Federal News Round Up: GSA to Close 24 Data Centers; TSA’s New Scanners; NOAA’s New Web Design and Making Data Open

The GSA is closing 24 data centers this fiscal year, while the TSA is developing new body imagers that will speed up the cumbersome security process at airports. In addition, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director is urging all agencies to make their data open and accessible to the public. Be sure to read about these stories and much more in this week’s Federal News Round Up.

GSA to Close 24 Data Centers
The General Services Administration plans to close 24 data centers in fiscal 2014, as part of the government’s Federal Data Center Consolidation initiative.

TSA to Develop Machines to Scan Through Your Coat, Shoes and Belt
Under a new Department of Homeland Security plan for next-generation body imagers, air plane passengers could keep their shoes on as they go through security checks at a speed of 250 people per hour without waiting for screeners to probe a video screen.

Geospatial Director: Make Your Data Accessible
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director, Letitia Long, has a message for federal agencies: if you want to realize the full value of your data, make it accessible to the public, other agencies, and outside organizations.

Air Force Headquarters Transitions to Enterprise Email
The Air Force HQ offices, mostly based in the national capital region, have completed a migration to the Defense Department’s enterprise email system.

The VA to Buy Storage Same Way it Buys Electricity
The Veterans Affairs Department is looking to acquire storage systems for its five data centers on a metered basis, the same way households and businesses buy electricity.

Memex: The Next Generation of Deep-Web Search?
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) wants to develop a domain-specific search engine for government projects or missions — expanding the reach of search capabilities, sorting, organizing, and storing results.

NOAA Implements Responsive Website Design
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the latest in a growing number of agencies working to make their websites more mobile-friendly.