A recent government audit is raising new questions about whether agencies should rely on contractors to check the backgrounds of people applying for federal jobs or credentials. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a gold pass into secure areas of the nation’s ports, railways and other transportation infrastructure. The TSA’s Adjudication Center screens people who apply for the cards. Jenny Grover, acting director for homeland security and justice issues at the Government Accountability Office, explains her concerns with the center.

The Defense Information Systems Agency plans to overhaul the technology it uses to move voice, video and data communications. As Federal News Radio’s Jared Serbu reports, the agency’s planning several upcoming contracts to move a concept called Unified Capabilities.

When it comes to electronic communication, many rural communities are stuck in slow motion. Through the Smart Rural Communities Initiative, federal agencies and state and local stakeholders are bringing broadband infrastructure to those areas. Doug O’Brian, acting undersecretary of rural development at the Agriculture Department, explains the initiative to Federal News Radio’s Lauren Larson.

Controversy is brewing over the Drug Enforcement Administration shares tips with other federal agencies and local law enforcement. An IRS manual has exposed how the DEA uses wire taps, NSA phone records and informants to help launch criminal investigations. Then the DEA instructs others to recreate how they got the evidence. Investigative Reporter John Shiffman has written about the DEA Special Operations Division.

A terror threat last week shut down American embassies and consulates across the Middle East and North Africa. But the State Department fought back online. A relatively new digital outreach team is gaining the attention of prominent jihadis.