The Veterans Affairs Department announced Wednesday it has implemented a standard identifier to enable a single, lifetime electronic health record to be used from enlistment to death. Based on the 2004 Homeland Security Presidential Directive that established common identification standards for all federal employees and contractors, the 10-digit identifier will be used in VA information systems [...]
The Obama administration has appointed Frank Islam to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business. Islam founded QSS Group, acquired by Perot Systems for $250 million in an all-cash transaction. The company had revenues of approximately $260 million. “I am just elated, honored and humbled to serve on this committee because it [...]
President Barack Obama signed into law yesterday the Manufacturing Enhancement Act, legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s manufacturing economy. The bill will create jobs and spur competition among companies by reducing or eliminating import tariffs, boosting output, supporting American jobs and lowering prices for American consumers. “For too long, we’ve been buying too much from [...]
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates yesterday presided over Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis’ assumption of command from Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Allen, who had been acting commander since Army Gen. David H. Petraeus left the command to lead NATO operations in Afghanistan. “General Mattis is one of the most formidable warrior-scholars of his [...]
During an ongoing two-day cybersecurity education workshop at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Defense Department unveiled its national awareness campaign that will be launched during National Cybersecurity Awareness month in October. The “Stop. Think. Connect.” campaign hopes to make more Americans aware of threats in cyberspace through various multimedia platforms. “We really [...]
The Federal Communications Commission released a notice earlier this week requesting public comment on the creation of an anticipated FCC plan that looks to address cybersecurity. The plan, the Cybersecurity Roadmap, seeks to identify vulnerabilities to core Internet protocols and develop solutions in response to cyber threats and attacks. The Cybersecurity Roadmap was recommended as [...]
Following the House’s approval, President Barack Obama yesterday signed into law a legislation that will provide $26 billion to struggling states by closing tax loopholes that encourage businesses to offshore jobs and cutting food aid to the poor. The House voted 247 to 161 for the bill that will provide $16.1 billion in additional Medicaid [...]
A plane crash yesterday in southwestern Alaska claimed the lives of five passengers, one of which was former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Among the four others who survived was Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America CEO and former NASA chief and Navy secretary. The plane was en route to a private fishing lodge when it went [...]
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today it will be returning $1.6 billion in its 2010 Census operations costs. The savings represent 22 percent of 2010 Census costs this fiscal year. “This is a significant accomplishment, and I would like to thank the American public for responding to the census and the more than 255,000 private [...]
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced today a series of efficiencies initiatives that included several cost-cutting methods in which the department could free up money in its budgets for force structure and modernization. One of the major suggestions included in Gates’ proposals was his recommendation to eliminate the U.S. Joint Forces Command. In response, JFCOM [...]