Government Procurement articles from October 2003

Government Procurement archives from October 2003

Move to do away with competitive bidding is not in state's best interest.(Guest Findings)
October 1, 2003... The State of Alaska is jumping into the world of non-competitive bidding under a pilot project that Governor Frank Murkowski signed into law last June. The results could be devastating for Alaska businesses. The new law began as an idea to save...

Earth-friendly "green" procurement gains ground.(Green Purchasing)
October 1, 2003... Procurement officials have always used their purchasing power to demand lower prices and better services, but now they are also increasingly demanding minimally polluting products from environmentally conscious companies. Led by government and...

Contracting for performance: no more "acquisition think": performance-based contracting offers government the ability to transform dramatically the nature of service delivery.(Performance-Based Contracts)
October 1, 2003... Look around. It will probably come as no surprise that the number of government procurement professionals is dwindling. A recent General Accounting Office (GAO) report on spending and workforce trends estimates 38 percent of the federal...

P-cards expedite emergency response and daily operations.(P-Card Program)
October 1, 2003... As a procurement tool, the purchasing card has introduced a wide range of efficiencies to government entities on all levels. First used for small-dollar transactions, the card now facilitates purchase activity, reduces the cost of doing...

Information accessibility for all: a look of Section 508--the law that requires federal agencies to make information technology accessible to people with disabilities.(Accessibility Laws)
October 1, 2003... A look at Section 508--the law that requires federal agencies to make information technology accessible to people with disabilities Although Stephen Rainard is blind, he operates a computer in his job with the U.S. Veterans Administration...

What the heck is best value, and why should I care?(Best Value Refresher)
October 1, 2003... Best Value is, similar to 'Life Cycle Cost/Analysis or 'Total Cost of Owner ship," however, evaluation components may not include the same features--warranty, fuel us etc. All evaluation components must be stated the bid specifications, may not...

Lost in cyberspace: an integrated records repository can save critical e-mails from disappearing into an electronic black hole.(E-Mail Management)
October 1, 2003... Business processes have jumped to cyberspace at warp speed. A vast majority of organizations now regularly conduct business transactions via e-mail, cell phone, mobile messaging, wireless PDAs, online discussion forums, Instant Messaging, and...

Writing your request for proposal right!(RPF Refresher)
October 1, 2003... So, you need to get a project done, but you are not quite sure how to get it started, much less finished. You know this is not a straightforward construction project, so forget the standard formal bid. You think, "Hey, what about this Request...

City's equipment program puts money in the bank.(Equipment Replacement)
October 1, 2003... As an experienced municipal fleet manager, Mark Stinson is well aware of the duties his position involves. His responsibilities in Lee's Summit, MO, include overseeing some 339 pieces of equipment, ranging from street department concrete saws...

Recreation commitment rewards community.(ROI Case History)
October 1, 2003... It's obvious that recreation is a top priority for the City of Portland, TX. If you look beyond the city's ideal location on the gulf coast and its state-of-the-art recreation facilities, you will find one of the most advanced software systems...

Are your employees giving you the silent treatment? Encourage communication for greater entity success.(Management Initiatives)
October 1, 2003... In any organization communication between managers and employees is a big issue. Employees want guidelines from their supervisors, and the management staff wants input from their team. While most organizations have little trouble filtering...

Roadway sensors gather data on weather conditions and pavement surfaces for automatic spraying of de-icers.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... Install Road/Runway Weather Information System (RWIS) to assure winter safety on thoroughfares and reduce the amount of de-icing chemicals needed. Ideal for bridges, curves, shady roads, steep grades, ramps, runways, and high-frequency accident...

Automated display encourages compliance.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... VSC-1520F Speed Compliance Display uses low-power, 24.150-GHz., K-band radar to track and display vehicle speed. GenIII's 30- by 42- by 6-in. display features UltraClear 15-in. numerals. Vandal-resistant, 11-gage aluminum with stainless-steel...

Tough backhoe delivers powerful digging force.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... Heavy-duty Model TLB-535 compact tractor loader backhoe delivers 6,000-lb. digging force. Reaches depths to 11 ft. Dual-cylinder. The 180[degrees] hydraulic cushioned swing allows precise work in tight areas. Joystick controls permit smooth...

Reflective tape marks roads by day, night, low light.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... Stamark Wet Reflective Pavement Marking Tape Series 820's inherent optic layer brightly for positive lane guidance in all driving conditions, even continuous rain. Overlays on new and existing surfaces and also on grooved pavement. Newly marked...

State surpasses $1 billion in e-procurement transactions.(News)
October 1, 2003... Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner officially made the purchase that put the state's electronic commerce initiative, eVA, over the $1 billion mark in sales. The milestone represents nearly 155,000 orders since eVA was launched two years ago, and...

