Government Procurement articles from June 2005

Government Procurement archives from June 2005

Apples and oranges deliver inconclusive audit results.(FRISCH FINDINGS)(South East Region Department of Transportation/Public Facilities, Alaska Supply Chain Integrators)
June 1, 2005... The second quarter FY05 benchmark and contract compliance audit results of Alaska's pilot project to outsource procurement services, supply chain management, and electronic purchasing tools are about as conclusive as the first quarter's--not...

Printed on recycled paper.(READERS)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Government Procurement received a number of e-mails in response to our decision to print the magazine on recycled-content paper. To read Frisch Findings, April 2005, "Printed on Recycled Paper," visit: www.govinfo.bz/4591-251. ...

Alaska opens door to procurement outsourcing: promise of savings and e-commerce leaves state procurement code out in the cold, for now.(OUTSOURCING)(Cover Story)
June 1, 2005... In an effort to seek out cost savings and efficiencies in government, an Alaska state representative sponsored a bill that promised savings in the overhead costs of government and reallocation of funds. Citing the cost of procurement and...

High-tech terminal takes airport comfort, security to new heights: Pennsylvania's Harrisburg International may be small, but this airport boasts passenger conveniences and safety measures that are first class.(AIRPORT TAKES OFF)
June 1, 2005... By 2001, Pennsylvania's Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) grew too small to accommodate its skyrocketing passenger load. The airport, operated by the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA), was just preparing to make $40...

10 ways every state can optimize procurement: procurement is an inherent government function vital to maximizing state and taxpayer resources and improving government services through effective, accountable procurement processes and decisions.(PROCUREMENT)
June 1, 2005... Here are 10 ways every state can optimize procurement: 1. Manage procurement from an enterprise (statewide) perspective. * Create common goals and vision. * Break down departmental and agency silos. * Encourage information...

Computing the true cost of computers--government purchasers buy "Greener" computers.(the GREEN PURCHASER)
June 1, 2005... It is hard to imagine how a purchasing office or any other office could function today without computers. Purchasing professionals and office workers depend on computers to communicate, conduct research, process transactions, and store...

Paperless procurement drives state DOT efficiency.(PAPERLESS PROCUREMENT)(South Carolina Department of Transportation)
June 1, 2005... As a centralized source for pricing, bids, and more, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Procurement Division handles millions of documents a year. It became a paper nightmare for us to keep track of all the data...

Procurement professionals celebrate the magic: the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) travels to Anaheim, CA, for educational endeavors, anniversary festivities, and Disney delights.(NIGP FORUM PREVIEW)(Calendar)
June 1, 2005... The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing's (NIGP) 60th Annual Forum and Products Exposition, to be held Saturday, July 30 through Wednesday, August 3, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, is the only educational conference...

Reporting on Canadian procurement: it's hard to say who, what, why and how much.(CANADIAN PROCUREMENT)
June 1, 2005... Over the course of the last decade, Canada emerged as a global model of electronic government, both at the provincial and the federal levels. Electronic tendering systems like MERX, legislation such as the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and...

In-state supplier shaves $1.5 million off mail costs in New Mexico: Save Smart program seeks local suppliers for state-wide savings.(CASE STUDY)(General Mailing and Shipping Systems )
June 1, 2005... When Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico began searching to save the state money, his staff was directed to identify areas to meet the challenge. One result was the Save Smart New Mexico (SSNM) initiative, a program that recognizes that best...

Tetherless weapons simulator triggers training.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(Tetherless Bluefire Glock 17, Fats Inc.)
June 1, 2005... Tetherless Bluefire Glock 17 weapon simulators allow realistic freedom of movement and magazine reloading. Number of rounds in simulator replicates number of rounds in real weapon. Simulator must be reloaded with a new magazine each time a...

Heavy-duty building panels shed light on blast protection.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Translucent wall panels provide light and efficient, thermal heat while protecting buildings against potential blasts. Shatterproof design minimizes flying debris. Panels meet GSA guidelines for "Hazard: None" classification. Skylights,...

