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June 6, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
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Friday, June 6, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 21
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are a subscriber to Government Product News or Government PROcurement Journal. If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
CONTENTS
Contract Overhaul Expands Competition Happy Trails to You Study Provides Customized Report EPA Chief Energizes Forum Online Grants Granted Award News of the Weird
FEATURES
Savings Expected from Competitive Sourcing Initiative
The Bush Administration acted to shorten and simplify the process through which private-sector companies compete to provide public services to citizens. It is the first major overhaul since 1983, and works to level the playing field for all bidders by creating a fair and well-understood process while eliminating excessive delays that plagued the process in the past. The recent action ends a two-year effort to revise the process based on continued discussions and negotiations with stakeholders and a formal public notice and comment period.
For quality service at the best price, competition beats monopoly every time. It is an established fact that fair competition can save taxpayers an average of 30 percent, whether the work is ultimately done in-house or by outsiders. Whoever wins the competitions, we can be confident that taxpayers will, said Office for Management and Budget Director Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
The government currently spends hundreds of billions of dollars each year on commercial services provided by 850,000 government employees. These services include everything from engineering, laundry, computer support, custodial services, fee collection at National Parks, eyeglass-making, landscaping, as well as other activities commonly available in the private marketplace.
The action streamlines a process by which the private sector can compete fairly for this work. Government workers, who have built-in advantages of knowing the work and the system, are encouraged to compete and are expected to win a good share of the competitions.
Those providing top level service at the best value will win every time, said Angela Styles, Administrator of OMBs Office of Federal Procurement Policy and point person for the initiative.
Studies show when the private sector does win a public-private competition, a small, women-owned or minority-owned business wins 60 percent of the time.
The recent action cuts a significant number of pages from the previous A-76 circular, including the elimination of an 18-page definition of what is inherently governmental. It also reduces the time it takes to hold competitions from as long as four years to a maximum of one. Circular A-76 is a set of policies and procedures to help determine whether public or private sources will undertake the federal governments commercial activities and services, ranging from software consulting, research and lab work to facilities management.
Over the past two years, 26 agencies have been asked to determine which activities performed by government personnel should be competed with the private sector, with the option of using commercial sources or in-house government facilities and personnel to perform the work. Most federal agencies have now built an infrastructure to conduct such public-private competitions. In many cases, typical competitions would look like the pair below: -The Department of Energy has opened for competition services provided by graphics designer, computer, and financial services personnel. -Since every major airline contracts with the private sector to receive weather reports, some 2,700 flight services employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now taking part in a public-private competition. Previously, these federal workers would provide weather reports to private pilots without the benefit of having had a competition.
In fact, much remains to be done to hold more competitions across the government. Competitive sourcing is the only initiative in the President Management Agenda in which every federal agency receives a Red grade for status (the lowest score). A major reason for the difficulties is a complex set of rules governing these competitions found in a document known as Circular A-76.
This is the first major revision of the A-76 circular since 1983. The previous Administration made moderate adjustments in 1996 and pushed to increase the number of competitors at the Department of Defense. Today, DoD conducts the most competitions among all federal departments and agencies. For more information on competitive sourcing, visit http://www.omb.gov or contact OMB Communications at (202) 395-7254.
Trails Added to the National Recreation System
Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton announced the designation of 23 recreation trails in 12 states, as part of the National Recreation Trails System. National recreation trails is an honor given to those existing trails that have been nominated and meet the requirements for connecting people to local resources and improving their quality of life. Norton's announcement coincides with the celebration of National Trails Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2003.
The national trail designation is part of a continuing campaign to promote community partnerships and to foster innovative ways to encourage physical fitness. The National Trails System Act of 1968 encourages the Secretary of the Interior to recognize existing community trails that qualify as additions to the National Trails System. The Act promotes enjoyment and appreciation of trails and greater public access.
The added trails total about 492 miles. Last year Secretary Norton designated 26 national recreation trails in 16 states for 836 miles. And in 2001, she designated 15 trails in 13 states for 512 miles.
Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each of the 23 trails will receive a certificate of designation and National Recreation Trail markers. Throughout the country there are now more than 800 National Recreation Trails throughout the United States, totaling more than 9,000 miles.
The National Recreation Trail program provides technical assistance and support for outreach efforts. The National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service administer the program with help from a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails. To see a list of the 23 newly designated , visit: http://www.doi.gov/news/030605c.htm
NEWS
e-Procurement study seeks participants
The Institute for eCommerce at Carnegie Mellon University is conducting a study on e-procurement initiatives in government. The projects authors aim to improve the understanding of barriers and facilitators that affect government organizations ability to adopt and disseminate successful e-procurement applications.
