Information technology

Army Lawyer, Jan-Feb, 2003

Smart Cards (1)

Agencies are moving forward to procure smart cards for federal workers. The Department of Defense (DOD) Naval Inventory Control Point awarded four contracts to develop a common access card (CAC) software device to communicate with a microchip in the smart card. (2) An authentication certificate in the microchip verifies the identity of a computer network operator or provides digital signatures. (3) The CACs are another step to increase paperless contracting and electronic business. (4) The Defense Travel System in the Air Force also uses the CACs. Digital identification in the CACs is designed to certify travel orders and vouchers. (5) The General Services Administration (GSA) has also awarded a contract to develop a smart card for Department of Treasury employees. (6) The Electronic Treasury Enterprise Card (E-TREC) smart card "will provide access to buildings and computers as well as biometric identification and public key infrastructure." (7) Federal agencies are issuing smart cards to federal employees, but the idea to issue a smart card to all Americans is still a topic of debate. (8)

Moving Slowly Along

Last year's Year in Review reported on the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) information technology outsourcing project. (9) The goal is to connect desktops and provide secure access to voice, data, and video communications for technology, maintenance, and help desk support. Only 21,000 employees are connected, although the current plan provides for connecting 100,000 employees. The $6.9 billion dollar project is moving "from the individual computer mentality to computing as an enterprise activity." (10) Enhanced computer security is built into the intranet project due to the interconnectivity of the system. The Navy plans to connect all 350,000 desktops and 200 networks to the NMCI by September 2003. (11)

IT Phone Home

The General Accounting Office (GAO) addressed numerous IT issues this year. The GAO addressed protection of critical IT infrastructure in two reports this past year. In October 2001, the GAO identified information-sharing practices to defend against cyber attacks. (12) In March 2002, the GAO recommended IT improvements for two agencies. It recommended that the Defense Logistics Agency strengthen its IT investment decisions? and that the Defense Information Systems Agency improve IT investment planning and management controls. (14) In July 2002, the GAO recommended a comprehensive approach to enhance the nation's cyber infrastructures. (15) Finally, in September 2002, the GAO issued one of a series of reports reviewing the DOD's use of best practices in acquiring information technology health care systems. (16) In July 2002, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo addressing IT concerns. The memo directed consolidating the Department of Homeland Security IT spending. (17) In addition, the OMB temporarily ceased IT infrastructure system developments and planned modernization efforts exceeding $500,000. (18) This delay will allow for the review and development of an integrated and universal IT system that best supports homeland security. (19)

IT Overlap?

The GSA hired an independent management and technology consulting firm, Accenture, to assess overlap between Federal Supply Service and Federal Technology Service IT contracts. (20) The report revealed that the GSA "has the right mix of products and services to serve federal customers," but also addressed inefficiencies in its performance. (21) Accenture recommended that the GSA "re-align the functional areas that focus on market research, marketing, customer planning and management, sales, service delivery, and contract development and maintenance." (22) The Accenture study affirmed that the recommendations should assist the GSA to improve its customer service. (23)

Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility

Last year's Year in Review reported on the requirement for federal departments and agencies to ensure that the electronic and information technology the government develops, procures, or maintains is accessible to federal employees and members of the public with disabilities. (24) On 27 June 2002, the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council solicited comments regarding the need for guidance to promote more consistent and effective implementation of section 508. (25) Specifically, the councils requested that the respondents discuss the advantages and disadvantages of additional guidance, the form of the guidance, (26) and the focus of the types of IT purchases. (27) Major Davis.

(1.) A recent article explained the concept of smart cards as follows:

   Smart cards are equipped with an electronic chip, magnetic strip and
   a barcode. They are used as an identification card and can grant
   physical access to defense facilities and electronically access
   computer networks. Smart cards can hold information about service
   members' inoculations, medical and dental records, finance allotments
   and other data.