The average small-business owner may view the world of federal government contracts as an intimidating, mind-boggling realm dominated by huge corporations— with the promise of great financial success just out of reach. However, breaking into the federal government marketplace is a feat that can be accomplished by small private companies—and one that has been achieved by countless organizations, especially in recent years.
- By Megan Weadock
- Jan 07, 2008
In the United States, people encounter a perpetual tradeoff between freedom and security. The nation depends on a complex system of critical infrastructures to maintain a high quality of life and the freedoms enjoyed every day. New threats to security have these organizations taking a second look at their vulnerabilities, however, scrambling to minimize disruption and to maintain the integrity of their operations. In the past, national security was perceived as the role of government. Today, Department of Homeland Security efforts to protect critical infrastructures from physical attack are a shared responsibility of the public and private sectors, as well as individual citizens.
Correctional facility infrastructures are aging, inmate populations in the United States are increasing, and the cost of operating jails and prisons is growing twice as fast. Correctional facility officials know these facts all too well.
- By Felix Gonzalez
- Jan 03, 2008
TSA recently announced the appointment of Kimberly Hubbard Walton as the assistant administrator for the Office of the Special Counselor (OSC).
The Department of Homeland Security’s publication of chemical facilities anti-terrorism (CFAT) standards has many chemical and petrochemical companies scrambling to develop security plans for their high-risk facilities. The continued post-9/11 threat of terrorism dictates urgency, and the DHS put teeth in the CFAT rules.
- By Carol Enman
- Dec 04, 2007
Gemalto's vice president urged DHS and congress to make privacy and data security the highest priorities in ID programs.
SI International announced recently that it is a member of the KT Consulting team that has been awarded the IT Services, Program Support Services contract with DoD and WHS.
A recent report from INPUT projects the federal market for identity and access management to grow by 6.2 percent annually through 2012.
IT seems a shame to have to start yet another article on security with the words “in the aftermath of 9/11.” However, when it comes to protecting national monuments and treasures, the fact is security has had to change significantly in the past six years as a result of heightened terrorism concerns.
- By Bill Lozon
- Sep 21, 2007
GOVERNMENT security has been the subject of unprecedented focus since 9/11. Before the attacks, advanced physical security was considered a necessary expenditure only for military facilities and key government installations in high-target areas around the world. Before 9/11, people were comfortable with security and confident terrorism would never touch the country directly on home soil.
- By John Waldron
- Apr 04, 2007
NAVIGATING the world of federal government contracts can be a head-spinning operation for even the most committed and headstrong business.
But for many, working with the federal government, especially with the constantly growing Department of Homeland Security, is too big a proposition to pass up. With 183,000 employees and a budget of more than $42.7 billion in fiscal year 2007, DHS is the third-largest cabinet department in the federal government and a target for many companies to garner new business.
- By Brent Dirks
- Feb 05, 2007
U.S. airports with one or more checkpoint areas, security officials have probably never thought of themselves as ID managers.
- By Yotam Margalit
- Jan 24, 2007
SECURING the flow of oil from offshore platforms, land-based drilling rigs and pumping stations across miles of pipeline and infrastructure is a top priority for the government and the petroleum industry.
- By Brooks McChesney
- Jan 24, 2007
PROVIDING adequate airport security has become an ongoing debate of national importance after being plunged into a post-9/11 world. Who can forget the eerie sight of an empty sky during the immediate days following the infamous attack in the nation's history.
- By Jeff Brummet
- Jan 23, 2007
THE Transportation Security Administration is doing a good job protecting air travelers. Likewise, airport security managers are working hard to keep the public safe and to speed us through the facilities. Until recently, getting through airport security was technologically simple -- bags were run through an X-ray scanner while walking through a conventional metal detector.
- By Col. Timothy D. Ringgold
- Jan 03, 2007
SEPTEMBER 2006 marked the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, sparking widespread debate on whether the United States is any safer today than it was on that fateful day in 2001. Since 9/11, much has been done to promote greater vigilance of both foreign and homegrown terrorist activities. But until another successful or unsuccessful terrorist attack, the nation may never know the complete answer.
- By Mike Hammons
- Jan 02, 2007
NOWADAYS, it takes much more to have a safe flight, and airports are strengthening security to ensure passengers do travel safely.
- By Courtney Dillon Pederson
- Jan 01, 2007
SECURITY, a once seemingly mundane staple of American life, has seen a drastic reconstruction in recent years. In part, protecting utility infrastructures has sped to the forefront of the debate. Water, and its infrastructure for delivery, has been no exception.
- By Brent Dirks
- Jan 01, 2007
THE fluctuating state of global migration, combined with international terrorism threats, make ID verification increasingly important at border crossings. According to Customs and Border Protection, in 2005, the United States had an average of 1.2 million visitors per day at the 314 land, air and seaports last year.
- By Alain Jutant
- Dec 01, 2006
AFTER returning from a business trip earlier this week, I undertook the all too familiar task of sorting through mail, newspapers and magazines that had accumulated during my absence.
- By Col. Timothy D. Ringgold
- Dec 01, 2006