Koontz to Congress: Revise privacy laws

Congress should consider revising privacy laws to ensure that the sensitive data the government collects and uses is appropriately protected, said Linda Koontz, director of information management issues at GAO.

Senate passes NET 911 Improvement Act

The New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 would require IP telephony service providers to offer 911 services.

Report: Robotic tech is potential wild card in U.S. security

Service robotics is identified as one of the six potentially most disruptive civil technologies with the greatest possibility of affecting the U.S.' security interests through 2025, according to a new report.

IG: DHS falls short on IT recommendations

<font color="CC0000">(UPDATED)</font color> DHS has implemented a small fraction of the IT-related recommendations issued by its Office of the Inspector General, according to a new report.

Grants bonanza

Funds for homeland security and preparedness efforts are flowing in 2008. Here is a breakdown of programs, goals and funds by agency.

DHS measures move through House subcommittee

A subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee approved a series of measures yesterday meant to provide more access to DHS' information and intelligence products.

House subcommittee adds to DHS purse

The House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee yesterday approved a six percent increase for the department in fiscal 2009.

Arizona lawmakers give Real ID cold shoulder

The Arizona legislature voted yesterday to prohibit the state from complying with the Real ID Act of 2005.

All differences aside

Protest resolved, Lockheed will double FBI fingerprint, biometrics database.

DHS wants biometric helping hand

But call for input meets skepticism over feasibility and costs for next phase of US-VISIT.

Support your first responder

Feds tag $5 billion for state and local emergency preparedness.

Broadcast engineers rally around emergency alert protocol

A professional engineers group is trying to jump-start FEMA's procedure to authorize use of the Common Alerting Protocol for national emergency alerts.

DHS tests Global Entry program

DHS initiated pilot projects at three airports this week to test its new Global Entry program for pre-registered U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from travel abroad.

Skinner: DHS must shore up acquisition management

Homeland Security Department appears to lack a current inventory of certified personnel and the acquisitions to which they are assigned, according to its inspector general.

CIA first scoffs at, then embraces, collaborative technologies

When a proposal surfaced to introduce the use of wikis and blogs in the intelligence community, the idea was met with skepticism, to say the least.

Boeing gets green light to build SBInet sections

The Homeland Security Department is preparing to award a task order to Boeing Co. to install the first two operational segments of the SBInet border surveillance system.

DHS to issue new Sentri cards

Travelers along the border between the United States and Mexico participating in the Homeland Security Department's SENTRI identification card program will be receiving new, upgraded ID cards by July.

General Dynamics unit to upgrade DHS network

General Dynamics One Source has won a five-year contract from the Homeland Security Department to upgrade the Homeland Security Information Network.

DOD plans rapid integration facility

The Special Operations Command has issued a preliminary request for proposals to identify contractors capable of managing and staffing a new facility designed to integrate classified information.

DHS to brief industry on PACTS

DHS will hold a conference for contractors interested in bidding on an upcoming request for proposals.