Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Committee recommends procedures for secure DHS info-sharing

As part of its mandate to protect the homeland and the citizenry, the sprawling, multi-component DHS not only has a responsibility to collect personally identifiable information, and sometimes share it with one or more of its constituent parts, or even with outsiders, but it also has a responsibility to protect that information.

How, exactly, to do that is the subject of a recent white paper, DHS Information Sharing and Access Agreements, submitted to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and DHS Chief Privacy Officer Mary Ellen Callahan by its Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee. Among the paper's recommendations are:

CACI appoints former Virginia governor and former general to board

Arlington, VA-based CACI International Inc. has named James Gilmore III, former governor of Virginia, and General William Scott Wallace, (USA-ret.), former commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, to its board of directors.

CACI, a member of the Fortune 1000, characterizes itself as a provider of professional services and IT solutions for defense, intelligence, homeland security and federal civilian government clients. It employs approximately 12,400 employees in more than 120 offices in the U.S. and Europe.

NYPD knows how to make high-risk buildings more secure

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) wants denizens of the Big Apple to know how to identify the "very limited number of structures that present especially great terrorist risks and how to build or retrofit them in ways that mitigate those risks."

That is the purpose of Engineering Security: Protective Design for High Risk Buildings, a recently released report from the NYPD, aimed particularly at New York's builders. The report presents both recommendations and "risk-tiering systems" tailored to the New York skyline.

MATE enters partnership with Tubular Intelligent Solutions

MATE-Intelligent Video, a supplier of intelligent video surveillance systems and video analytics has announced a new partnership with Tubular Intelligent Solutions, a security, IT and network systems integrator in South Africa to market, sell and deploy MATE's intelligent video products for pro-active video surveillance, behavior recognition, people and vehicle counting.

"There is a real need for intelligent video technology in South Africa," said Dieter Venter, sales director at Tubular Intelligent Solutions, in a prepared statement. "We were impressed with MATE's product offerings and are confident that their solutions will help respond to the security challenges we face. Here the situation is different from the U.S. or Israel. In South Africa, we fight crime rather than terror."

Videofied system now offered through PSA Security Network

PSA Security Network, which calls itself the world’s largest electronic security cooperative, has announced the addition of Videofied, a product of RSI Video Technologies, to their roster of vendors.

Videofied’s wireless system runs entirely on battery power; each camera has an integrated cell modem to provide an IP connection over the GSM/GPRS network.

FLIR Systems launches ThermaTrak 'find' service

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced the introduction of ThermaTrak, an exclusive new high-tech service to locate missing or stolen infrared cameras and thermal imagers.

ThermaTrak from FLIR, developed with GadgetTrak, employs recovery software that pinpoints the geographic location of the lost, stolen or missing infrared camera. Additionally, the ThermaTrak software embedded in the camera tracks the IP address, hostname, and even the Internet service provider (ISP) being used after the IR camera has gone missing or been stolen and is connected to the Internet.

14 groups to run pilot programs with multi-band radios

DHS has named 14 "lead organizations" to participate in pilot programs testing the capabilities of multi-band radios that could be used for interoperable communications among different groups of first responders.

The organizations will each conduct a pilot program in the fall of 2009, for a minimum of 30 days, "designed to focus on the capabilities and effectiveness of the technology, with users primarily in a command-and-control role or involved in special operations with multiple entities," said a DHS press statement issued July 1.

Assistant AG Weich names new duo for the Office of Legislative Affairs

If you have any doubt that a presidential election in which a new governing political party is voted into office makes a difference, consider the latest appointments at the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs.

The Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to advance the DoJ’s legislative initiatives and other interests relating to Congress. OLA also articulates the DoJ’s position on legislation proposed by Congress, facilitates the appearance of DoJ witnesses at congressional hearings and manages the interagency clearance process led by Office of Management and Budget. It also participates in the Senate confirmation process for federal judges and DoJ nominees.

