U.S. communications network in trouble(DOJ, Homeland Security, Treasury at high risk of failure)

[maddezmom]

Source: Associated Press

U.S. communications network in trouble By BEVERLEY LUMPKIN
20 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - A new wireless network meant to connect the departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury is at high risk of failure, a government report finds.

The report by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine concluded not only that the project known as the Integrated Wireless Network is doomed to fail, but that the partnership between Justice and Homeland Security is "fractured."

The three departments agreed in 2004 to create the $5 billion network as a secure nationwide communications network for use by 81,000 federal agents in all the states and territories.

"Despite over 6 years of development and more than $195 million in funding, the IWN project does not appear to be on the path to providing the seamless ... system that was envisioned," said Fine.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070326/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/justice_communications

[aquart]

1. No bid contract to a good Republican?

[Donnachaidh]

2. And can we find out which incompetent flunkies were given jobs here?

enquiring minds. :evilgrin:

[Iwasthere]

3. Unbelievable!

I work in the IT dept of a school district with about 50,000 users. Doesn't take even a small fractions of 5 BILLION to run this district efficiently. Maybe they should recruit some high school students to run it for them.

[Faux pas]

4. Wonder if they can get the 195 million refunded? n/t

[SpiralHawk]

5. "Don't worry. I'm in charge." - Commander AWOL

"I know how to solve every kind of problem,
just so long as there is some payola in it
for me and my republicon cronies." - Commander AWOL

[tanyev]

6. Are we safer yet?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

7. One thing I found...

Was that the final bidding was down to General Dynamics and Lockheed. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that Lockheed got it. They get everything.

[BadgerKid]

8. Why is wireless replacing back pockets? :sarcasm: n/t

[bobthedrummer]

9. maddezmom-I believe researchers and investigators of this fiasco

should take a long penetrating look at some of the clients of the spooky "investment relations" company dba Hawk Associates, Inc.

Specifically: Mobile Pro Corp., which announced a strategic alliance with Global Defense Corp. in January 2004 to develop a wireless network for clients like those mentioned in your OP.

Here is a starting point-the Jan. 2004 Mobile Pro Corp. press release
http://www.hawkassociates.com/moblpr031.aspx

Up thread a possible connection to Lockheed Martin was mentioned. Well, another Hawk Associates, Inc. client, Wide Point, does have James Ritter listed as a Director-and Mr. Ritter was with Lockheed Martin for over 3 decades capping his career there as corporate chief information officer
http://www.hawkassociates.com/wyymanagement.aspx

Finally, here is a link to a DU collaborative investigation of IAP thread post about Hawk Associates, Inc. and some of their clients
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x360539#402023

Perhaps some will find this useful.

[struggle4progress]

10. Audit: Emergency communications project imperiled (GovExec)

March 26, 2007
Audit: Emergency communications project imperiled
By Daniel Pulliam
[e-mail]

... Uncertain and disparate funding mechanisms, the fractured partnership and a poor governing structure are all causes for the project's high-risk status, the 89-page report stated. The audit found that Justice has been spending more money to maintain its existing communications system instead of developing new wireless solutions as part of the network project.

Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury agreed in 2004 to work together to develop the network, which could cost as much as $5 billion through 2021. It was expected to consist of a combination of land mobile radios, cell phones and walkie-talkie devices that would provide a secure nationwide wireless communications system.

The project would permit 81,000 federal law enforcement officers to communicate across agencies and with state and local partners. A majority of Justice's communications systems are considered obsolete because they are not supported by the manufacturer and spare parts are difficult to find, the IG noted ...

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0307/032607p1.htm

story includes summary table of 81K users by dept and link to pdf report

[bobthedrummer]

11. Thanks struggle4progress.

:thumbsup:

[hunter]

12. Attaching all them tubes is hard work.

And paying all those guys to blow, that ain't easy, ain't easy at all...

:eyes:

[bobthedrummer]

13. Some of the sub-contracted sub-contractors may have been given

GSA contracts-kick.