Clinton cries foul over award fees

Presidential contender's call for investigation could spark reforms.

The future looks bright for M&A in '08

Next year, the industry should continue to benefit from many of the positive factors from 2007, including significant liquidity available to strategic and financial buyers for acquisitions and greater competition for deals.

Pulling no punches on Army acquisition

The October report from the Special Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations contains a set of recommendations that will require collaboration from the Army, DOD and Congress.

Patent rules would impede innovation

The U.S. patent system has been vital to the American economy and the U.S. role inthe world economy. Patents have taken center stage in fostering innovation andserving as the catalyst for innovation.

Data sharing, access present problems for fusion centers

To solve the issue, ODNI's National Counterterrorism Center has been working to come up with standards for communicating among centers, and DHS has been working to merge its classified networks into ONE integrated system.

SBA drops companies from top small-biz list

The Small Business Administration's list of the Top 100 small businesses in 2007 reflects new size standard policies and an effort to scrub improperly listed businesses.

OMB reviewing revised Real ID standards

After taking public comments into account, DHS officials have submitted a revised set of minimum federal standards that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards to satisfy the Real ID Act of 2005.

Canadian hybrid driver's license initiative stalls

The Canadian government still has some work to do before the U.S. DHS approves plans for hybrid driver's licenses that would substitute for passports.

Maritime Security: Better tracking of small craft needed

New tools are helping the Coast Guard develop situational awareness at the Port of Miami, but more assistance is needed to track small boats and noncooperative vessels.

Audit: DOD limits procurement competition

The audit found that 48 DOD contract actions had no justifications for going to NIH, and 62 actions had inadequate reasons for the decision.

B.C. wants to use driver's licenses for entry

British Columbia has asked U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff for permission to deploy driver's licenses that also will serve as border-crossing cards for entry into the U.S.

EDS to provide personal ID cards for VA

EDS Corp. has won a contract from the Veterans Affairs Department to develop PIV for all VA employees, affiliates and contractors.

Clinton seeks broader investigation of award fees

The company that received an improper $475 million contract from DHS also may have received an inappropriate financial bonus as part of the deal, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), said today.

Report: E-verify database fails standard test

The E-Verify program uses a database that does not meet accuracy standards set by Congress, according to a new report.

DHS to begin full fingerprint scans for visitors

DHS intends to begin scanning all 10 fingerprints for foreign visitors starting Nov. 29 at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Skinner: Coding error to blame for DHS award to Chenega

An agency of DHS improperly awarded a $475 million sole-source contract in 2003 to the Alaskan Native firm Chenega Technology Services Corp., according to a new report.

A rough ride ahead

But 2008 has bright spots for existing projects entering new phases.

Agencies face new foe in data storage fray

Contractors make a play for piece of booming market.

Workin' in a data mine

Despite controversy and missteps, opportunities beckon.