Defense

Senators suggest further purchases of C-17 aircraft

Air Force had proposed not to buy any more of the planes in its fiscal 2008 budget.

Defense

FEMA urged to improve grants management

Officials acknowledge the need to do better in this area, as well as in contracting; director points to progress in hiring.

Defense

Appropriations panel targets Bush border security plan

GAO official testifies that the terms of a contract for the major border project are vague and need adjustments; DHS official disagrees.

Defense

Fight over collective bargaining threatens to derail security bill

Administration officials say a veto is in store if lawmakers allow airport screeners to negotiate the terms of their employment.

Tech

DHS cybersecurity chief shares priorities

Security solutions can be as simple as naming chief information security officers and monitoring systems around the clock, Greg Garcia says.

Defense

Special ops forces seek more intel, better communications

Force leaders urge defense contractors not to “head hunt” their personnel, cite unmanned aerial vehicles as valuable assets.

Defense

House leader to seek boost in health premium subsidy

Steny Hoyer, D-Md., again backs measure that would raise the share of premiums covered by the government from 72 percent to 80 percent.

Defense

Watch list dispute highlights U.S.-Canadian tensions

Canada relies on other countries for foreign intelligence, making for an uneven relationship with the United States.

Tech

New company makes bid for public-safety network

Firm plans to outline a proposal to build a nationwide wireless public-safety network that also would have commercial applications.

Defense

Senator seeks to keep 9/11 bill free of Iraq provisions

The Senate plans to begin debate on the bill Tuesday.

Defense

Immigration agency outsources food service at detention centers

Bureau expects to save $5 million over three years by contracting the work to an Alaska Native firm, but some are skeptical the transition will go smoothly.

Defense

Forward Observer: Days of Future Past

If history is a guide, lawmakers may be slow to reassert their war powers, but will press on now that the process is underway.

Defense

Pentagon implements plan for new U.S. Africa command

Command headquarters will have a much greater interagency make-up and civilian membership than other unified commands.

Defense

McCain measure would create public safety network

Bill would carve out a swath of radio spectrum to provide advanced wireless services for first responders.

Defense

Senator introduces contracting reform legislation

Bill would limit subcontracting, boost competition and transparency, and address acquisition workforce problems.

Defense

Senators seek probe of Federal Protective Service budget issues

Lawmakers ask GAO to look into the service’s placement, and its ability to manage contract guards.

Defense

Legislators propose measure to speed up biodefense program

Program’s limited progress has attracted the attention of representatives on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Defense

Panel opposes addition of Guard to Joint Chiefs Of Staff

Commission is set to announce its preference for modest changes, including the promotion of the three-star Guard chief to four-star rank.

Defense

DHS seeks to expand information-sharing program

Involving more agencies would facilitate faster exchanges of knowledge about cyber-threats and attacks, official says.

Tech

Homeland Security cyber czar sees challenges ahead

Globalization of the information technology industry means more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities along the supply chain.