Infotech and the Law: Homeland security -- Who pays for protecting infrastructure?

<FONT SIZE=2>In February, the White House issued the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets, which describes the work needed in each industry sector to secure the nation's physical resources against the threat of terrorism.</FONT>

Firm sets strategy for government market

<FONT SIZE=2>In a large, airy room divided by moveable walls and tables, a group of about 50 information technology executives gathered last month to map out a strategy for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young S.A.'s entry into the U.S. government market. Scattered around the room were business books, stuffed animals, dolls and other toys. Classic rock pounded in the background,</FONT>

Brief: Tactical data link systems

<FONT SIZE=2>The Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center will issue a solicitation to provide lifecycle engineering and technical support for tactical data link systems and related equipment. The solicitation is expected April 30. For more information, see FedBizOpps.gov solicitation no. N66001-03-R-5015.</FONT>

Brief: Web casting for Congress

<FONT SIZE=2>The House of Representatives has released a statement of work outlining requirements for implementing a content delivery network that includes live streaming or Web casting -- for each House committee hearing room as well as alternate locations.</FONT>

Brief: Financial management systems

<FONT SIZE=2>GSA's Federal Technology Service is seeking information on financial management software testing and benchmarking strategies that minimize costs to contractors and the government.</FONT>

Brief: Cash accountability support

<FONT SIZE=2>The Defense Finance and Accounting Service wants to use the General Services Administration Schedule 70 to issue a time-and-materials order for the Defense Cash Accountability System. The procurement is restricted to small businesses, and DFAS anticipates the order will be for one year with four option years.</FONT>

More NMCI seats coming

<FONT SIZE=2>Electronic Data Systems Corp. will roll out another 150,000 seats under the Navy Marine Corps Intranet contract. The latest clearance by the Defense Department pushes the total authorization to 310,000 seats. </FONT>

Doing Business With the Social Security Administration

Social Security Administration6401 Security Blvd.Baltimore, MD 21235-0001(800) 772-1213<a href= "http://www.ssa.gov">www.ssa.gov</a>

GAO: Share-in-savings motivates, but tough to do

Share-in-savings contracting can be highly effective in motivating contractors to generate savings and revenue for their clients, but it's especially difficult to do in the federal government, a new report says.

Congressional group turns spotlight on enhanced 911

Capitol Hill lawmakers today launched the congressional E-911 Caucus, a bipartisan group that wants to make sure emergency call centers get the funding they need to comply with a federal mandate for enhanced-911 services.

CIOs expect more outsourcing

Federal CIOs expect to outsource more information technology projects to the private sector during the coming year, especially in areas where agencies lack in-house resources or technical expertise, according to a new survey.

Doing Business With the National Weather Service

<b>Address</b>National Weather Service1325 East-West HighwaySilver Spring, Md. 20910(301) 713-0689<a href="http://weather.gov">weather.gov</a><b>Founded:</b> Feb. 9, 1870<b>Director:</b> John "Jack" Kelly Jr.

Eye on the States: State officials must see value of IT

<FONT SIZE=2>President Clinton recently said: "When times are good and the money is rolling in, you can almost have a lobotomy and be governor." He just as easily could have been talking about selling technology to the states.</FONT>

The business end of bioterror

<FONT SIZE=2>Government health departments will be among the largest purchasers of homeland security solutions at the state and local level as the nation struggles to develop the capability to respond to biological terrorist attacks.</FONT>

Buy Lines: Striking the right balance

<FONT SIZE=2>The January release of two proposed rules on contract bundling again draws attention to the debate over procurement strategies and their impact on small business. But the new rules are not the only manifestation of that focus. </FONT>

Perot starts fast in fed sector

<FONT SIZE=2>The name is instantly recognizable, but Perot Systems Corp. isn't counting on its name to make a splash in the government market. Instead, the company is making acquisitions and winning new business as it tries to become a major provider of information technology services to the government.</FONT>

E-gov projects to get less money

<FONT SIZE=2>The president's budget proposal for fiscal 2004 cuts funds for 25 cross-agency e-government projects by nearly 24 percent, to $173.9 million, not including investments by the Defense and Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be announced next month. Thirteen projects got more money, nine projects less and two held steady.</FONT>

Briefs: Time-and-materials in new SARA

<FONT SIZE=2>Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., plans to introduce a new version of his Services Acquisition Reform Act. Among its provisions, SARA would allow agencies to use time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts to buy services.</FONT>

Briefs: Lee says GAO, Congress are watching

<FONT SIZE=2>Deirdre Lee, director of defense procurement and acquisition policy, said the General Accounting Office and Congress will be watching how Defense contracting officers implement Section 803. </FONT>

Infotech and the Law: Anti-terrorism law protects tech companies from lawsuits

<FONT SIZE=2>The Homeland Security Act of 2002 signed into law by President Bush in November also included provisions that make it easier for the federal government to procure anti-terrorism technology. These provisions were included in the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002, also known as the Safety Act, which was enacted as part of the Homeland Security Act.</FONT>