Study finds bureaucratic turnover hurts privatization of service efforts.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A recent study finds that turnover among city administrators, and not mayors, makes efforts to privatize public services nearly impossible. In the study of 237 U.S. cities with populations of 25,000 or more between 1988 and 1994,...

2003 goods & services spending by local, state and federal agencies.(News)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 1, 2003... 2003 Goods & Services Spending by Local, State and Federal agencies Total amount: $2.05 trillion Local ($1.004 trillion) 49% Federal ($676 billion) 33% State ($369 billion) 18% Source:...

Local entities save with warehouse club pricing.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Cities, counties, and school districts, and other local entities--there are 87,525 of them in the United States--have discovered the value and cost savings available at wholesale distributors. The City of Avon, OH, buys from the Costco...

GSA announces new RFP for small businesses.(News)
October 1, 2003... The U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Heartland Region announced the release of the final solicitation for the 8(a) FAST2 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). "The original FAST contract was a great success for both our...

'Mom-and-pop' shops grow.(News)
October 1, 2003... The number of businesses with no paid employees grew from more than 16.5 million in 2000 to almost 17 million in 2001, a rate of growth of 2.7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The rate of increase during the 1999 to 2000 period...

Public officials take the heat.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Most public officials have to prove they're tough under fire, but more than 30 mayors, city council members, and elected officials from California and across the United States and Canada got a chance to put those skills to the ultimate test at...

Remote areas go wireless for high-speed Internet.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Faced with the challenge of providing high-speed Internet access to their communities, some municipalities have chosen to develop their own network to meet the growing demand. One such location that has felt the effects of the digital divide is...

Robbins-Gioia, LLC.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Robbins-Gioia, LLC, a provider of project management services, announced it is beginning a one-year contract with options to provide program management training to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The five-week, five-module course...

American Science and Engineering, Inc.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... American Science and Engineering, Inc., a provider of X-ray detection technology, announced an order from the U.S. Air Force for a PalletSearch X-ray inspection system. PalletSearch, a conveyor-based cargo X-ray inspection system, can...

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a three-year contract to International Biometric Group (IBG) for research into the impact of identity determination systems and processes on international travel.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a three-year contract to International Biometric Group (IBG) for research into the impact of identity determination systems and processes on international travel, border management, and...

The State of Colorado has standardized on-time and labor solutions from Kronos, Inc.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The State of Colorado has standardized on-time and labor solutions from Kronos, Inc. A recent recommendation specifies that "as an initial step toward implementing an ERP system, the state should implement a centralized time-keeping system for...

Moneris Solutions.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Moneris Solutions, one of North America's largest electronic transaction processors, announced that the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State has signed a multi-year renewal agreement for payment processing solutions. Under the...

Wright Express will provide fleet fuel cards and fleet management services to the States of Colorado and Alabama.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Wright Express will provide fleet fuel cards and fleet management services to the States of Colorado and Alabama as outlined in two new contracts that cover approximately 17,000 vehicles. Both contracts cover all vehicles for the two...

Los Angeles County awarded Accela, Inc., a $7 million contract for a new enterprise software solution, Kiva DMS.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Los Angeles County awarded Accela, Inc., a $7 million contract for a new enterprise software solution, Kiva DMS. The new system will be used by more than 3,000 county employees and will provide a centralized approach to resource, land, and...

Micro Warehouse Gov/Ed, Inc.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Micro Warehouse Gov/Ed, Inc., a retailer and direct marketer of computer hardware, software, and peripheral products to government and education customers, announced that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) awarded the company a two-year blanket...

Raytheon Co was selected to provide information technology (IT) operations and maintenance to NASA's Earth Observing System.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Raytheon Co. was selected to provide information technology (IT) operations and maintenance to NASA's Earth Observing System. The five-year contract is valued at up to $500 million. EOS gathers and archives, as well as processes...

Global Internetworking, Inc., a facilities-neutral telecmnmunications carrier specializing in high-capacity data transport solutions.(Contracts - Global Internetworking Inc)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Global Internetworking, Inc., a facilities-neutral telecmnmunications carrier specializing in high-capacity data transport solutions, has been awarded three multi-year contracts to provide secure, high-capacity data transport services to the...

Metastorm.(Contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Metastorm, a provider of Business Process Management (BPM) software for automating, managing, and controlling processes, announced that the City of Walnut Creek, CA, has selected Metastorm's BPM solution to manage its core strategies projects,...

American Honda Motor Co.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Although our name is most often associated with automobiles, we are much more than that. We manufacture a wide range of products, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, as well as...

