Government Procurement articles from June 2003

Government Procurement archives from June 2003

Securing e-procurement. (Frisch Findings).
June 1, 2003... A bid is due to close tomorrow and your e-mail server goes down. Sound familiar? You are not the only one experiencing network downtime, and downtime can be the direct result of a security problem. In today's procurement world, security...

E-procurement signs on to multimedia contracts. (E-procurement).
June 1, 2003... Systems and applications based on new technical advancements have tantalized and often fulfilled their promises of enabling entities to gain greater efficiency over current processes. In fact, many of us wonder how we got anything done before...

Taking the pain out of purchasing: university officials grade e-procurment. (E-procurement).
June 1, 2003... E-procurement has come full circle in a few short years. There was, of course, the well-publicized failure of several e-procurement firms during the dot-com bust that left both users and suppliers more than a little cautious. But the shakeout...

E-lessons learned: advancing e-government initiatives. (E-procurement).
June 1, 2003... The federal government's mandate to move to a more robust electronic environment for business processes is designed to provide better service to taxpayers, improve efficiency, and save millions of dollars. An estimated $45 million earmarked for...

Seattle wins with strategic partnerships. (Partnerships).
June 1, 2003... The City of Seattle's progressive procurement practices allow purchasing officials to implement contract strategies that save money and meet the community's goals of environmental stewardship and social equity. In mid-1999, Seattle, WA,...

City's P-Card Program fights fraud: by combining purchasing cards with online technology, Ft. Lauderdale, FL., cuts costs and improves response time to citizens in need. (Purchasing Cards).
June 1, 2003... Over the course of the last decade, credit card use by federal, state, and local government employees has skyrocketed. In 2001 alone, more than 3.1 million charge cards circulated among government agencies--enough to provide three of every four...

E-Commerce Directory.
June 1, 2003... Browse through a wide array of Web sites targeting public-sector purchasing professionals. Whether you are interested in an end-to-end procurement solution or simply looking for searchable supplier databases and online marketplaces, find...

Annual forum synthesizes expertise of public purchasers; the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) will set the tone for procurement professionalism in "The Music City" this August. (NIGP Forum Preview).
June 1, 2003... Educational opportunities for purchasing professionals will soon resound throughout the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, located in Nashville, TN. From August 16 to 20, 2003, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing...

Procurement education takes professional LEAP forward. (NIGP Forum Preview).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Members of the procurement community may look forward to a new educational framework developed by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). Called LEAP (Learning and Education to Advance Procurement), the program offers learning...

NIGP 2003 Forum schedule of events. (NIGP Forum Preview).(Brief Article)(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... Thursday, August 14 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.--CPPO Review Session Friday, August 15 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.--CPPO and CPPB Review Sessions 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.--Pre-Forum Seminar Saturday, August 16 8:00 a.m.--NIGP...

Crusher captures VOCs, propellants, and vapors. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Super 6PJ-VC Can, Pail, and Aerosol Crusher features a Vapor Collection System. Enclosed blower pulls VOCs, propellants, and vapors from crushing compartment, crushed can collection drum, and liquid collection drum, and sends along to 5-in....

Low-floor chassis improves recycling program safety. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Low Floor Front Drive (LFFD) conversions feature Axleless rear independent air-ride suspension and dedicated front-wheel-drive components. Drive technology positions vehicle's floor as low as 14 ins. Benefits include more cargo space, safer...

Earth-friendly bench won't splinter or require paint. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Siena Bench features powder-coated, cast aluminum framework and recycled plastic lumber slats. Commercial-grade bench boasts maintenance-free service. Includes ergonomic arm rests and form-fitting back for comfort and stability....

Landscape ties contain non-metallic by-products of cars. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Landscape ties will not twist, splinter, rot, or decay. Withstand harsh elements, severe temperatures, submersion in fresh or saltwater, and freeze/thaw cycles. Insect damage, termites, rodents, road salt, and periodic contamination with oil,...

Toilet conserves water with soap. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Nepon 3-oz. Foam Toilet Fixture flushes with 3 oz. of water and foaming action of Neponol soap. Foam blanket prevents splashing and keeps bowls clean. Requires 1 bottle of biodegradable, alcohol-based Neponol for 1 month of average use....

Colorfast mulch contains 100% recycled truck tires. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Rubberific Mulch will not rot, dissolve into the ground, or wash away from rain. When spread 6 ins. deep, mulch absorbs shock of impact from falls of 10 ft. or more. Retains color and shock absorbency for 10 yrs. or more. Meets Consumer...

Quick-attach shredder processes and planes trees. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Bull Hog cuts brush, trees, stumps, and more down to ground level. Shreds material to any texture, coarse or fine. Grinds shredded material into soil surface. Provides 300- to 500-hr. tool life. Models available with 55 to 550 hp. Handles...

Shock-absorbing surfacing adds safety to playgrounds. (Product Spotlight).
June 1, 2003... Bounce Back resilient rubber tiles enhance safety at playgrounds, skate parks, diving board areas, and exercise facilities. Contain 100% recycled rubber. Water-permeable, maintenance-free tiles meet Consumer Product Safety Commission and ADA...

Service reshapes the future of distribution. (Vendor View).
June 1, 2003... For distributors to be successful in the 21st century, they must have a unique competitive advantage. But technology, in and of itself, is not the answer. Distributors who best manage their inventory, offer value-added services, increase...

Paper industry sets new recycling goal. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The American Forest and Paper Association, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeks to recycle 55 percent of all paper consumed in the United States by 2012. Office buildings, schools, and municipalities, in...

U.S. Department of Labor boosts e-government security. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has turned to identity and information software from Entrust, Inc., to reduce paperwork and promote secure, digital alternatives to sensitive documents. The software meets General Accounting Office (GAO)...

