BAE to conduct airline defense system tests

BAE Systems Inc. will install an infrared missile defense system on up to three American Airlines commercial airliners for testing as part of a DHS contract.

FCC moves forward on mobile alert system

The FCC published a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish a commercial mobile alert system that would let wireless providers send emergency alerts to users of cell phones and other devices.

Registered Traveler to go international

International travelers will soon have the option of registering in advance to speed their passage through security checkpoints at U.S. airports.

Report: Unmanned systems require greater integration

DOD's new road map for development of unmanned systems cites a need for more integration of systems. Estimates show the combined global market for such systems could reach $19 billion by 2020.

Analysts: Cogent stock overvaluation charges premature

The stock price of federal biometrics supplier Cogent Inc. is recovering after taking a dip Monday on media speculation that it may have been overvalued.

PMC wins pair of DHS tasks

Performance Management Consulting Inc. will help update the computer infrastructure at Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of part of an agencywide modernization effort.

Governors: Only half of states use DHS info-sharing networks

Only 52 percent of the states' homeland security directors regularly participated in information-sharing networks run by the Homeland Security Department in 2007, according to a new survey.

DHS orders sensors with lemon butter

DHS is sponsoring the development of new Lobster Eye sensors that mimic the unique capabilities of their namesake crustaceans in detecting images through wood, concrete and steel.

Boeing creates unit for SBI work

Boeing today reshuffled its management units and created a new component that will oversee DHS' $30 billion high-tech SBInet.

Clinton provision would clamp down on award fees

Sen. Hillary Clinton added language to the Senate's Fiscal 2008 Omnibus Appropriations spending package to tighten controls on DHS contractor award fees.

Vendors vie for spectrum grab

The FCC's long-awaited auction of radio spectrum in January is attracting major wireless bidders and newcomers.

House approves $34.9B for homeland security

The omnibus spending bill approved by the House yesterday includes $34.9 billion in baseline funding for DHS in fiscal 2008 and boosts departmental IT contracting efforts focused on U.S. Visit and the Real ID Act.

Walker: DHS needs chief management officer

Integrating the 22 agencies of DHS into a cohesive department requires the services of a new chief management officer, according to Comptroller General David Walker.

Audit uncovers weak internal controls at CBP

Information security continues to be a material weakness in the Customs and Border Protection agency's internal controls, according to an independent audit.

DHS unveils Real ID grants

DHS released grant guidelines this week to assist states in applying for $35 million to begin implementing Real ID requirements for handling personal data associated with driver's licenses.

DHS wants industry input on container security

DHS is inviting industry to prove that available container security devices and readers are sufficient to detect tampering of shipping containers during transit.

Congress moves to tighten contractor oversight

Congress has strengthened oversight over federal contractors and lead systems integrators in the final fiscal 2008 Defense authorization bill, which is expected to be approved this week.

DHS starts final testing of SBInet

DHS today will begin 45 days of final operational testing on the initial 28-mile segment of the SBInet surveillance system installed by Boeing.

Motorola urges RFID tags for passport cards

Long-distance radio frequency ID tags are the best technology choice for the upcoming U.S. passport card program despite their apparent shortcomings, a Motorola Inc. executive said.

Group charges DHS with poor contract management

In the more than four years of its existence, DHS has become a prime example of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars, according to a new report.