Defense

Transportation issues rules on lithium batteries

New regulations require that spare batteries used in a range of electronic devices be packed in carry-on luggage.

Tech

GSA awards governmentwide contracts for human resources technology

Agencies will compete with private companies for federal business.

Defense

Spending bill puts restrictions on FBI case management project

Funding partially withheld until agency reports on independent reviews of Sentinel program.

Oversight

Federal tech spending gets more scrutiny

Omnibus spending bill would impose new reporting requirements on "centers of excellence" -- operations within one agency that handle back-office functions for several agencies.

Defense

Funding is reserved for UAVs to monitor borders

Vehicles would be purchased with $82 million included in $2.7 billion budget for border security.

Tech

DHS readies contract to outsource data center services

Utility-based model designed to shift risk from government to industry.

Oversight

Bill to overhaul Freedom of Information Act goes to Bush

Provision prohibits agencies from collecting search fees if they fail to respond to a request in 20 days.

Defense

Land-based backup to GPS wins reprieve in spending bill

Coast Guard had proposed to terminate system; legislation says that would be premature.

Oversight

Booz Allen Hamilton weighs splitting government, commercial operations

Key consulting firm is one of largest federal contractors.

Defense

Congress set to boost budget for VA health services, technology

Department told to focus on improving interoperability of medical records systems and hire more claims processors.

Tech

GSA awards $15 billion Alliant contract to 62 small businesses

Move marks the first time a governmentwide acquisition contract has been set aside solely for small business contractors.

Tech

Omnibus spending measure backs IT spending increases

Increases are centered in the areas of health care and homeland security.

Tech

GSA information chief takes business approach to technology

Voice over IP, HSPD-12 and enterprise architecture top 2008 agenda.

Tech

Fewer connections could limit cyber attacks, agency official says

Justice Department chief information technology security specialist touts strategy of reducing its number of Internet connections to 50.

Tech

GAO: Delays in systems testing put 2010 census at risk

Census Bureau director blames delays on Congress’ inability to pass fiscal 2008 funding.

Defense

Conferees slash $1.4 billion from Army tactical radio funding

Members of Congress express concern that continuing to buy radios under existing program will undermine commitment to next-generation system.

Tech

Lawmakers told federal Web efforts hinder accessibility

Google executive says configuration of many sites prevents them from being crawled by search engines.

Defense

Army modernization plans face funding challenge

Report finds that helicopter fleet and Future Combat Systems project will be in direct competition for available budgets after 2020.

Defense

'We're all at risk' of attack, cyber chief says

Homeland Security official urges private industry and government cooperation to make cybersecurity a priority.

Oversight

Justice details grants to help victims of ID theft

Program is intended to expand existing services and strengthen law-enforcement response.