Exec games could help fight cyber-crime, Kyoto keynoter claims

Cyber-crime in the era of organized trans-national gangs and botnet armies is not a game, but defeating it might require playing one.

In fact, senior corporate executives, who sometimes are less than conversant with the Internet architecture on which their business might depend, and who therefore might find it hard to understand complex IT threats, should play special computer games to help them visualize the severity of the problem.

SNC awarded contract for counter-IED jammers

Sparks, NV-based Sierra Nevada Corp. has been awarded a $36,479,655 contract for production of Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.1 dismounted systems, to be employed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Army’s Big Red One gets AtHoc’s IWSAlerts

The deployment of AtHoc's IWSAlerts network-centric mass notification system at the U.S. Army's Fort Riley, in Kansas, is being expanded "enterprise wide," the San Mateo, CA-based company reports.

The new deployment includes two additional units – the 1st Infantry Division, aka The Big Red One, which is headquartered at the Fort Riley post, and Irwin Army hospital – as well as the Fort Riley elementary schools, located on the installation.

AtHoc reseller deal with CompuNet

CompuNet will resell the AtHoc IWSAlert network-centric mass notification solution to its commercial, education and public sector customers, under a recently announced reseller agreement.

Grangeville, ID-based CompuNet, a network engineering design company with a security specialization, is a Cisco Advanced Unified Communications partner and a Microsoft Gold Certified partner.

DHS to solicit online input to its Quadrennial Report

The folks developing the Quadrennial Homeland Security Report at DHS are planning three separate week-long "online collaboration events" in July, August and September during which time the public will be invited to rate proposed "strategic objectives," vote on proposed "mission objectives" and provide comments to various policy questions.

An Internet-based platform will be established to solicit opinions and comments from homeland security stakeholders, according to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 30.

FEMA's process for disaster contracts 'needs improvement,' audit finds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "needs improvement" when it comes to "tracking, managing, and monitoring” of disaster contracts, according to a recent performance audit, undertaken for DHS's Office of Inspector General (OIG) by the independent public accounting firm of Foxx & Company.

Foxx, based in Cincinnati, OH, set out to examine what it called a "selected sample" of 32 fiscal year 2007 disaster contracts, let mostly in the Gulf Coast states, and reported to the OIG that "several contracts requested could not be found in a timely manner; some could not be found at all."

Microsoft on board industry / government cyber-security effort

Microsoft, the biggest player in the software marketplace, has thrown its considerable weight behind a joint industry-government effort to combat cyber-security threats.

The Redmond, WA-based software giant has become the newest member of the Transglobal Secure Collaboration Program (TSCP), which describes itself as the body that "defines the standards and specifications for secure information sharing across organizational and geographic boundaries." Specifically, Microsoft's U.S. federal business unit will be collaborating with TSCP.

Virtualization key to federal IT success, report finds

Virtualization, broadly characterized as the "abstraction of computer resources," is one key to "improved IT efficiency and reduced capital and operating costs," according to the 2009 Federal Virtualization Report, released recently by Herndon, VA-based CDW Government (CDW-G) Inc., a subsidiary of CDW Corp. that describes itself as a provider of IT solutions to governments and educators.

Stanley names Lance Holloway to technology strategy position

Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, Inc. has named Lance Holloway as director of technology strategy. Holloway will assume the responsibility of establishing the strategic path and program implementation of Stanley CSS services and solutions technology. In addition, Holloway will lead efforts and implementation of Stanley CSS’s eManagement tools.

CyberLock electronic access control for remote sites

CyberLock, manufactured by Videx, is a powerful access control solution for remote sites that have no access to power. The CyberLock system is unique in that it uses the mechanical lock hardware and padlocks that are already present at a site. Simply replace each lock's mechanical core with a CyberLock electronic cylinder to gain key control and auditing capability. All this is done without hardwiring.

