~ Civilian Board of Contract Appeals ~

Wireless Internet Access

   The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals  now provides wireless access to the Internet to individuals appearing in proceedings before the Board. Those interested in using the Board's system to access the Internet must sign a Request for Access to CBCA Internet Connection agreement. The agreement must be completed and returned to the Presiding Judge or Board Neutral by no later then noon, two working days before the proceeding. A request for access made on the day of the proceeding cannot be honored. Wireless Internet access is available at counsel tables in each courtroom, and in the lobby and the conference rooms. Users of the Board's wireless Internet access system must read the Disclaimer and the Frequently Asked Questions, and sign the Request for Access to CBCA Internet Connection agreement before access to the system is granted.

Restrictions

Users are not permitted to:

  • use computers in the courtrooms, except at counsel tables;
  • tamper with the system configuration, disrupt its operation, or interfere with the use of the system by others;
  • use the system in violation of any federal or local laws; or
  • use the system without signing and returning the Request for Access to CBCA Internet Connection agreement.

 

Request for Access to CBCA Internet Connection

　

Upon the request of an individual appearing in a proceeding before the Board, the CBCA will make available wireless or network cable access to the Internet (the service). Before access is given, the individual requesting the use of the service must supply the user information specified below and acknowledge and agree to the following conditions:

a) The user agrees to follow the instructions of the CBCA information technology (IT) staff on how to connect to and use the service.

b) The user agrees to maintain the confidentiality of his or her CBCA ID and change it if required by the CBCA IT staff.

c) The user is responsible ensuring that his or her computer is configured in a manner that is compatible with the service. The service is designed for a single user account on a single user computer, and does not include a public IP address. Before the CBCA gives access to the service, the user’s computer must be configured as follows:

1. active virus software with up-to-date definitions;

2. active firewall software with up-to-date definitions

3. active spyware software with up-to-date definitions; and

4. wireless or wired connection.

d) Although the CBCA IT staff will provide advice and assistance to users, any necessary reconfiguration of the user’s current operating system and/or installation of hardware and software is the responsibility of the user. The user must provide all equipment and cables required for connection to the service. The CBCA cannot supply equipment to the user.

e) The user agrees that multiple connections to the service, i.e., splitting the Internet connection for use on multiple computers in more than one location, are prohibited without the express consent of the CBCA IT staff. The user may not distribute, transmit, or otherwise share any part of the service.

f) The user is responsible for his or her network security. The service is not 100% secure and may be subject to interception or loss of data. It is the responsibility of the user to encrypt any sensitive data or software that requires protection.

g) A user who is given access to a CBCA printer is responsible for having the appropriate licenses and copyright authorizations when accessing and using information that is copyrighted.

h) The user may not use the service in an inappropriate or unlawful manner, e.g., the sending of "spam" is forbidden. The user may not introduce anything harmful through the service or interfere with anyone else’s computer system.

i) The user’s access to the service will end at the conclusion of the Board proceedings.

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitations of Liability

CBCA WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS SYSTEM

   Users should be aware that there are security, privacy, and confidentiality risks inherent in wireless communications and associated technology, and the CBCA does not make any assurances or warranties relating to such risks. No information considered confidential should be transmitted via this system. By using the system, users agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information they disseminate. Moreover, by using the Board's wireless Internet access system, users agree that the CBCA  is not liable for any costs or damages, special, incidental or consequential, arising from the use of this service. The CBCA  is not responsibe for any materials, information, products, or services on the Internet and does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of any communication made over the Board's wireless Internet access system. 

   The CBCA does not warrant that wireless access to the Internet over the Board's system will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Internet access at designated areas is provided only as a courtesy and may not be available at any requested time. The Board reserves the right to deny or restrict access to any user who abuses the network, such as through excessive bandwidth consumption or by using the network for any type of activity or purpose deemed by the Board to be unlawful, harassing, abusive, criminal, or fraudulent. The CBCA also reserves the right to monitor, intercept, and disclose any transmissions over or using our facilities, and to provide user information, use records, and other related information under certain circumstances (for example, in response to lawful process, orders, subpoenas, or warrants, or to protect the interests of the Board) to appropriate authorities. It is CBCA policy to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

   By signing the Request for Access to CBCA Internet Connection agreement and using the free wireless Internet access service provided by the CBCA, you are agreeing to the disclaimer and limitations set forth above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is wireless Internet access available?

Wireless Internet access is available in each courtroom, at the counsel tables, and in the conference rooms and the lobby. Internet access is available in a wireless medium that is functional with the following standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Wireless access is provided on an "as is" basis. Access to the system in the courtrooms is limited to counsel or other party representative.

Q: When is wireless Internet access available?

Wireless access is provided on an "as available" basis. The CBCA does not warrant that this service will be uninterrupted. This service normally will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. on the days when the proceeding is taking place. Additional hours may be arranged with the CBCA's IT staff.

Q: What if I have problems connecting to this service?

Report the problem to the Clerk's office. While we would like to help, for liability and cost reasons, CBCA personnel are strictly prohibited from handling or troubleshooting users' personal computers. If CBCA IT staff are contacted, they will only verify the current operational state of the wireless Internet access system. As the CBCA is not providing security, support, or related services, all questions regarding these topics, and whether and how a user should use the service, should be directed to an IT professional familiar with the user's hardware, software, and/or use policies.

Q: Why is wireless Internet access being made available?

The CBCA has provided Internet access for the convenience of counsel and other party representatives appearing before the Board. Its use is at your own risk.

Q: What can I do with wireless Internet access?

There are restrictions and limits on the use of the wireless network. Feel free to browse the Web and communicate with your colleagues. However, internet activity such as downloading music, watching TV, or any other activity that consumes a large amount of bandwidth or has the potential of being disruptive is prohibited. Please remember to consider the security implications of using the wireless network and protect your computer appropriately. The CBCA provides you with no security protection while using the Internet on this system.

Q: Who runs the wireless network?

The wireless network is owned and operated by the CBCA .

Q: What computer hardware is required?

You will need a computer with a wireless network card that supports the 802.11a or 802.11b standard or is 802.11g compatible.

Q: What settings are needed to use this system?

You may need to set your network card using the Client Wireless Adapter setting.

Q: What operating systems can use it?

Any computer with a wireless network card that supports 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g can be configured to use the wireless network. This includes all versions of Microsoft Windows. However, it is up to the user to make any necessary configuration changes to his/her personal computer.  

Q: Is the wireless network secure?

No. Due to the unrestricted nature of this service, the wireless network should not be considered secure. Individuals using the wireless network should take the necessary precautions to ensure that their laptops are protected from network snoops and hackers.


IT related questions: Arthur.Hawkins@gsa.gov

Other questions and comments: Margaret.Pfunder@gsa.gov

 

Last Updated:  07/23/09
Last Reviewed: 07/23/09