Defense Systems

OPM's security clearance reformer retires

Kathy Dillaman, the Office of Personnel Management official in charge of reforming the security clearance process, retired Monday after 35 years of government service, Federal Times reports.

Defense Systems

Network modernization caught in a holding pattern

The military's No. 1 modernization priority, the network, will receive no new funding for at least the next year -- and perhaps much longer.

Defense Systems

Congress examines undisclosed military cyber ops

A question-and-answer session during a Senate confirmation hearing raises concerns about unreported secret military cyber missions.

Defense Systems

Lawmakers pull cybersecurity provisions from defense bill

Unsuccessful attempts to mandate federal IT security could open the door to potentially serious risks if cybersecurity legislation isn't revisited in 2011, some officials say.

Defense Systems

House passes lean defense authorization bill

A bill that aroused controversy throughout the year makes it through the House in a weakened form but senators say they expect to pass it as well.

Defense Systems

Issa, Cummings will lead House oversight committee

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has a wide jurisdiction to track how programs are running and propose ways to fix problems.

Defense Systems

McKeon, Smith to lead House Armed Services Committee

The panel's leadership will change as Republicans take control of the House in the upcoming Congress.

Defense Systems

New concerns over cyber terrorism threat

Politicians and national leaders voice concerns over cyber terrorism and and propose ways to address the threat.

Defense Systems

See how your elected officials voted on business issues

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Defense Systems

DOD officials face Senate ire over budgetary measures

DOD officials were questioned over plans for trimming the defense budget, including closing the Joint Forces Command.

Defense Systems

Proposed secure network for critical infrastructure draws fire

Gen. Keith Alexander suggests developing a secure zone for civilian government and critical commercial systems.

Defense Systems

DOD's IG returns fire following scathing Senate report

Defense Department Inspector General Gordon Heddell responds to a report issued by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) that blames the IG's office for overlooking fraud and straying from its core mission.

Defense Systems

Tax cheats take note: Federal jobs may require audits

Senator proposed legislation to make anyone with seriously delinquent tax debts ineligible for a federal job.

Defense Systems

Officials put temptation in front of small businesses

When a company can certify itself as a particular type of business entitled to preferential treatment, it is a temptation that is hard to resist, according to one member of Congress.

Defense Systems

Agencies may have to abandon bureaucratese

Agencies may have to change their writing style because a new writing coach -- the law -- may soon arrive, blogger Matthew Weigelt writes.

Defense Systems

Senate Homeland Security Committee hopes you 'like' its Facebook page

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has launched its own Facebook page for interaction via the social-networking service.

Defense Systems

DOD bills put focus on acquisition, insourcing

In their respective defense authorization bills, the House and Senate are attempting to end quotas and limit cost-comparison factors while strengthening acquisition processes.

Defense Systems

Cyber threats worsen every second

Stronger measures necessary to address more frequent and sophisticated cyber attacks, writes Kevin Coleman.

Defense Systems

House panel proposes more defense contracting reforms

The IMPROVE Acquisition Act would improve competition, financial management and workforce issues and save $135 billion over the next five years, backers say.

Defense Systems

Cyber Command hits speed bump

The Senate Armed Services Committee this month put the brakes on the creation of the U.S. Cyber Command, requesting more information on its relationship with the National Security Agency, reports Bill Gertz at Washington Times.