OMB proposes security clearance system reform

The Office of Management and Budget has submitted a proposal to expedite hiring and security clearances for individuals and contractors to work for the government.

Coast Guard plans data center to monitor vessels

The Coast Guard will begin operating a new international data exchange center starting Jan. 1, 2009, to track the positions at sea of about 3,000 ships per day, according to a final rule published.

DOD's cost-plus contracts misusing taxpayer money

Defense Department officials need to get a better grasp about the validity and specifications for expensive programs, GAO said this week.

NIH seeks comment on new GWACs

The National Institutes of Health wants input from industry and federal agencies as it prepares to revise three governmentwide acquisition contracts in health and research IT.

Report: Small-vessel security to rely on tech tools

Technology will be a key component in reducing the terrorist threat associated with the nation's recreational and commercial small boats, according to a new DHS strategy.

Unisys to build Maine Medicaid system

Unisys will develop and then manage health care claim processing for Maine's new MaineCare Information System under a contract that could be worth as much as $180 million.

IG clears spectrum adviser of allegations

An official adviser's request for millions of dollars in lease payments for a national public safety broadband network probably was not enough to deter prospective bidders.

NTSB laptops lack security features: GAO

Nearly half the laptop PCs at the National Transportation Safety Board do not have the required encryption needed to protect data, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Contracting reform bills make it through House

The Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act, the Contractors and Federal Spending Accountability Act and the The Government Contractor Accountability Act were passed by the House yesterday.

GSA releases FAR changes for comment

GSA is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation that would place greater emphasis on government contractors' past performance when they bid on new awards.

DHS to rebuild Project 28 fence

The mobile border surveillance system deployed as a prototype of SBInet in Arizona is coming down and will be replaced with an updated version with permanent towers.

Bush administration opposes small-biz research bill

The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act would require agencies to set aside 3 percent of their outside research budgets or $650 million each year.

Panel to debate GSA price reduction clause

GSA's price reduction clause is likely to be at the center of debate for a new advisory panel, which is reviewing the schedules program.

Feds see strong demand for border-crossing cards

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have applied voluntarily for new and expanded border-crossing identification cards through the Bush Administration's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Fusion centers suffer information overload

Dozens of state and local intelligence fusion centers are having difficulties juggling the multiple information systems that provide them with data, according to a new GAO report.

GSA establishes advisory panel for Schedule program

A new advisory panel will begin an in-depth review of GSA's policies and regulations for schedule contracts, the agency announced yesterday.

No need for reform, EPA says

IBM Corp.'s short suspension by the Environmental Protection Agency is still reverberating through the government market.

Newsbriefs

DHS will begin testing an International Registered Traveler program at three airports starting June 10 to expedite clearances for prescreened travelers.

No magic bullet

Congestion ahead | Despite promising technologies, transportation mode modernization requires better policies and more funding.

Bones of contention

Contractors face more scrutiny as concerns about conflicts of interest increase.