SubscribeCoding error to blame for DHS award to Chenega
November 26, 2007
An agency of the Homeland Security Department improperly awarded a 10-year, $475 million sole-source contract in 2003 to the Alaskan Native firm Chenega Technology Services Corp., according to a new report from the department’s inspector general.
The Customs and Border Protection contract with Chenega is for maintenance, repair and operation of metal detectors, X-ray screening devices and other inspection and screening equipment at border checkpoints, airports and seaports, IG Richard L. Skinner explained. As of February 2007, the department had spent $141 million on the contract. (Washington Technology)
Gov’t develops new Indian status card
November 23, 2007
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has developed a secure prototype of the certificate of Indian status card.The card will be made available this summer, but whether it can be used in place of a passport next year, when more stringent rules will be in place covering documentation needed to cross the United States border, is not known.
“I hope we are going to be able to utilize that card to be able to do what we do as First Nations people to enhance our spirituality by allowing us to practise our culture,” said Mike Pinay, a Regina elder. (The Star Phoenix)
High-tech gatekeeper guards state offices
November 23, 2007
Before members of the public can do business at some state government buildings, they will first be photographed, screened and scanned by a new computerized guard.The device, a touch-screen kiosk, scans a visitor’s driver’s license, takes a photo and prints a unique badge for the visitor to display — all in less than a minute. The LobbyGuard system can screen visitors against a database of people who are considered security risks. And the electronic records of the visit, including the photograph, are stored on a secure server.(News and Observer)
State homeland security offers winter preparedness tips
November 23, 2007
Whether it’s freezing rain or a full-blown blizzard, winter weather conditions always call for extra caution.
The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is asking citizens to prepare for the first winter storm.
“I encourage each family in New Mexico to make a preparedness plan and prepare a supply kit for both the home and winter travel,” department director Tim Manning said. “The items are common, logical and necessary to survive regardless of the type of emergency.” (Farmington Daily Times)
Domestic security advisor is latest Bush aide to resign
November 22, 2007
Frances Fragos Townsend, President Bush’s domestic security advisor, announced Monday that she was resigning — the latest in a series of senior officials to leave the administration as the president juggles a still-full agenda.
Townsend, who began working for the government as an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y., rose over two decades and the administrations of four presidents to become a fixture in the Oval Office and on Sunday talk shows — delivering confidential reports to the president and security warnings to the public as the domestic security threat evolved. (LA Times)
CDC: Cold-virus variant has killed 10
November 15, 2007
A mutated version of a common cold virus has caused 10 deaths in the last 18 months, U.S. health officials said Thursday. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections that aren’t considered lethal. But a new variant has caused at least 140 illnesses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas, according to a report issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CNN)
Investigators pass security at 19 airports with bomb parts
November 15, 2007
Investigators with bomb-making components in their luggage and on their person were able to pass through security checkpoints at 19 U.S. airports without detection, according to the Government Accountability Office. (CNN)
‘Virtual theft’ leads to arrest
November 14, 2007
A Dutch teenager has been arrested for allegedly stealing virtual furniture from “rooms” in Habbo Hotel, a 3D social networking website. The 17-year-old is accused of stealing 4,000 euros (£2,840) worth of virtual furniture, bought with real money. Five 15-year-olds have also been questioned by police, who were contacted by the website’s owners. The six teenagers are suspected of moving the stolen furniture into their own Habbo rooms. (BBC)
Firefighters Held Up At Border Trying To Reach Fire
November 14, 2007
Firefighters from Quebec said they were held up at the Rouses Point border crossing while trying to provide mutual aid to firefighters battling flames at the Anchorage Inn Sunday.Lacolle and St. Paul fire officials said several members of their squad didn’t have proper photo identification and were held up for close to 15 minutes while trying to reach the fire. Fire officials also said border agents inspected some of the fire trucks.Clinton County fire officials said they called Customs and Border Protection to let them know firefighters would be crossing from Canada, but the crews were still held up. (WPTZ)
New case of bird flu found in UK
November 14, 2007
An outbreak of bird flu has been detected on a poultry farm in eastern England, British officials said Monday. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said tests had revealed avian influenza in turkeys on the premises near Diss on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk.
The agency said all birds on the infected premises will be culled, including approximately 5,000 turkey, 500 geese and over 1,000 ducks.
Initial tests revealed the H5 strain of the virus, the statement said. However, the agency said full confirmation results which would show whether this outbreak involved the far more contagious H5N1 strain were still being awaited. (CNN)