Directory will connect 22 agencies within Department of Homeland Security. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... An e-mail/meta directory, created by Syntegra's federal business unit and PEC Solutions, Inc., will electronically connect the 22 agencies in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The solution will translate legacy e-mail addresses...

Missouri launches Internet-based bioterrorism response tool. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... A statewide Internet link between hospitals, emergency responders, and public health specialists is equipping Missouri officials to enhance communications and respond quickly to emergencies. Missouri officials announced implementation of...

Department of Justice wins E-Government Industry Award. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has won the E-Gov 2003 Explorer Award for its electronic solution to processing grants. The OPJ is among 50 government agencies--out of more than 250 applicants--being...

Most governments outsource critical activities, report finds. (News).
June 1, 2003... Nearly 90 percent of government executives outsource activities that are "important or absolutely critical" to their mission of citizen service delivery, finds a recent study by Accenture. Only two percent of those surveyed said that...

Surveyors seek participants to study e-procurement practices. (e-Procurement Study).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Institute for eCommerce at Carnegie Mellon University is conducting a study on e-procurement initiatives in government. The project's authors aim to improve the understanding of barriers and facilitators that affect government...

Crane Conference promises uplifting seminars. (Resources).(Crane and Hoist Conference and Exhibition to be held in Chicago)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Crane and Hoist Conference and Exhibition (CHC 2003) will be held at the Radisson O'Hare Hotel in Chicago October 15 to 17. The conference will feature more than 30 educational sessions divided into four tracks: mobile cranes, overhead...

New Web site centralizes maintenance products. (Resources).(Diversified Brands launches new web site)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Diversified Brands, a Division of Sherwin-Williams Co., has created a centralized Web site featuring its full line of heavy-duty maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) supplies. Visit www.diversifiedbrands.com to find lubricants,...

Winter Weather Workshop. (Resources).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The 12th Winter Weather Workshop, held by Surface Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Quixote Transportation Safety, Inc., will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis, MO, September 15 to 18. Participants may choose from three subject...

Directory divulges contact information of thousands of government agencies. (Resources).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The 3,200-page, two-volume Government Phone Book USA 2003, published by Omnigraphics, compiles contact information about key government offices--from municipal to federal levels. The directory lists direct telephone numbers and mailing...

Arotech Corp. announces that its "use-of-force" training subsidiary, IES Interactive Training, Inc., has equipped several of the Veteran's Administration (VA) Police training centers with Range 3000 XP4 digital training simulators. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Arotech Corp. announces that its "use-of-force" training subsidiary, IES Interactive Training, Inc., has equipped several of the Veteran's Administration (VA) Police training centers with Range 3000 XP4 digital training simulators. Current VA...

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board voted its intent to award a $138.9 million contract to North American Bus Industries (NABI) for 200 60-ft., low-floor articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board voted its intent to award a $138.9 million contract to North American Bus Industries (NABI) for 200 60-ft., low-floor articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas...

Eden Systems, Inc., announces that it has been selected by the City of Wilsonville. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Eden Systems, Inc., announces that it has been selected by the City of Wilsonville, OR, to provide integrated software solutions in the areas of Finance and Community Development. "Eden Systems provided the only true integrated solution for...

The State of Mississippi has awarded Sprint a three-year relay service contract. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The State of Mississippi has awarded Sprint a three-year relay service contract. The agreement will provide a wide range of assistive communications technologies. Sprint's experience in the field also provides the assurance that all services...

Harris Computer Systems has entered into a contract with Frankfort City Light & Power, located in Frankfort, IN, for Harris' PUBS and Select applications. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Harris Computer Systems has entered into a contract with Frankfort City Light & Power, located in Frankfort, IN, for Harris' PUBS and Select applications. Under the terms of the contract, Harris will provide a complete suite of products,...

Axis Communications has been awarded a contract worth about $230,000 with the New York State Unified Court System (UCS). (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Axis Communications has been awarded a contract worth about $230,000 with the New York State Unified Court System (UCS). The deal includes network video products for approximately 30 courthouses in the New York City area. The advanced security...

The State of New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department has selected Accela, Inc. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The State of New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department has selected Accela, Inc., to implement a solution that automates business processes and manages data for building and construction permits statewide with an emphasis on online...

Under a blanket purchase agreement (BPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has ordered two Mobile-Search X-ray inspection systems, valued at $4.5 million, from American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E). (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Under a blanket purchase agreement (BPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has ordered two Mobile-Search X-ray inspection systems, valued at $4.5 million, from American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E). The systems, to be deployed at...

Ricci Communications was selected by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide media relations in support of creating an awareness and education campaign to launch the National Do Not Call Registry. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Ricci Communications was selected by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide media relations in support of creating an awareness and education campaign to launch the National Do Not Call Registry. The Registry will allow consumers to...

Response Biomedical Corp. announces that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased 16 of the company's RAMP Systems for the purpose of training first responders throughout the United States. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Response Biomedical Corp. announces that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased 16 of the company's RAMP Systems for the purpose of training first responders throughout the United States. RAMP Systems were purchased by the...

OPTIMUS Corp., a provider of public safety technology, has been awarded a contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) valued at approximately $2.9 million. (Contracts).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... OPTIMUS Corp., a provider of public safety technology, has been awarded a contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) valued at approximately $2.9 million. The contract covers services for DISA's Secure Video Teleconferencing...

Government procurement: America's "blind spot". (Common Sense).
June 1, 2003... Anyone who drives a car is familiar with that small area hidden from a driver's field of vision. It's called the "blind spot." We forget about it because we don't see it. Then we pull out to pass or make a turn, only to find that there is...