense Contract Audit Agency has risen to a new level of infamy. The GAO and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee say it is not up to the job of auditing federal contractors. Meanwhile, the industry is complaining about the exact opposite.

DOD open-source memo could change software landscape

DOD has issued guidance that clarifies the use of open-source software.

ManTech broadens IT aid to DIA media exploitation center

ManTech International Corp. will continue providing information technology services to the Defense Intelligence Agency under a prime contract valued at $76 million.

DOD opens up to open source

Open-source projects at the DOD are building a community of users who share and collaborate on software projects.

Air Force activates new cyberspace defense unit

Combat communications wing supports new Space Command

EF Johnson wins two DOD radio contracts

EF Johnson Technologies Inc. will provide two-way radios and accessories to the Defense Department under two contracts worth nearly $10 million.

Getac to supply Air Force with rugged computers

The Air Force is purchasing about $17 million worth of rugged notebook computers manufactured by Getac Inc.