Body armor battles ballistices, bulge.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Heavy-duty Legacy concealable body armor features adjustable neoprene shoulder straps for maximum comfort. Removable straps attach directly to ballistic panels, preventing shifting during wear and in extreme conditions. Eliminates rolling and...

Worker safety vest holds water.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(GB5 155 Hi-Vis hydration pack)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Model GB5 155 Hi-Vis hydration pack joins WorkSmart line of gear bags to protect safety and health of construction crews and others who work outside in hot weather. Made of nylon, in bright lime color for daytime visibility (also comes in...

Sturdy doors let light in, keep fire out.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Aesthetic wood doors feature tempered, 1/4-in. PyroEdge-20 clear glass, which is up to 10 times stronger than wired glass and offers a 20-min. fire rating. Customize with etching. Ideal for classrooms, auditoriums, and conference rooms. ...

Cleanup kit contains chemical-fighting gear.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)
June 1, 2005... Modular Pac CRFR kit includes sorbent pads and Sorb-Sox spill control equipment, as well as chemical- and fire-resistant personal protective suit, gloves, and goggles. Vacuum-packed kit takes up minimal space. Available in universal,...

Identify substances in seconds.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)
June 1, 2005... Rugged, waterproof First Defender offers in-the-field identification of unknown solids and liquids. Identifies toxic chemicals, explosives, and narcotics. Handheld unit weighs less than 3 lbs. with battery. Offers library with thousands of...

Firefighter footwear features four-layer foundation.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)
June 1, 2005... Lightweight FireTech Gage boot, with Quad Comfort 4-layer foundation, boasts easy on and off side zipper and pull loop. Water-resistant leather boot features Gore-Tex liner and steel toe. Slip-resistant, shock-absorbing outsole reduces foot...

Flashlight acts as weapon.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(NightCutter M60, Lightship Enterprises LLC.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Compact NightCutter M60 Combat Light features 5-w., bright white LED, which produces 65 lumens--enough to temporarily blind or distract a potential attacker. Silent switch can be pressed for signaling. Flashlight measures 4 1/2 ins. long and...

Portable unit detects gas and vapors.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: safety solutions-protecting government workers)(GasID)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Compact, portable GasID uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to identify gas and vapors. Compares samples to onboard database libraries, which include toxic chemicals, chemical warfare agents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs),...

GSA releases preliminary draft of restructuring plan.(NEWS)(General Services Administration)
June 1, 2005... At the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the massive purchasing arm of the federal government, task forces met the May 31, 2005, deadline for drafting a detailed reorganization plan. The comprehensive plan will combine operations of...

International procurement conference offers insights into buying trends.(NEWS)(International Government Services Conference)
June 1, 2005... During the Seventh Annual International Government Services Conference, sponsored by Visa International in Singapore this past May, a survey was conducted to pinpoint procurement trends. The survey was designed to provide first-hand...

Governments encourage competition for procuring information technology.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... To curb preferential practices that favor specific companies and reduce market competition, a growing list of nations is calling for neutral specifications and the elimination of brand names in contracts involving information technology (IT)....

Database upgrade verifies small-business status for federal contracting.(NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Recent improvements will give the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) oversight over the small-business designation process, as well as help federal agencies more accurately monitor contract awards issued to small businesses. Thanks...

Public programs win technology awards.(NEWS)(Intergovernmental Solutions Awards, American Council for Technology)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... To applaud government projects for harnessing technology to enhance citizen service, the American Council for Technology (ACT) recently announced winners of its 2005 Intergovernmental Solutions Awards. At the federal level, award recipients...

U.S. Navy fleets welcome instant access to data.(NEWS)(Distance Support portal)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Thanks to a recent technology upgrade, all U.S. Navy personnel have access to mission-critical data at all times, anywhere in the world. By using the agency's Distance Support portal, which serves as a central source for information sharing...

Emergency call center will promote public safety throughout Afghanistan.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Plans are progressing to create Afghanistan's first emergency telephone system, which will provide capabilities similar to 9-1-1 programs in the United States. The system will operate through the country's existing cellular phone network. ...

New software tracks mail-in ballots while protecting voter privacy.(NEWS)(Mail-in Ballot Tracker)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Looking for an audit tool to account for each ballot individually, instead of in batches.'? Count on Mail-in Ballot Tracker, said to be the first audit solution to track individual ballots, while maintaining ballot secrecy and voter privacy....

