DHS to upgrade enforcement systems

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has issued a task order to Sytel Inc. and EDS Corp. to upgrade several critical systems.

Federal official's endorsement of IAC officials rankles members

An endorsement by a government official of private-sector members running for committee offices has sparked an uproar in the Industry Advisory Council

Funding cuts slow DHS personnel systems

Homeland Security Department officials are grappling with the need to slow the pace of the department's human resources system project after Congress slashed its funding.

Homeland Security CIO gains clout, funding

Homeland Security Department CIO Steve Cooper gained clout and the funding to go with it President George W. Bush signed the Homeland Security Department's appropriations bill into law last week.

Homeland security appropriations bill becomes law

President Bush today signed a $32 billion, fiscal 2005 Homeland Security appropriations bill that provides $275.3 million to the CIO's office.

Smart passport field narrows to four

Four companies have been tapped by the State Department to provide smart chips, antennas, software and any gear necessary to embed biometric information within the covers of U.S. passports.

Homeland Security seeks vendor to test no-fly system

The Transportation Security Administration today will release a complete request for proposals from vendors interested in testing its Secure Flight system.

DHS eyes outsourcing intelligence work

The Homeland Security Department might seek a private vendor to provide intelligence research and operations specialists for its Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Emerge2 program stalled

Vendor sources say the Homeland Security Department's back-office systems project faces an uncertain future.

TSA unveils new passenger prescreening program

Secure Flight follows hard on the heels of TSA's defunct CAPPS II program, and TSA took pains to distinguish the program from its predecessor.

DHS readies major contracts

The Homeland Security Department is moving forward on three IT procurements that will fill major needs for interoperable communications, general IT functions and advanced baggage screening systems.

Labor eyes new budget system

The Labor Department is seeking information about commercial systems it might use to better manage budget information.

Commission calls for decentralized intelligence network

9/11 Commission urges a decentralized, trusted information network for federal intelligence agencies.

Zeppieri to command TSA systems

The Transportation Security Administration late yesterday said that it had chosen Justice Department systems executive David Zeppieri to be its CIO.

House panel votes to block Accenture's U.S. Visit pact

A House committee voted today to prevent Accenture Ltd. from holding the prime contract for the Homeland Security Department's U.S. Visit system because it is a tax exile.

Emerge2 program to seek bids soon

Program is aimed at overhauling the Homeland Security Department's back-office systems.

Accenture wins U.S. Visit

Accenture LLP of Hamilton, Bermuda, has won the systems integration contract for the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator System.

Auditors say DHS needs systems plan, stronger CIO

The Homeland Security Department's tardy progress on an IT strategic plan, enterprise architecture, capital planning and investment control are jeopardizing billions of dollars of systems investment, GAO said.

Doubt lingers over bona fide unaccredited schools

After two days of hearings in a Senate committee about diploma mill abuses, questions remained about how the government would treat credentials from unaccredited colleges that offer legitimate degrees.

GAO: Government bilked for fake degree fees

Investigators uncover more than $150,000 in federal payments to unaccredited schools on behalf of federal employees, and testify the true extent of improper payments likely is much larger.