CyberLock gives management the ability to track contractors and employees in situations where multiple companies may be sharing control rooms, equipment sheds or other protected areas. With CyberLock, owners know when vendors visit their sites because the CyberLock electronic lock cylinders and keys accurately record openings and exceptions, such as unauthorized attempts to gain access. It's this detailed audit reporting that makes the CyberLock system so powerful, says the company.

Smarter Security Systems sets design standard with new optical turnstile

Smarter Security Systems, a provider of intelligent entrance control and outdoor security solutions, has announced the availability of its new Fastlane ClearStyle 400 optical turnstile. The new product updates the design of the original architect-inspired ClearStyle to reflect more contemporary building designs.

“ClearStyle has long been considered the most elegant optical turnstile on the market. The new ClearStyle 400 strengthens this position as its patented design is now even more sleek,” said Jeff Brown, president of Smarter Security Systems. “Buildings choose ClearStyle because of its unique, minimalist design and fast throughput. The new 400 model can also further increase throughput as it accommodates our FastScan TVS integrated barcode/proximity reader, for which we’re seeing eager market acceptance.”

Homeland advisory council hears counternarcotics strategy

In its first meeting with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and numerous officials in the Obama administration, the Homeland Security Advisory Council traveled to Albuquerque, NM, on June 5 to welcome its new vice chairman, Gary Hart, the former senator from Colorado, and to learn about the administration's new National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy.

Minutes of the June 5 session, which was held at the University of New Mexico, were made public on June 29.

Coast Guard to institutionalize training for suspensions and revocations

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to establish a National Center of Expertise to train Coast Guard personnel on the correct processes and administrative hearing procedures to determine when and whether some 200,000 merchant mariners should have their credentials suspended or revoked.

The Coast Guard's intention to establish such a Center of Expertise was published in the Marine Performance Plan for Fiscal Years 2009-2014, which was released last November.

Northcentral University to underwrite government participation in awards program

Northcentral University, an innovator in 100 percent online higher education, has agreed to serve as a Gold Sponsor of GSN’s 2009 Homeland Security Awards. Under the terms of the sponsorship, Northcentral will underwrite the costs of all entry fees for all entrants in the “Government Agencies and Officials” category in the GSN awards program.

This category, one of three in GSN’s 2009 program, includes awards for the Most Effective Aviation Security Program, Most Effective Border Security Program, Most Effective Federal Agency Security Program, Most Effective State Government Security Program and Most Effective Municipal Security Program. It also includes awards for the Most Effective Information-Sharing Program and the Most Significant Intelligence Coup of the Year.

Napolitano outlines a busy week of travels

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano met with a group of reporters on June 25 to out-line her hectic travel schedule for the current week, which will take her to four European countries as well as Kuwait.

In Ireland, she plans to discuss aviation preclearance operations that would help to “push the border out” when it comes to loading cargo onto aircraft.

Smiths Detection's HI-SCAN 100100T-2is is added to TSA's candidate air cargo screening technologies

Pine Brook, NJ-based Smiths Detection reports that its HI-SCAN 100100T-2is X-ray system has been placed on the Transportation Security Administration’s list of candidate air cargo screening technologies.

It is one of seven systems on the list that also includes explosives trace detectors and other X-ray systems.

Risk Control Strategies expands TSCM services

New York, NY-based Risk Control Strategies (RCS) is now offering Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) services from its New York office.

According to the company, RCS TSCM practice leaders have combined more than 200 years of technical investigative experience and have conducted over 4,000 TSCM services for government, corporate and private clients.

Criminal Record Lookup launches site to consolidates U.S. public record searches

Sydney, Australia-based Criminal Record Lookup has launched a new Web site where members can search a large range of U.S. public records, including death records, marital records, most wanted and criminal mug shots.

