Industry pushes for more H-1b visas

With the April 1 H-1b visa application deadline approaching, IT companies are urging Congress to authorize a larger number of visas to meet demand.

DHS defends SBInet

Homeland Security Department officials are strongly defending the department's SBInet border surveillance system following critical testimony by a Government Accountability Office director.

Bill proposes new employee screening tools

Employers would verify the legal status of prospective employees through a new all-electronic system using expanded state databases that may include biometrics under propoposed legislation.

Coast Guard steps up homeland security efforts

The Coast Guard has launched new demonstration programs to test innovative new ways to patrol U.S. coastal borders.

TSA seeks advice on video systems

The Transportation Security Administration wants advice from industry on intelligent video systems.

Hybrid licenses catch on in Washington State

Washington State has issued more than 2,000 new hybrid drivers license-passport cards since it began issuing them a month ago, and 13,000 more people have signed up to apply.

Chinese 3Com investment thwarted

A proposed Chinese investment in 3Com Corp. has been shot down, at least for now, by the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

US-VISIT expands its vision

With success and money, DHS program could fuel more opportunities.

Security blanket

New funding to protect cyberassets catches industry attention.

Mantech wins Eagle task order

A unit of ManTech International will provide independent verification and validation and security services to DHS' Science and Technology Directorate.

Boeing to develop command system for SBInet

Boeing Co. has begun developing a command, control, communications and intelligence system for SBInet with an initial delivery scheduled for this summer.

DHS behind the curve on competition

Fewer than a third of the $11.5 billion in contracts awarded by DHS in fiscal 2007 were approved after full and open competitions, according to USAspending.gov.

Global SI business on the rise

Systems integrators' hourly billing rates are rising for the first time in years, indicating a "healthy" market for such services, according to a new report.

DHS management deficiencies persist: GAO

DHS has had some success in its mission but has been slow into attaining efficient management, according to testimony from Comptroller General David Walker.

Lockheed wins FBI biometric contract

Lockheed Martin Corp. is expected to be named the winner today of the FBI's new $1 billion biometric database contract, according to industry sources.

CRS: DHS directorate lacks collaborative spirit

Industry executives find it difficult to work with the Homeland Security Department's Science and Technology Directorate because of the agency's lack of responsiveness, according to a new report.

Raytheon e-Borders deal grows larger

A team led by Raytheon Co. won $179 million in additional work on its recently awarded e-Borders contract with the United Kingdom.

EU weighs traveler biometric requirements

By next summer U.S. travelers may have to start providing fingerprints and personal information to authorities before being allowed to enter Europe.

GAO: DHS needs more caution in using special acquisition authority

DHS used its special acquisition authority 37 times to purchase at least $450 million worth of goods and services since 2004, according to a new report.

U.K. delays national ID system

The planned national identity card system in the United Kingdom will be delayed two years, until 2012, according to U.K. media reports.