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Friday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez Edited by Suzanne Kubota This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED: Detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention center will again ...

Federal News Network Staff

May 15, 2009 8:51 am

2 min read

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

Detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention center will again face Bush-era military tribunals. President Obama gave the order to restart the trials. But this time, the white house says there will be new legal protections. The administration has banned the use of evidence obtained thru what they call cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment. The tribunals will start up again in four months.

A closer look at electrical wiring at US military bases in Afghanistan: The Pentagon’s Inspector General has sent a team to make sure the wiring is not faulty. The move follows incidents in IRAQ. At least three servicemembers there have been electrocuted while taking showers. And investigators say that about one-third of US facilities in the country have major electrical problems.

The Pentagon wages war on spam. The Defense Information Systems Agency has plans for a system to scan 50-million inbound e-mails a day. The goal is to catch spam and viruses at the edge of unclassified defense networks. Next Gov reports that DISA is looking to industry for ideas. They’ve posted a request for information on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

The country’s next-generation bomber might fly without a pilot. Defense secretary Robert Gates telling the Senate Armed Services Committee that it’s a real possibility, real soon. Government Executive reports that Gates will review requirements for a new bomber in during the Quadrennial Defense Review which is happening now. The Air Force had planned a new manned bomber for 2018, but the Defense Secretary cancelled that program citing advances in unmanned technologies as a reason.

The White House has asked industry for help to keep the President and other leaders keep in touch with the world during official travel. Federal Computer Week reports they’re looking for temporary phone and data lines. Contractors will need to support up to 20 sites at once. And they’ll need to do it quickly with just 12 hours notice in most cases. The White House has posted an information request on the Federal Business Opportunities website. Companies must respond by May 26.