OPINION / Transmission X-ray: Clear advantages for homeland and force protection

National security issues are top priorities for governments around the world today. Terrorism threats, weapons of mass destruction, and explosives and narcotics smuggling are ubiquitous and ever-evolving. Coupled with today’s flow of commerce, cargo and vehicle screening needs to happen around the clock. Such intensity requires advanced technology that readily moves goods through borders and check points, both on land and at sea.

At the center of mitigating these threats are two X-ray inspection technologies: Backscatter and Transmission X-ray. While both can help address security threats, I believe, as someone who provides both technologies to the U.S. Government and appreciates the benefits of both, that transmission X-ray is clearly the better choice for screening cars, trucks and cargo containers for narcotics, weapons, contraband and other potential threats.

Clear registered traveler program answers some questions

[Editor's Note: Here is the complete text of an e-mail message transmitted on June 26, 2009 by Verified Identity Pass, Inc. to members of its Clear registered traveler program, which ceased operations on June 22.]

++++++++++++++++++++

In response to questions raised by our members, Clear would like to offer the following information:

Clear Lanes Are No Longer Available.

At 11:00 p.m. PST on June 22, 2009, Clear ceased operations. Clear's parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc., was unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations. Verified Identity Pass regrets that Clear will not be able to continue operations.

SAIC announces CEO succession

San Diego, CA-based SAIC Inc., the Fortune 500 science and technology behemoth with more than 45,000 employees worldwide and more than $10.1 billion in annual revenues, has outlined its CEO succession plan, with current CEO Ken Dahlberg stepping down in September under the company's mandatory retirement plan for executive officers.

He will be replaced by Walter Havenstein, former president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc., the U.S. operation of the venerable UK firm that is one of the world's biggest defense contractors. Havenstein will become a member of SAIC's board of directors.

DARPA seeks innovative ways to achieve ‘7-Day Biodefense’

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a broad agency announcement, called 7-Day Biodefense, which seeks innovative ways to protect U.S. military personnel and civilians from any biological agent through the development of novel countermeasures.

DARPA is looking for revolutionary new ways to prevent infection, sustain survival, provide what it calls “transient immunity,” or speed the acquisition of adaptive immunity.

Five companies to support DHS Nat’l Protection Programs Directorate

The National Protection Programs Directorate (NPPD) at the Department of Ho-meland Security has awarded five contracts, which could total as much as $135 million, to five different companies to provide “program support services” to its office of infrastructure protection.

The companies are RCM, of David-sonville, MD; L3 Services, of Reston, VA; Booz Allen Hamilton, of McLean, VA; ICF, of Fairfax, VA; and Mantech, of Chantilly, VA.

Bio-terrorism detection equipment market to reach $1.02 billion by 2012, according to GIA report

Not surprisingly, the potential for a bio-terrorism attack is the biggest single factor driving the growth of the global bio-terrorism detection equipment market, ac-cording to a new report from San Jose, CA-based Global Industry Analysts (GIA), which val-ues the 2012 bio-terror detection market at $1.02 billion.

While the U.S. represents the single largest market for bio-terror detection equipment, followed by Europe, the Middle East, though a relatively small market now, is expected to show the fastest growth for the period between 2008 and 2015, according to GIA.

ARINC mobile surveillance towers boost security at Indianapolis International Airport

ARINC Incorporated has delivered a unique security monitoring solution based on mobile video surveillance towers to enhance perimeter security at Indianapolis International Airport.

The new system uses five independent, mobile towers that require no electric power cabling and no hardwired video or communications connections. Each tower generates its own electrical power and transmits surveillance video wirelessly to the airport security and communications command center. The airport uses the ARINC system to enhance perimeter security around the airport complex, including the terminal and airfield.

GAO detects continuing issues with new radiation detection monitors

Will the advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) radiation detection monitors that DHS's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has been testing overcome the limitations of current technology?

Namely, will the new ASP monitors be able to reduce both the number of missed threats and the rate of false positives, compared to the existing equipment that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has deployed at U.S. ports of entry?

