IG: DHS struggles with illegal-alien tracking systems

The Homeland Security Department has made little progress in recent years in improving its aging IT systems for tracking the detentions and removals of illegal aliens, according to a new report from DHS inspector general Richard L. Skinner.

Senate votes to push back border-crossing card deadline

The Homeland Security Department's controversial new border-crossing identification card initiative would be postponed for 17 months under an amendment adopted by the Senate this week, as part of the immigration reform package.

Koontz: Feds fall short on protecting private data

Federal agencies are falling short in protecting privacy when performing data mining, according to congressional testimony from a senior Government Accountability Office official.

Report: Real-time locating systems come of age

Real-time locating systems are growing rapidly and could be a major part of the radio frequency identification market within 10 years, according to a new report.

DHS puts iris scans back into Registered Traveler

Optional iris scans have been restored to the Homeland Security Department's Registered Traveler program, a DHS spokeswoman confirms.

DHS denied full funding pending improvements

The Homeland Security Department is facing $1.3 billion in financial penalties imposed by a House Subcommittee against DHS' Science and Technology directorate, Customs and Border Patrol's Automation Modernization, U.S. Visitor Immigration Status Indicator Technology program and Secure Border Initiative, among other programs, in next year's budget.

Crossed wires

Homeland Security Department border agents are mired in a debate over how best to make compatible two multibillion-dollar wireless networks.

Homeland watch: In brief

Anyone who has viewed the Homeland Security Department's complex "Interoperability Continuum," self-assessment tool for cities, and wondered in vain how his or her city scored, may be pleased to hear that progress reports soon will become public.

TWIC competition back on track

The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will conduct a "full and open competition" for all aspects of the Transportation Worker Identity Card project, including enrollment and data management services.

Fingerprint vendors trip over NIST test results

Federal government testing of digital fingerprint interoperability has evolved into an eligibility test for the federal employee identification card initiative, industry executives said.

On policy front, procurement and GSA loom large

As Congress shifts into high gear for the spring legislative session, contractors and their representatives are promoting policy initiatives, while also fighting a growing tide of protectionism and other moves they believe may restrict competitiveness.

DHS proposes two IDs for merchant mariners

Merchant mariners will carry two new credentials under a notice of proposed rulemaking issued yesterday by the Homeland Security Department.

No. 11: BAE keeps acquisition fires burning

After doubling its size last year through a major acquisition, BAE Systems Inc. could have taken a breather from its buying spree. But it shows no sign of slowing down.

Homeland recruits non-profit for cybersecurity software licensing

The Homeland Security Department is enlisting the help of a non-profit organization to obtain cybersecurity tools for operating systems, servers and databases used by the federal government.

DHS taps Lockheed Martin for call center support

Lockheed Martin Corp. announced it has been awarded a five-year, $120 million contract to run two call centers for the Homeland Security Department's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services bureau.

Morphing of digital fingerprint tests startles contractors

Federal testing of digital fingerprint compatibility begun two years ago has morphed into an eligibility test for vendors that want to participate in the massive, upcoming federal identification card program under Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12.

FBI stumbled on Trilogy cost oversight: GAO

The FBI paid at least $10.1 million in questionable contractor costs related to its controversial Trilogy IT modernization program, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

Rother to lead CDW-G public sector practice

CDW Government, Inc. announced it has promoted Chris Rother to group vice president responsible for all of public sector sales.

DHS deflects criticism of small biz rules

The Homeland Security Department is defending its small business subcontracting practices against fears that its mentor-protégé program actually may penalize some small businesses.

GAO: Immigration agency must rise to electronic challenge

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is not doing an effective job managing the initial phase of its move from a paper-based filing system to paperless electronic records, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.