Oversight

IG: State Department passport system wide open

Poor security policies and lack of clear disciplinary actions allow unauthorized users to view personal information in files.

Tech

Generation Y seeks more interaction with government online

Report says younger citizens rely on blogs and social networking tools for information.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Census receives $210 million in emergency funding for 2010 count

The money will cover extra costs the bureau will incur due to its decision not to use handheld computers to support the decennial census.

Features

Virtual Connections

Agencies venture into another world where avatars and bloggers keep employees tuned in and get the message out.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Coast Guard shows off first high-tech cutter

Public tour aims to demonstrate modernization contract is on track, but GAO says problems remain.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Presidential transition could put a damper on federal IT spending

Unsettled economy and wartime bills also putting the pinch on agency budgets , industry report says.

Defense

Groups to warn panel about economic effect of seizing laptops

Customs’ practice of confiscating electronic devices and downloading data would have chilling effect on business travel, interest groups plan to testify.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Verizon nabs Postal Service Networx contract

Deal worth $16.4 million is another sign business is picking up on huge telecom agreement .

News

From Nextgov.com: Hill told privacy laws must be updated to protect the public

Analysts urge senators to force agencies to better protect Americans' data.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: IG sounds alarm about accuracy of Census Bureau's address file

Report cites duplicate and missing addresses in database, which could threaten the accuracy of the 2010 count if not corrected.

News

From Nextgov.com: Groups ask court to reverse ruling, limit laptop searches at border

Fourth Amendment concerns cited, along with lack of established policy on when searches can be conducted.

Oversight

Census getting back on course, lawmakers told

Observers say cost still uncertain, but agency is making headway on program and contract management.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA official urges passage of cooperative purchasing bill for security

Opening federal security contracts to state and local governments would save money and provide faster services.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: GSA signs telework agreement with union

AFGE officials agree to provisions that abruptly ended telework talks with another federal union.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Business picking up for GSA’s Networx contract

After slow start, interest increases in telecom pact as deadline for agencies to recoup transition costs approaches.

Oversight

Storms test GSA’s continuity plans

Power outage at Northern Virginia facility allows agency to launch notification system and telework arrangements.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: IRS reports slight increase in e-filing rate

Agency has four years to hike the percentage of electronically filed tax returns it receives to meet a congressional requirement.

Oversight

Contract spending could drop more than 10 percent in 2009

Sluggish economy, growing deficit, a lack of procurement expertise contribute to downward trend, research firm predicts.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Interior allowed to reconnect to Internet

Judge rules six-year disconnect order not valid, but still worries that the department’s computer security practices are inadequate.

Oversight

Independent estimate cuts cost of Census contract almost in half

MITRE projects price tag of $681 million for handheld data collection computers.