ComNet introduces second generation video and data fiber optic product line

Communication Networks of Danbury, CT, doing business as ComNet, a manufacturer of fiber optic transmission and networking equipment, has introduced its second generation of digital fiber optic video and data transmitters and receivers.

The FVT1031UTC and FVR1031UTC Series are digital fiber optic video transmitters and receivers that support up-the-coax protocols for use over multimode or single mode optical fiber. The difference between these all-new ComNet models is that these are 10-bit all-digital single fiber design that offers outstanding video performance and provide RS-250C Short-Haul Quality video. Most current competitive models are two fiber designs that offer analog or lower quality 8-bit digital encoding.

Dallmeier introduces its Cam_inPIX sensor technology

The Cam_inPIX sensor technology developed by Dallmeier provides high-quality image material with infrared lighting, without known problems such as “outshined faces.”

The dynamic range of Cam_inPIX cameras is significantly higher than in conventional cameras, says Dallmeier, which is particularly advantageous for images with strong backlighting or infrared light.

Conventional cameras mostly have difficulties clearly representing images that have a high range in contrast. That is particularly true in representing details in the brightest and darkest areas of an image. Shooting with strong infrared light is always a special challenge for cameras, because the scenario is often very unevenly illuminated.

VideogeniX receives patent for iPulse technology

VideogeniX has announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted a patent for the company’s iPulse technology, a watchdog device for IP networks.

The patent recognizes the unique ability of the iPulse to provide more dependable functionality and consistent connectivity for network devices including cameras, cell modems, routers and wireless radios, without human intervention.

OPINION / Federal Air Marshal Service vs. Pilots with guns

In an article in the GSN: Government Security News e-newsletter on June 23, 2009, Rep. John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) advanced an argument that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Federal Air Marshal (FAM) program was a failure.

Unfortunately, he used faulty logic and rationale to make his argument, but I agree with Rep. Duncan’s assessment that the FAM service is largely useless, particularly the way the FAMs are being used now. However, I was distressed and appalled at Rep. Duncan's comments because of his obvious lack of understanding about the utility of the Federal Air Marshals, i.e. they are not there to make arrests.

Rafael Borras, veteran manager, to take under secretary post at DHS

Rafael Borras, who has held financial management, IT and procurement positions in both the public and private sectors, has been named the new under secretary for management at DHS, where he will replace Elaine Duke, who served under President Bush and carried over into the Obama administration.

Borras has served since 2000 as vice president of construction services for the URS Corp.'s Mid-Atlantic region and claims services. Earlier, he managed 1,500 employees as a regional administrator for the General Services Administration's Mid-Atlantic region, where he led real estate services, supply and procurement, and IT services to federal agencies, from 1997 to 2000, according to a press statement issued by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 25.

INSA taps former assistant to the president for homeland security as new chairman

The Arlington, VA-based Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) has named Frances Fragos Townsend as its new board chairman.

Townsend has more than 24 years of experience as a prosecutor and in intelligence policy and operations.

O.R. Tambo International Airport utilizes DVTel for security expansion

The O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, is undergoing a major security project upgrade, adding to an existing state-of the-art DVTel video surveillance system already installed in the domestic and international terminals.

Airport officials confirmed that the new Central Terminal Building (CTB) at O.R. Tambo International will have 650 IP surveillance cameras in the building linking international arrival and departures. The DVTel intelligent Security Operations Center (iSOC) is the management platform for viewing, storing, and utilizing all camera data from the many hundreds of cameras deployed throughout the airport.

(ISC)2 adds ICE and federal officials to its government advisory board for cyber-security

The Palm Harbor, FL-based International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)², the not-for-profit organization that educates and certifies information security professionals, has appointed two new members to its U.S. Government advisory board for cyber-security.

They are Gil Vega, chief information security officer, for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Patrick Kelly, IT analyst in the Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems division, Federal Reserve board of governors.