AMBER Alerts quickly reach first responders to find missing children.(NEWS)(National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A recent partnership will enable the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to quickly distribute AMBER Alerts directly to thousands of first responders across the United States. To join safety forces, NCMEC teamed with...

Revised handbook offers wealth of data about requests for proposals.(RESOURCES)(The Request for Proposal Handbook)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
June 1, 2005... To learn about best practices, ideas, and innovations surrounding the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, consult the third edition of The Request for Proposal Handbook, released in April 2005. Written by Michael Asner, the 400-page book...

Science resources are now just a click away.(RESOURCES)(science.gov)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Science.gov recently announced a free "Alert" service, created by Deep Web Technologies (DWT), that sends science information to patrons' e-mail addresses each week, based on selected areas of interest. The service is a collaborative effort of...

Study explores enterprise content management.(RESOURCES)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Findings of an in-depth research study were recently unveiled to pinpoint the use, trends, cost savings, and other issues regarding Enterprise Content Management (ECM). The technology provides integrated solutions for records or e-mail...

Handbook explains how legislators can promote energy-efficient vehicles.(RESOURCES)(The Drive to Efficient Transportation: State Policies to Encourage the Purchase and Use of Light-Duty Advanced Technology Vehicles and Alternative Fuels)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... By reading a new, 109-page handbook, state and local officials can learn ways to encourage the purchase and use of energy-efficient transportation among residents. Called The Drive to Efficient Transportation: State Policies to Encourage...

Consumers can sign on to earth-friendly Web site.(RESOURCES)(GreenerChoices.org)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Interested in finding out about "green" products and how to become more environmentally conscious? Log on to free information presented on GreenerChoices.org, a Web site launched this past April by Consumer Reports. The Web site presents...

Department of Interior initiates contract for "green" computers.(CONTRACTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Environmental preferences for information technology (IT) hardware were recently specified in a Request for Proposal (RFP).issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Cumulative amount of the awarded contract, which may include...

Cingular Wireless has been designated by the State of Tennessee as a sole-source provider of high-speed, wireless data services to all state agencies.(CONTRACTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Cingular Wireless has been designated by the State of Tennessee as a sole-source provider of high-speed, wireless data services to all state agencies. Under an exclusive contract, the company will provide network-enabled modem cards for up to...

NetworkOmni Multilingual Communications, based in Thousand Oaks, CA, has entered into a partnership with the State of California to provide translation services for emergency 9-1-1 services.(CONTRACTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... NetworkOmni Multilingual Communications, based in Thousand Oaks, CA, has entered into a partnership with the State of California to provide translation services for emergency 9-1-1 services. The announcement was recently made by the...

Maximus, a Reston, VA-based provider of program management, consulting, and information technology services, has been awarded a $7.9 million software contract by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.(CONTRACTS)
June 1, 2005... Maximus, a Reston, VA-based provider of program management, consulting, and information technology services, has been awarded a $7.9 million software contract by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. The contract includes deploying...

Johnson Controls, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, was awarded a $1.7 million contract for a building management system to control indoor environments at the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC), currently under construction near Culpeper, VA.(CONTRACTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Johnson Controls, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, was awarded a $1.7 million contract for a building management system to control indoor environments at the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC), currently under construction near Culpeper, VA....

Cantronic Systems, Inc.(GSA CONTRACTS)(General Services Administration )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Cantronic Systems, Inc., has been awarded a long-term contract under Schedule 84 to supply infrared security equipment to law-enforcement authorities, the military, and other government agencies.

Tumbleweed Communications Corp.(GSA CONTRACTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Tumbleweed Communications Corp., McLean, VA, has been awarded a GSA Schedule for secure messaging products. Listed products range from an e-mail firewall for content filtering to technology for digital certificate validation.

Is public procurement being sold out?(COMMON SENSE)(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... I know how public money is being spent--and who is spending it. As a procurement professional who consults for federal, state, and local governments, I've seen how professional procurement can be a proactive, strategic-management tool to ensure...