Mastercard International Inc.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Mastercard offers customized payment plans for the public sector. Read about card programs including the totally integrated multi-card, and cards for purchasing, fleet, and travel. Also compare card benefits, peruse e-business and branding...

Ford Commercial Truck 2004.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Whatever your responsibilities, Ford Commercial Truck has the right vehicles for your need. Browse the Web site by truck model or by the job for which you will use the vehicle. Then download a PDF file loaded with detailed specifications or...

Hoffman Video Systems.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Hoffman Video Systems is one of the nation's largest and leading integrators of audio and video components. From our roots as Hoffman electronics, a manufacturing firm established in 1941, we have been at the leading edge of television...

Cover-All.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Discover why thousands of customers across North America have made Cover-All[R] the building of choice. As the leader of steel-frame, fabric-covered buildings, Cover-All[R] is a versatile, clear-span structure of exceptional quality and...

Houston-Galveston Area Council.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... The H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The Program now serves more than 1,300 local governments, state agencies, and qualifying non-profit corporations. More than 100 vendors/ contractors provide...

Ford alternative fuel vehicles.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... We have the answers on how to accomplish the following with your fleet: Meet environmental fleet mandates, become an environmental leader in your community, potentially save money on fuel costs and use a domestic fuel source. Simply log on to...

Morbark Inc.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Find recycling equipment specifications, dealers, parts and service information, and used equipment on web site. Celebrating 45 years in business, Morbark invites you to take a virtual tour of their factory, read their history, and sign up for...

National Truck Equipment Association.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Packed with information, the NTEA Web site is your gateway to a world of anything you need for your fleet management and maintenance needs. Site map includes information on conferences and training opportunities, market data, political...

PB Loader Corp.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... The leading manufacturer of pothole patchers and emulsion systems wants to improve the quality of your public streets. PB truckmounted loaders allow one person to load, haul, and dump leaves, gravel dirt, snow, trash, cold patch or brush....

T-mobile.com.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Simplify the process of selecting the right mobile communication devices and plans for your needs. Learn to shop for phones, handhelds and PDA's, network cards, and accessories online. To view products, select your state, and click on "see...

GM alternative fuel vehicles.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Looking to upgrade vehicle fleets? Make a stop at General Motor's Web site to find a variety of alternative-fuel vehicles, including the bi-fuel natural gas Chevy Cavalier sedan, bi-fuel CNG Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, bi-fuel...

Little Falls Machine, Inc.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Reliability and innovation keep Little Falls Machine the Midwest's largest supplier of truck-and motor-grader mounted, snow handling equipment. The best service in the market and custom designs meet your special needs. Choose from patented...

Reemay Inc.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... A member of BBA Fiberweb [TM], one of the three largest nonwovens producers in the world, Reemay makes spunbonded polyester and polypropylene products designed for a variety of industrial markets. Many of the products are engineered for...

Tremco Inc.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Tremco provides roofing and weatherproofing peace of mind to facility mangers. Tremco and Weatherproofing Technologies, our service division, deliver quality assurance with each product which include cold, hot, single ply, and modified bitumen...

GM fleet.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... As part of our commitment to bringing you useful Web tools, we are introducing new features on this site. Visit the 2004 Vehicle Showroom for information by vehicle type or brand; click on Government Fleet for links to sites of specific...

IBM accessibility.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Accessibility services and solutions from IBM can help the people you work with work better and help you move beyond regulatory compliance. IBM can help you provide intranet and internet sites that can be assessed for adherence to design...

Govpro.com.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Sign on to access information about thousands of vendors who want to sell their products and services to your government entity. Click on Supplier Directory and search by general text, company name, product category, or general categories....

National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA).(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... NAPAonline.com offers secure online shopping for more than 200,000 automotive in-stock parts and accessories with a commitment to ship most items within 24 hours. You also get convenient return options either to the NAPAonline Distribution...

Safety Storage.(Web Site Guide)
October 1, 2003... Choose your next prefabricated building from heavy-gauge steel relocatable products from Safety Storage. Selection include structures for safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials and other chemicals; for equipment weather...

Blueprint for public-private water partnerships.(Resources)
October 1, 2003... The Water Partnership Council (WPC) released its "blueprint" for public-private partnerships to mayors and other municipal officials attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Urban Water Summit in Chicago. The handbook, Establishing...

The "Nazareth" syndrome: consultants are not a threat to your job or reputation.(Common Sense)
October 1, 2003... Remember what you had to do to get your job? You had to fill out all those applications and get through reference checks and interviews to convince someone you were the best-qualified person for the position. It wasn't easy, and the...