Gold Lock offers military-grade encryption to foil voice and data interception

Rehovot, Israel-based Gold Line Group Ltd. has unveiled its Gold Lock Enterprise, which it characterizes as a “triple layer end-to-end encryption suite that turns Nokia cell phones, computers, and Windows mobile devices into encrypted digital fortresses.”

The suite, licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, uses “military-grade encryption software,” Gold Lock says.

OPINION / Seven dirty words you have to use in network security

Companies put tremendous faith in network security defenses, spending millions annually on anti-threat countermeasures. Given the investment, our networks must be getting more secure, right? Wrong.

Each day brings new reports of spectacular network failures. Already this year we’ve had major breaches at Heartland, Kaiser and the FAA. Network security is filled with dirty little secrets to which companies turn a blind eye because organizations refuse to accept failure as an option.

DHS intel and analysis office looking for 'conversion' of 100-plus private contractors to federal positions

More than 100 current contractor positions will be converted to federal positions under the proposed FY 2010 budget for DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), according to congressional testimony this week.

The mission of I&A is provide "situational awareness," aka timely "intelligence in a usable form," that can "stop a terrorist plot in its tracks and save lives."

CASE STUDY / Video analytics in Birmingham, AL

Customer
City of Birmingham, AL

Company
VideoIQ, Inc.

The Problem
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, boasting a downtown population of nearly 230,000. Like any city, Birmingham has its share of crime and vandalism. To help combat this, the city had intelligent video surveillance cameras from VideoIQ installed to efficiently and cost-effectively increase safety and security for residents and visitors.

Emergency operations centers top the list of GOP earmarks

Emergency operations centers across the country became the “earmark du jour” on June 23, with no fewer than seven House Republicans announcing that they had received earmarked funds in the 2010 homeland security appropriations bill for the construction or enhancement of EOCs in their congressional districts.

The seven requests totaled about $3.8 million, for an average of more than $540,000 per EOC project.

Napolitano shuts down NAO satellite imaging unit

Faced with opposition from national law enforcement organizations and congressional legislation trying to cut off funding and kill the National Applications Office (NAO), DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano has pulled the plug on the NAO, which was responsible for coordinating the use of satellite imagery by homeland security and law enforcement authorities.

As reported by GSN on June 8, Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee’s intelligence and terrorism risk assessment subcommittee, had introduced two bills aimed at choking off funding for the NAO and killing it altogether.

Universal Detection Technology's analysis of anthrax threat from Al Qaeda

Universal Detection Technology, the Los Angeles-based developer of early-warning monitoring technologies, is spotlighting what it says is an Al Qaeda biological weapon threat from the Mexican border.

According to the company, U.S. counter-terrorism officials have authenticated a video by an Al Qaeda recruiter threatening to smuggle a biological weapon into the U.S., via tunnels under the Mexican border.

Crisis Simulations International patents simulation technology

Portland, OR-based Crisis Simulations International, LLC reports that it has been awarded a patent for DXMATM, the company’s proprietary system of interactive simulation.

DXMATM is used for education and training simulations in law enforcement and community response for local governments, as well as for other industries and agencies.

Defentect launches CBRNE sensor management platform

Norwalk, CT-based Defentect has launched DM3, which it calls the "homeland security industry's first fully integrated management, monitoring and messaging software platform."

The DM3 platform coordinates control and management of multiple CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) sensors, coordinating the collection of data and facilitating response to an event.

OPINION / Federal Air Marshal Service: ‘The most needless, useless agency in the entire Federal Government’

[Remarks delivered on the House floor on June 19, 2009.]

Probably the most needless, useless agency in the entire Federal Government is the Air Marshal Service.

In the Homeland Security Appropriations bill we will take up next week, we will appropriate $860 million for this needless, useless agency. This money is a total waste: $860 million for people to sit on airplanes and simply fly back and forth, back and forth. What a cushy, easy job.

