Inside track: In brief

The Air Force wants a contractor to provide network and systems administration for its Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System at Nellis and Creech Air Force bases in Nevada.

Infotech and the Law: Federal sole-source contracting remains an open secret

If you think that large sole-source contracts are awarded only to a handful of well-connected big companies with the resources to manage dozens of subcontractors in difficult surroundings, you are not privy to one of Washington's open secrets: Such contracts are available to almost anyone to provide almost any service procured by an agency.

Crossed wires

Homeland Security Department border agents are mired in a debate over how best to make compatible two multibillion-dollar wireless networks.

Homeland watch: In brief

Anyone who has viewed the Homeland Security Department's complex "Interoperability Continuum," self-assessment tool for cities, and wondered in vain how his or her city scored, may be pleased to hear that progress reports soon will become public.

TWIC competition back on track

The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will conduct a "full and open competition" for all aspects of the Transportation Worker Identity Card project, including enrollment and data management services.

Fingerprint vendors trip over NIST test results

Federal government testing of digital fingerprint interoperability has evolved into an eligibility test for the federal employee identification card initiative, industry executives said.

On policy front, procurement and GSA loom large

As Congress shifts into high gear for the spring legislative session, contractors and their representatives are promoting policy initiatives, while also fighting a growing tide of protectionism and other moves they believe may restrict competitiveness.

House Democrats introduce SBA reform bill

The Democrats on the House Small Business Committee proposed reauthorization legislation today that would overhaul the Small Business Administration. The bill would increase the federal government's small-business prime contracting goal from 23 percent to 30 percent.

DHS proposes two IDs for merchant mariners

Merchant mariners will carry two new credentials under a notice of proposed rulemaking issued yesterday by the Homeland Security Department.

House works to remove security clearance roadblock

The House of Representatives will consider an amendment this evening to the Defense Authorization Bill that would restart processing on security clearance applications for government contractors, a House Committee on Government Reform spokesman said.

GSA taps Johnson as acting ITS assistant commissioner

The General Services Administration has named John Johnson as the agency's acting Integrated Technology Solutions assistant commissioner effective June 5, replacing Deidre Lee, who left GSA in March.

Logistics Applications prevails in DOE bid protest

The second time around might be the charm for Logistics Applications Inc., which has had to wait more than a year to take over its largest contract win ever.

Teams to review intelligence certification, accreditation processes

Personnel in the military services and agencies, as well as representatives from industry and academia, will receive invitations next week to participate in one of two teams that will ultimately make suggestions on overhauling the certification and accreditation processes across the intelligence community.

DHS to rate local interoperability plans

The Homeland Security Department will issue a scorecard so that states and cities can pinpoint the areas in which they need to improve their interoperable communications programs.

GAO to FAA: Keep sharp eye on ATC modernization

The two offices responsible for overseeing the modernization of the country's air traffic control system still face challenges in a number of key areas, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Industry to Rumsfeld: Resume contractor clearances

Industry is cranking up the pressure on the Defense Department to resume processing applications for contractor security clearances by appealing directly to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to immediately resolve the issue.

DHS deflects criticism of small biz rules

The Homeland Security Department is defending its small business subcontracting practices against fears that its mentor-protégé program actually may penalize some small businesses.

Pressure mounts to block TWIC sole-source award

Several U.S. biometric ID card companies are urging Congress to overturn a law that would award of a significant part of the upcoming Transportation Workers Identification Credential contract to a company backed by a foreeignentrepreneur and casino owner.

Congress earmarks $2.4 billion for port security

The grant money can pay for purchasing and upgrading security equipment, including IT products, to enhance terrorism preparedness.

PIV cards on the horizon

Six months from the deadline for issuing interoperable smart federal ID cards, standards and specifications are in place. Now the heavy lifting is about to begin.