In the survey, participants will be asked to answer questions about e-procurement-related plans and strategies, as well as managerial and organizational issues pertaining to their particular entities. Participants agencies need not have any e-procurement applications currently in place to complete the survey.
In fact, organizations that have not implemented e-procurement applications are as important to the study as those that have done so. The surveys goal is to enhance understanding of helps and hindrances that affect governments abilities to adopt and distribute Internet technologies in the procurement process.
Results will be reported to participants when the study is completed. Information will include an indication of where a particular organizations e-procurement initiative stands as compared to similar entities, as well as insights into how organizations may benefit by using e-procurement. To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
EPAS WHITMAN TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS ENERGY FORUM
Outgoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Todd Whitman will discuss energy and the environment in the keynote address at the 14th annual Energy Efficiency Forum June 11 at the National Press Club.
This year's forum, "The Path to Economic and National Security, " is co-sponsored by the United States Energy Association (USEA) and Johnson Controls, Inc.
Since she was named EPA administrator in January 2001, Whitman has supported several public-private partnerships aimed at simultaneously delivering economic success and environmental progress. Programs such as Climate Leaders, ENERGY STAR, SmartWay Transport and the Water Quality Trading Policy encourage voluntary action from government, business and nonprofit groups to achieve positive environmental goals, including energy efficiency. This will be one of the last public appearances by Whitman, who is leaving office at the end of June. For more information on this year's forum, visit: http://www.eeforum.net.
DOJ WINS E-GOV AWARD
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has won the E-Gov 2003 Explorer Award for finding an e-solution to problems that plague grant management processes across the country. The award will be presented at the fifth annual awards ceremony at the E-Gov 2003 Conference and Exposition in Washington D.C., June 9-12. OJP is among 50 government agencies being recognized for innovative e-government initiatives out of more than 250 applications received.
Originally implemented in 1999, the OJP Grants Management System (GMS) has evolved over the past year into a streamlined, Web-based tool that makes processing grants easier and faster. The system provides automated support throughout the grant lifecycle for OJP staff, grant applicants and grantees including applicant registration, application submission and review, award approval and distribution, payment, monitoring, closeout, and decision support.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28565/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com/governmentprograms
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Visit: http://www.crown.com/gsa1
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com/govt
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are a subscriber to Government Product News or Government PROcurement Journal. If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
CONTENTS
Contract Overhaul Expands Competition Happy Trails to You Study Provides Customized Report EPA Chief Energizes Forum Online Grants Granted Award News of the Weird
FEATURES
Savings Expected from Competitive Sourcing Initiative
The Bush Administration acted to shorten and simplify the process through which private-sector companies compete to provide public services to citizens. It is the first major overhaul since 1983, and works to level the playing field for all bidders by creating a fair and well-understood process while eliminating excessive delays that plagued the process in the past. The recent action ends a two-year effort to revise the process based on continued discussions and negotiations with stakeholders and a formal public notice and comment period.
For quality service at the best price, competition beats monopoly every time. It is an established fact that fair competition can save taxpayers an average of 30 percent, whether the work is ultimately done in-house or by outsiders. Whoever wins the competitions, we can be confident that taxpayers will, said Office for Management and Budget Director Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
The government currently spends hundreds of billions of dollars each year on commercial services provided by 850,000 government employees. These services include everything from engineering, laundry, computer support, custodial services, fee collection at National Parks, eyeglass-making, landscaping, as well as other activities commonly available in the private marketplace.
The action streamlines a process by which the private sector can compete fairly for this work. Government workers, who have built-in advantages of knowing the work and the system, are encouraged to compete and are expected to win a good share of the competitions.
Those providing top level service at the best value will win every time, said Angela Styles, Administrator of OMBs Office of Federal Procurement Policy and point person for the initiative.
Studies show when the private sector does win a public-private competition, a small, women-owned or minority-owned business wins 60 percent of the time.
The recent action cuts a significant number of pages from the previous A-76 circular, including the elimination of an 18-page definition of what is inherently governmental. It also reduces the time it takes to hold competitions from as long as four years to a maximum of one. Circular A-76 is a set of policies and procedures to help determine whether public or private sources will undertake the federal governments commercial activities and services, ranging from software consulting, research and lab work to facilities management.