Verified Identity Pass, Inc. shuts down its Clear registered traveler program

Because Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been “unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor,” the New York City-based company originally founded by legal journalist and entrepreneur Steven Brill, has shut down its Clear registered traveler programs at U.S. airports.

The company has posted a notice on its Web site stating, “At 11:00 p.m. PST on June 22, 2009, Clear will cease operations.”

As of June 4, Verified Identity Pass said it had signed up more than 260,000 travelers nationwide (it charges an annual fee of $199), had processed more than 2.5 million fliers through Clear lanes, and was operating at 21 U.S. airports. It began operations in July 2005.

IndigoVision installs video surveillance system for Iran’s government

IndigoVision, a Scotland-based manufacturer of video surveillance equipment, might be justifiably proud of its recent installation at the new headquarters of the Ministry of Road and Transportation in Tehran, Iran, but the timing of its June 17 press release announcing that contract might have been a bit more propitious.

National elections were held in Iran on June 12 and a political uproar over the controversial results broke out almost immediately. By June 15, hundreds of thousands of protesters were marching in Tehran. By June 16, journalists were being restricted from reporting from the streets of Iran’s capital city. And by June 17 -- the day IndigoVision issued its press release, headlined, “New Iranian Min-istry HQ Protected by IndigoVision Surveillance Solution” -- human rights organizations were claiming that many prominent opposition activists and politicians had been arrested by the government.

Port of Houston Authority enrolls TWIC cardholders with Datastrip and Codebench card reader solution

The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) has successfully implemented the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by harnessing a handheld card reader technology solution from Datastrip and Codebench Inc.

Using Datastrip’s DSV2+TURBO with Codebench’s PIVCheck Plus software, PHA has enrolled close to 7,000 TWIC cardholders in the Houston area to date.

Secura Key adds to its e*Tag smart card line

Secura Key has announced a new addition to its successful line of e*Tag contactless smart card readers. The ET4-AUS-D is a desktop reader/writer unit with a standard USB cable, which works with any Windows PC. It functions as a human interface device, using the built-in drivers in Windows.

This new USB reader allows customers who have selected Secura Key e*Tag for their access control system to take advantage of the additional memory on e*Tag contactless smart cards for applications such as cafeteria purchases, library cards, health club memberships, cashless vending, public transportation, airline ticketing, customer loyalty programs, fuel dispensing, network log-on security, automotive vehicle identification and time and attendance.

Marines looking for ground-penetrating radar

The U.S. Marines are looking for an ultra-wide band ground penetrating radar system to be used for locating victims under rubble and debris.

The radar will be shipped to Japan.

Panasonic’s P-Tech takes the show on the road

Secaucus, NJ-based Panasonic System Solutions Company is kicking off its annual P-Tech Road Show exhibit and training event this summer, with the show heading to approximately 25 locations across the U.S. over the next few months.

Its purpose, of course, is to showcase Panasonic’s newest technology solutions.

Honeywell wins U.S. $30 million Olympic contract

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has selected Honeywell to provide a perimeter intrusion detection system for 18 of the major venues that will be used during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Under the U.S. $30.5 million contract, Honeywell will be responsible for the installation, support and eventual removal of the system, which will help secure approximately 27 kilometers of event perimeter, says a Honeywell press statement.

Gallagher Security Management Systems appoints new training manager for Americas

People - Jeff Roach has joined Gallagher Security Management Systems, the security division of Gallagher Group Ltd., a privately owned, New Zealand company, as the company’s new training manager for Americas.

Dealing with drug smuggling: Turf issues between DEA and ICE, says GAO

Since 9/11, there has been a "growing recognition" of the "nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism," the Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes in a recent report on the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) mission and its efforts to forge inter-agency partnerships and coordination.

Currently, while an update of a DEA strategic plan that hasn't been changed since 2003 is under review at the Department of Justice (DoJ), "long standing disputes" between DEA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have "led to conflicts and the potential for duplicative investigative efforts," GAO finds.