Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Government's computer security grade improves slightly for 2007
But some say the report card’s finding means little in light of its shortcomings.
Oversight
Cisco grilled for allegedly helping Chinese censor, spy on dissidents
Company official downplays allegations, says the only equipment sold to country's public security bureau were routing and switching products.
Oversight
Hard Knocks
Now Barack Obama can't enter the general election contest unmindful of the resistance that he is encountering from older and downscale white voters.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Cost of cybersecurity initiative is triple its first estimate, panel reports
The development of the National Cybersecurity Initiative also is too secretive, removing a deterrence to attack U.S. networks, Senate committee charges.
Oversight
Defense authorization bill mandates Army contracting reforms
Committee also wants OMB to set governmentwide definition of “inherently governmental” work.
Oversight
EPA may refuse to deliver ozone papers to Waxman
Agency administrator says he needs to ensure that staff can provide comments and recommendations candidly and without fear of retribution.
Defense
FAA urged to open domestic skies to unmanned aerial vehicles
A new report from the Government Accountability Office urges Congress to create an office inside FAA to coordinate federal UAV planning.
Oversight
Independent estimate cuts cost of Census contract almost in half
MITRE projects price tag of $681 million for handheld data collection computers.
Oversight
Consulting firm says sale of government operations won’t affect business
Corporation, contracts and clients will remain the same, says Booz Allen Hamilton spokeswoman.
Oversight
Bill would give National Archives greater reach in electronic records management
Archivists however worry about becoming pariahs if presidents see them as internal-affairs investigators.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Cyber criminals overseas steal U.S electronic health records
Identity theft crime wave could imperil patient safety and cost Medicare millions of dollars .
Defense
Key Dems seek to withhold funding for DHS satellite office
Lawmakers remain "extremely concerned" about agency plan to open office that would coordinate how federal, state and local officials access satellite technology.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: GSA to award Alliant contracts by December
Top official says agency will follow judge's ruling to thoroughly consider if companies can provide the IT services and if prices are reasonable.
Oversight
Agencies should improve financial management workforce planning, report finds
Technology is changing the kind of skills federal employees need.
Defense
Legislative amendment would suspend competitive sourcing at Defense
Provision added to authorization bill during markup puts three-year cap on A-76 competitions.
Oversight
Contractors, insurance firms gouging taxpayers, panel says
House committee chairman plans to introduce legislation that would change the Defense Department's practice of allowing contractors to negotiate their own deals on workers compensation insurance.
Defense
House Armed Services agrees to boost submarine funds
Panel adds $422 million to the Navy's Virginia-class submarine program.
Defense
Tanker contract likely to fuel long House markup debate
Other amendments seek to overturn cuts to the Army's Future Combat Systems, missile defense programs and several major weapons systems.
Defense
Marine Corps seeks return to its role as a naval force
After fighting alongside the Army in Iraq for five years, the Corps now needs new -- and expensive -- equipment.
Oversight