In Depth Newscast: July 18

• DHS has failed to save billions of dollars because it doesn’t buy in bulk, Nextgov reports. Homeland Security Inspector General Charles Edwards said one of the biggest problems was the way the agency bought explosive detection tools. He told the House Homeland Security Committee the agency has no process in place for standardizing equipment purchases, or recognizing common product requirements among offices.
• Meanwhile, DHS has set a deadline of Jan. 13th, 2013 to decide whether states are in line with the Real ID Act. The agency wants to assess states’ progress in meeting the goals of the 2005 law, which requires states to issue identification cards that meet specific security standards.
• Social Security Administration Chief Information Officer Frank Baitman announced he is resigning. Deputy Commissioner for systems Kelly Croft will handle the CIO responsibilities after Baitman leaves on Aug. 19.
• The Office of Management and Budget is requiring agencies to include certain cybersecurity measures in their telework policies. An OMB memo says agencies must safeguard government information and technology, protect the networks that telecommuters use to go online and block employees from accessing porn. It says agencies should work with the DHS in following these guidelines.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.