TSA contractors performed government-only work, IG concludes

TSA allowed contractors to review invoices for other contractors in apparent violation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, according to a new report from the Homeland Security Department inspector general's office.

DOE pitches $10M for energy cybersecurity

The Energy Department has finally announced details of the grant it will award for setting up a National Electric Sector Cyber Security Organization.

DHS to hire 170 IT employees during next 18 months

Richard Spires, the CIO of the Homeland Security Department, said today his IT workforce will almost double by October 2011.

DHS undecided about exit portion of US-VISIT program

The Homeland Security Department is still undecided about pursuing a biometric system at airports to verify that non-U.S. citizens leave when required.

How can we be at cyberwar if we don't know what it is?

Before plunging into a Cold-War style cyber arms race with our online enemies, the United States needs to decide just exactly what cyberwar is, who should fight it and how to do it.

Boeing, DHS defend work on SBInet

Two days after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano froze some spending on the SBInet virtual fence system at the Arizona border, Boeing and DHS officials say the system is providing needed capabilities.

Broadband plan would make FCC a player in cybersecurity framework

Under the National Broadband Plan released today by the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC would gain responsibilities for ensuring the safety of privately owned communications infrastructure.

Customs at odds with DHS IG over report on small-biz goals

Officials at Customs and Border Protection say a draft report by the inspector general contains 'misstatements of fact and inaccuracies that are misleading.'

Paczkowski named to lead ICF’s homeland security business

ICF International Inc. has named John Paczkowski vice president for emergency management in the company’s homeland security and program management area.

InfoPro wins $57 million CBP support contract

InfoPro Inc. will provide software application and operational maintenance support to the Homeland Security Department under a contract that is worth $57.2 million through August 2012.

Coast Guard hopes third time is the charm for troubled Deepwater program

The Coast Guard has nearly finished the third fleet mix analysis of its $27 billion Integrated Deepwater System asset acquisition project, at a time when the program continues to have problems with affordability and management, according to a new report.

DHS too timid with debarment hammer, IG says

DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner is accusing department acquisition officials of being "reluctant" to initiate debarment and suspension actions against contractors.

L-3 wins $165M security award from TSA

L-3 Communications will supply the Transportation Security Administration with advanced screening technology under an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract worth $164.7 million.

Former L.A. police chief tapped to kick off GovSec conference

Bill Bratton built the Los Angeles Police Department's state-of-the-art counter-terrorism capabilities in the wake of the terrorist attacks in 2001.

SBInet director shares frustrations and progress on delays, tests and Boeing

Mark Borkowski is in the unenviable position of overseeing SBInet, the border protection system that is as noteworthy for its ambitious scope as it is for technical glitches and schedule delays.

FEMA seeks social media contractor

Federal Emergency Management Agency issues a contract request for a media services company that can deliver information from disaster areas via social media and local media news outlets.

L-1 helps Kentucky create secure driver’s licenses

L-1 Identity Solutions Inc. will assist the Commonwealth of Kentucky in creating a secure driver’s license under a six-year contract that could be worth approximately $33.7 million.

Virtual border fence would lose under budget

The administration wants $43.59 billion for the Homeland Security Department in fiscal 2011 compared with the $42.60 billion that the department got for this year.

Lockheed, Microsoft software helps responders brace for chaos

As simulation software improves, agencies are turning to the technology to improve training and save money.

Boeing's SBInet project under fire again

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has ordered a re-evaluation of options for protecting the United States-Mexico border because of delays in deploying the SBInet technology system.