SBInet planning improves, IG says

Customs and Border Protection has made gains in defining and meeting the goals of border technology systems, according to a new IG report.

The race for technology reform

In his first 100 days in office, President Barack Obama brought a fresh approach to new technologies and an ambitious IT reform agenda. However, a lack of specific details has frustrated the contracting community.

Opinion

DOD must replenish skills among employees

Defense Secretary Robert Gates' proposed plan to replace thousands of contractor employees with new full-time government employees raises a number of important questions.

SBInet tower construction begins

The construction of 17 permanent towers for the SBInet system at the border of Arizona and Mexico started May 4.

Viewpoint: Cybersecurity czar might be overloaded

An expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the job of securing government networks is too big for one person to be its operational leader.

Group to develop smart grid standards

The Institute of Electrical and El0ectronics Engineers is launching an effort to develop common and interoperable standards for smart electricity grid technologies.

Senate bill would suspend competitive sourcing

Federal agencies would be encouraged to bring previously contracted work in-house under a new bill introduced by Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

SBInet spending plan falls short: GAO

The Homeland Security Department has met only three of the 12 conditions set by Congress for its Secure Border Initiative spending plan, according to the GAO.

States to receive funds for flu response

The president's request for $1.5 billion to deal with the swine flu outbreak includes money to help states respond to the disease, an HHS official said.

Kundra calls for context-driven government

Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra wants the government to make its data more available and services more accessible.

GAO: NOAA satellite procurement in trouble

NOAA's next-generation weather satellite procurement is running up costs and falling behind schedule, according to a new GAO report.

Cities track stimulus money on new Web sites

Several cities have established Web sites to track the $50 billion in economic stimulus spending cities will get.

OMB wants industry input on tracking stimulus dollars

Starting April 27, OMB and the stimulus oversight board will ask the IT community how to best achieve transparency for reporting spending under the economic stimulus law.

E-Verify deadline postponed again

The Homeland Security Department has extended until June 30 the deadline for contractors to begin using the employment verification system.

Mapmakers face stiff tax burden

Mapping and surveying contractors will be hit with a 13 percent withholding of income tax from their federal contracts, a trade association official says.

Coast Guard schedules TWIC reader meeting

The Coast Guard will hold a public meeting to discuss its new risk-based rule for using Transportation Worker Identification Credential readers at port facilities.

H-1B petitions fall short of cap

U.S. immigration authorities have received only 42,000 H-1B visa applications in the latest tally.

General Dynamics wins USCIS contract

The company will produce blank identification cards for USCIS to be used for new immigrant work eligibility cards.

Defense contractors see mixed impact from Gates proposals

Defense contractors see potential gains, losses under Gates' plan

Watchdog group questions FEMA appointment of contractor

Group alleges potential conflict of interest for former contractor who is now FEMA chief of staff.