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IN THIS ISSUE
In the News
     Biometric Technology Working For Military Network
     NACD Urges Caution On Chemical Security Legislation
     DHS Releases Test On Portable Explosives Trace Detector
     DHS Looks Ahead To Transition With New Administration
Procurement Watch
 
Events
 
New Announcements from GOVERNMENT SECURITY magazine
 
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In the News
Biometric Technology Working For Military Network
Since the Department of Defense distributed more than 11 million Common Access Cards (CAC) as its primary form of identification and enhanced protection to the military network, the number of network intrusions attempts by the enemy has nearly halved.

Although the CAC has proved to be a valuable tool, there are still security gap concerns if cards are lost or stolen and corresponding Personal Identification Numbers are cracked. To fill that void, the Air Force is using biometrics as a way to provide positive identification and authentication.

Several bases are using biometric hand scanners for physical access to the base or secure areas such as Scott Air Force Base. Base officials have been able to save more than $400,000 in manpower costs through their Metrolink biometric access gate.

Click here for the rest of the article
NACD Urges Caution On Chemical Security Legislation
The Transportation and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee has approved by voice vote a committee print of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act, to extend and modify the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to regulate security practices at chemical facilities. Following this session, National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President Christopher L. Jahn issued the following statement:

"NACD is concerned that Congress is prematurely considering changes to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). [January 2008] was the deadline under CFATS for any facility that possesses a chemical of interest that meets or exceeds a screening threshold quantity to submit the 'Top Screen' consequence assessment questionnaire to determine whether that facility is high risk and must take the next steps of completing a Security Vulnerability Assessment and developing a Site Security Plan.

Click here for the rest of the article
DHS Releases Test On Portable Explosives Trace Detector
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T Directorate) released a test report on a new portable explosives trace detector, the XD-2i. Their evaluation was conducted at the DHS S&T Transportation Security Lab (TSL) and the final test report (DHS/STD/TSL-08/02) is available to recognized government and military agencies.

The Transportation Security Laboratory is a Department of Homeland Security Federal Laboratory located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, and is a part of the Science and Technology Directorate of DHS. Their core mission is to enhance Homeland security by performing research, development and validation of solutions to detect and mitigate the threat of improvised explosive devices.

Click here for the rest of the article
DHS Looks Ahead To Transition With New Administration
The handoff to the next presidential administration is a year off, but Paul Schneider, the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is making plans and keeping track of key lieutenants with a color-coded chart.

The chart shows critical jobs at 25 agencies and offices in the department. Schneider's goal is to make sure that either the No. 1 or No. 2 in each post is a career civil service employee. The Washington Post reports that when Bush administration political appointees go out the door next January, the career employees will provide for continuity of operations on the borders, at airports and in the headquarters.

It will be the first transition for Homeland Security, created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Click here for the rest of the article
Procurement Watch

  • Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., a supplier of electronic security systems, has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Aircraft Environment Surveillance System (AESS).

  • XTec Inc., Miami, a provider of secure, interoperable authentication and verification systems, has been awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the Department of Homeland Security for its HSPD-12 program that complies with the mandate that requires all federal workers and contractors to use a standard biometric identification card for access to government buildings and resources.

  • ICF International, Fairfax, Va., a company that partners with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions, won a task order worth $5.6 million from the Department of Homeland Security's emergency preparedness and business continuity office.

  • GE Security Inc., Bradenton, Fla., has announced the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revised its previous order for 80 CTX 9000 DSi units to include GE Security's newest explosives detection system (EDS), the CTX 9400.


Events


Feb. 25-27
IATA OPS Forum 2008
Auditorium Madrid Hotel; Madrid, Spain
Organizer: The International Air Transport Association
Information: Call (514) 874-0202
www.iata.org/events/ops08/index.htm

Feb. 25-28
Winter 2008 Biometrics Summit
Theme: Implementing Identity Technologies In Government And Business
Miami, FL
Organizer: Advanced Learning Institute
Information: Call (773) 695-9400 or e-mail info@aliconferences.com
www.aliconferences.com

Feb. 26-29
SICUR International Security, Safety and Fire Exhibition
Feria de Madrid; Spain
Organizer: IFEMA
Information: USA: Call (305) 371-7767 or e-mail jsanchez@madridoffice.com
International: Call (34) 91 722 30 00 or e-mail sicur@ifema.es
www.sicur.ifema.es

Feb. 27-28
Homeland Security Conference 2008
Ronald Reagan International Trade Center; Washington, D.C.
Sponsor: AFCEA International
Information: Gina McGovern at (703) 631-6236 or gmcgovern@afcea.org
www.afcea.org/events/homeland

Feb. 27-29
ACC/AAAE Airport Planning, Design and Construction Symposium
Marriott Denver Tech Center; Denver, CO
Organizer: American Association of Airport Executives and Airport Consultants Council
Information: E-mail TJ Schulz at tjs@acconline.org
www.aaae.org
New Announcements from GOVERNMENT SECURITY magazine

Now available at govtsecurity.com:

December issue
A Canopy of Connectivity

PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: A Shared Responsibility

October/November issue
10 To Go

Secret Service Agents Go Online To Fight Electronic Crime
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