DHS News 
Top News
- OMB reworking financial systems to focus on outcomes, not inputs
- OMB taps VanRoekel to lead management team
- Lew taps government retiree pension fund to avoid default
- PHOTOS: Meet the 2013 Service to America Medal Finalists
- Hagel: Accountability breakdown was leading factor in sexual assaults
- Former IRS commissioner faces questions
- SBA starting new lending program for veterans
- More Obama aides knew of IRS audit; Obama not told
- Next-gen Apple devices cleared to join Defense IT networks
- In fight over intelligence IT system, Army prioritizes access to data
- DoD upends slow approval process for mobile devices
- Bonuses to senior execs under fire at GSA, other agencies
- VA's Gould moves the needle on many of VA's toughest challenges
- Tuesday federal headlines - May 21, 2013
CBP employees develop mobile doc scanner
Since March 2010, the device has helped to catch 450 drug traffickers, weapons smugglers and potential terror suspects. The developers of the technology are finalists for the 2012 Service to America Medal.
Automakers not doing enough to protect cars against cyber attacks, experts say
They say hackers who want to steal cars or just eavesdrop on conversations may have an easy time of it.
Treasury tackles IT reviews in a new way
Not all agencies are using TechStat for IT projects that are in trouble. In an exclusive report, Federal News Radio finds agencies are seeing unexpected benefits in applying the evaluation tool to programs that are on track. Treasury used TechStat to figure out how best to consolidate three procurement systems.
ICE chief of staff takes leave pending IG review
Suzanne Barr, the chief of staff for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has placed herself on leave pending a review by the DHS Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The review focuses on accusations made in a lawsuit filed by a fellow ICE employee.
TSA gets positive reviews from most Americans, poll finds
A Gallup poll finds that 54 percent of Americans think the Transportation Security Administration is doing a good or excellent job.
Inside the Border Patrol
George McCubbin, head of AFGE's National Border
Patrol Council, shares what it's like on the job
of a border patrol agent.
August 8, 2012(Encore presentation August 22, 2012)
NIST issuing ID cards for testing
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is making it easier for agencies to test the use of logical access control for applications.
TSA labor deal includes revamped performance reviews, due process
The historic labor agreement covering 45,000 transportation security officers (TSOs) overhauls the current pay-for-performance system, puts in place a grievance process for workplace disputes and increases the uniform allowance.
Former national security adviser calls for streamlined DHS oversight
Homeland security has improved, but the reforms mean DHS reports to 108 oversight committees and subcommittees, leading to wasted hours at hearing after hearing.
DHS IG partners with CBP, ICE to investigate workforce corruption
The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general partnered with both Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to investigate an increasing number of cases. Leaders of all three reported to a House subcommittee hearing that the collaboration has benefited the investigation process.
DHS chief privacy officer steps down
Mary Ellen Callahan plans to move back to the private sector to practice law after three years of service to the federal government. Callahan made rigorous privacy safeguards the norm during her time at DHS.
DHS offering housing support
DHS prevents homelessness wherever possible and provides short-term emergency shelter and re-housing support when needed.
FEMA turns to data to fix employee morale problem
Last year, FEMA ranked 231 out of 241 agencies in the Best Places to Work rankings, compiled by the Partnership for Public Service. This year the agency took a deep-dive look at the Employee Viewpoint Survey data to help explain why workers are so unhappy.
DHS-funded video gives tips to survive a shooter
After last week's shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., the city of Houston has produced a how-to video on surviving a shooter event.
EXCLUSIVE: DHS directorate withdraws controversial vendor checklist
The National Protection and Programs Directorate said it would not put a contractor communication guidance in place that would have required agency leaders to answer 15 questions before meeting with companies. Industry experts said the draft guidance would have had a chilling effect on agency-contractor communication.
GAO, FPS disagree over ability to assess federal building risk
The Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool does not provide information about the consequences of security incidents at federal facilities, a GAO auditor said. As a result, agencies cannot effectively deploy countermeasures. Still, Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) said he was happy with FPS' progress in developing MIST.
Coose: Cyber evolution, gains at DHS will continue despite loss of top leadership
Matt Coose left government after more than 20 years. In his final position as director of the Federal Network Service at DHS, he said the agency's cyber capabilities matured. And agency focus on securing federal networks has never been better.
Better reporting needed to curb cyber attacks
Victims need to speak up and report cyber attacks. That's the message from the Bipartisan Policy Center and top security officials, who say only a fraction of attacks are reported each year.
Senators try compromise to get cyber bill passed
The revised Cybersecurity Act of 2012 removes DHS from having sole oversight authority of critical infrastructure and shares the responsibility across an interagency council. The bill also would make the implementation of cyber standards by critical infrastructure operators voluntary. The legislation encourages an incentive-based program.
Navy sharpens acquisition pencil to find savings
The service is taking a four-pronged approach to improve its procurement process and find savings. A review board looks at all acquisitions to make sure its strategy and contract formation are beneficial. Other agencies, like NASA and DHS, are consolidating more contracts into larger buys.
