Defense
GAO: Security contracts don’t violate ban on quasi-military forces
In response to bid protests, agency finds Army requests for proposals permissible under Anti-Pinkerton Act.
Defense
Chertoff calls for end to ban on deporting Salvadorans
DHS officials say Bush border control effort cannot be implemented effectively with legal loopholes remaining.
Defense
Bill to beef up DHS anti-counterfeit efforts likely to hold
Legislation unlikely to move before midterm elections; if it passes next year, DHS agencies would see inspection staffs increase.
Defense
DHS alters plans for transportation worker ID program
Facility and vessel owners will not need to install card readers during the first phase.
Defense
A year later, Katrina survivors give government low marks
Almost 70 percent give the feds a thumbs-down in new poll.
Defense
Compromise on immigration reform legislation appears elusive
House members attack less-punitive Senate measure allowing most of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to remain in the country while seeking permanent citizenship.
Defense
FEMA chief says agency continues to be understaffed
Government hiring process is “arduous” and “complicated,” R. David Paulison says.
Defense
DHS told to investigate air marshal’s complaint
Allegations center on inadequate identity protection; agency says many of the concerns are out of date.
Defense
Judge rules against NSA eavesdropping program
Electronic surveillance program runs counter to the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, judge says.
Defense
Fighter plane program may see cuts to pay for backup engine
The number of fighters may be lowered by 50 to 100, out of about 2,500, to pay for a second engine.
Tech
Firms launch security card coalition
Group will focus on promoting contact-less smart cards instead of those that are embedded with radio-frequency identification chips.
Defense
California governor seeks more orders for C-17 cargo planes
C-17 program employs nearly 30,000 people in 42 states and has broad support in Congress.
Defense
DHS to speed contractors' exemptions from lawsuits
Applications for products already in use, or involved in an ongoing procurement, have better odds of getting to the front of the line.
Defense
Punishments stemming from IG probes on the rise
Suspensions and debarments of contractors nearly doubled in 2005, but savings from inspectors’ recommendations fell by 6.7 percent.
Defense
Army future combat program passes technical design review
Completion of review means program officials can focus on technology experimentation and platform and software designs.
Defense
Security officials weigh profiling airline passengers
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff says detection is "not all about technology.”
Defense
Legislator pushes public-private partnership for bomb detection tech
Machines sampling vapors for traces of explosives could find liquid devices, private sector experts say.
Tech
DHS official emphasizes importance of interoperable communications
Department also working to make process of awarding grants to states and localities more transparent.
Tech
Tech groups divided over border-crossing cards
Differences hinge on distance from which IDs could be read, flexibility of technology.
Defense