Over the past two years, 26 agencies have been asked to determine which activities performed by government personnel should be competed with the private sector, with the option of using commercial sources or in-house government facilities and personnel to perform the work. Most federal agencies have now built an infrastructure to conduct such public-private competitions. In many cases, typical competitions would look like the pair below: -The Department of Energy has opened for competition services provided by graphics designer, computer, and financial services personnel. -Since every major airline contracts with the private sector to receive weather reports, some 2,700 flight services employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now taking part in a public-private competition. Previously, these federal workers would provide weather reports to private pilots without the benefit of having had a competition.
In fact, much remains to be done to hold more competitions across the government. Competitive sourcing is the only initiative in the President Management Agenda in which every federal agency receives a Red grade for status (the lowest score). A major reason for the difficulties is a complex set of rules governing these competitions found in a document known as Circular A-76.
This is the first major revision of the A-76 circular since 1983. The previous Administration made moderate adjustments in 1996 and pushed to increase the number of competitors at the Department of Defense. Today, DoD conducts the most competitions among all federal departments and agencies. For more information on competitive sourcing, visit http://www.omb.gov or contact OMB Communications at (202) 395-7254.
Trails Added to the National Recreation System
Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton announced the designation of 23 recreation trails in 12 states, as part of the National Recreation Trails System. National recreation trails is an honor given to those existing trails that have been nominated and meet the requirements for connecting people to local resources and improving their quality of life. Norton's announcement coincides with the celebration of National Trails Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2003.
The national trail designation is part of a continuing campaign to promote community partnerships and to foster innovative ways to encourage physical fitness. The National Trails System Act of 1968 encourages the Secretary of the Interior to recognize existing community trails that qualify as additions to the National Trails System. The Act promotes enjoyment and appreciation of trails and greater public access.
The added trails total about 492 miles. Last year Secretary Norton designated 26 national recreation trails in 16 states for 836 miles. And in 2001, she designated 15 trails in 13 states for 512 miles.
Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each of the 23 trails will receive a certificate of designation and National Recreation Trail markers. Throughout the country there are now more than 800 National Recreation Trails throughout the United States, totaling more than 9,000 miles.
The National Recreation Trail program provides technical assistance and support for outreach efforts. The National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service administer the program with help from a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails. To see a list of the 23 newly designated , visit: http://www.doi.gov/news/030605c.htm
NEWS
e-Procurement study seeks participants
The Institute for eCommerce at Carnegie Mellon University is conducting a study on e-procurement initiatives in government. The projects authors aim to improve the understanding of barriers and facilitators that affect government organizations ability to adopt and disseminate successful e-procurement applications.
In the survey, participants will be asked to answer questions about e-procurement-related plans and strategies, as well as managerial and organizational issues pertaining to their particular entities. Participants agencies need not have any e-procurement applications currently in place to complete the survey.
In fact, organizations that have not implemented e-procurement applications are as important to the study as those that have done so. The surveys goal is to enhance understanding of helps and hindrances that affect governments abilities to adopt and distribute Internet technologies in the procurement process.
Results will be reported to participants when the study is completed. Information will include an indication of where a particular organizations e-procurement initiative stands as compared to similar entities, as well as insights into how organizations may benefit by using e-procurement. To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
EPAS WHITMAN TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS ENERGY FORUM
Outgoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Todd Whitman will discuss energy and the environment in the keynote address at the 14th annual Energy Efficiency Forum June 11 at the National Press Club.
This year's forum, "The Path to Economic and National Security, " is co-sponsored by the United States Energy Association (USEA) and Johnson Controls, Inc.
Since she was named EPA administrator in January 2001, Whitman has supported several public-private partnerships aimed at simultaneously delivering economic success and environmental progress. Programs such as Climate Leaders, ENERGY STAR, SmartWay Transport and the Water Quality Trading Policy encourage voluntary action from government, business and nonprofit groups to achieve positive environmental goals, including energy efficiency. This will be one of the last public appearances by Whitman, who is leaving office at the end of June. For more information on this year's forum, visit: http://www.eeforum.net.
DOJ WINS E-GOV AWARD
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has won the E-Gov 2003 Explorer Award for finding an e-solution to problems that plague grant management processes across the country. The award will be presented at the fifth annual awards ceremony at the E-Gov 2003 Conference and Exposition in Washington D.C., June 9-12. OJP is among 50 government agencies being recognized for innovative e-government initiatives out of more than 250 applications received.
Originally implemented in 1999, the OJP Grants Management System (GMS) has evolved over the past year into a streamlined, Web-based tool that makes processing grants easier and faster. The system provides automated support throughout the grant lifecycle for OJP staff, grant applicants and grantees including applicant registration, application submission and review, award approval and distribution, payment, monitoring, closeout, and decision support.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28565/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com/governmentprograms
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Visit: http://www.crown.com/gsa1
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com/govt
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
