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December 24, 2002
GovPro Newsletter
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Tuesday, December 24, 2002 Volume 2, Issue 25
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 Radioactive Recall Dogs Herd Deadline Feds Foster Online Fundamentals Transit Tickets Go Tech News of the Weird
FEATURES NEVADA PROPOSES INDEPENDENT CASK TESTING Citing serious credibility problems associated with past federal government-sponsored tests of casks being developed to deliver high-level nuclear waste to the proposed Yucca Mountain repository near Las Vegas, the State of Nevada Nuclear Projects Agency asked U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Richard Meserve to consider Nevadas proposal on how to carry out a series of independent tests to oversee and verify the governments previous findings. In a letter to Meserve, Nevada Nuclear Projects Agency Executive Director Bob Loux said the state believes that comprehensive full-scale testing would not only demonstrate compliance with NRC performance standards, it would improve the overall safety of the cask and vehicle system and generally enhance confidence in both qualitative and probabilistic risk and analysis techniques. Loux also wrote that the tests could increase public and state and local government acceptance of the shipments, and could reduce adverse social and economic impacts caused by current public perceptions of the risks of transporting the nations high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Nevada is proposing a four-pronged approach to the full-scale certification testing: meaningful stakeholder participation in development of testing protocols and selection of test facilities and personnel; full-scale physical testing, including sequential drops of casks, fire, puncture, and immersion, prior to NRC certification; additional computer simulations to determine performance in extra-regulatory accidents and to determine failure thresholds; and, reevaluation of previous risk study findings and, if appropriate, revisions of NRC cask performance standards. Loux said Nevada also considers destructive testing of a randomly selected production cask to be a highly desirable way of ascertaining actual failure thresholds. Nevada in 1999 requested a comprehensive assessment of the affects of three types of terrorist attacks and sabotage on waste casks: attacks against transportation infrastructure used by nuclear waste shipments, attacks involving the capture of a nuclear waste shipment and use of high-energy explosives against the cask, and direct attacks on a cask using anti-tank missiles. As part of that request, Nevada also recommended that the NRC consider the need for physical testing on full-scale or scale models of casks to evaluate weapons capabilities, cask vulnerability to attack with high-energy explosive and the response of spent nuclear fuel to such attacks. However, Loux said the NRC has yet to take any action on Nevadas recommendation, despite the added urgency brought about by the events of Sept. 11 and their implications for potential terrorism against spent fuel and/or high-level waste shipments. Loux added that during the preliminary phase of the NRCs Package Performance Study, conducted in 1999 and 2000, the NRC repeatedly acknowledged the importance of establishing stakeholder confidence in the PPS study process and its findings. However, the NRC has yet to release the draft PPS testing protocol for public review and comments, as it promised in summer 2002, nor has the NRC rescheduled the promised PPS public meetings in Nevada, originally planned for August and September, 2002. The process to date does not inspire confidence, nor does it come close to meeting NRC-stated commitments to public and stakeholder involvement in developing and review of testing protocols, Loux said.
CANINE TEAM HELPS TSA MEET DEADLINE The rapidly-expanding Explosives Detection Canine Team Program will play an important role in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) meeting a Dec. 31 deadline for screening all baggage for explosives, TSA officials said today as they demonstrated the expertise of dogs and their handlers. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has specifically cited the use of explosives detection canine teams as one of the security screening methods that will be used in order to meet the Dec. 31 deadline mandated by Congress. Adm. James M. Loy, under secretary of transportation for security, said, "Canine teams give us another highly-reliable tool for ensuring the safety of the traveling public as we continue to press our war against terrorism." Before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, the Federal Aviation Administration's Canine and Explosives Program, with a budget of $9.5 million, managed 174 teams in 39 airports. Congress approved $6 million in supplemental funding in October of 2001 to expand the program, which has been shifted to the TSA's Aviation Operation's Law Enforcement Division. Currently there are some 267 teams authorized at 63 of the nation's largest airports. TSA has requested additional funding to expand the program to 325 teams in 82 airports by the end of 2003. At Lackland, the skill of the canine teams was demonstrated in "hide and seek" exercises involving public areas as well as luggage. The point was made that a team concept was in play, with handlers directing their partners to search key areas. "We have a high level of confidence in the teams," said David Kontny, Canine Program Manager. "Canine teams offer mobility and versatility, enhancing screening and explosive detection throughout the entire airport environment. You may see a canine team at curb-side one moment and then searching an unattended bag in the terminal area the next, due to their mobility and pinpoint accuracy in detecting explosive odors." The canine program was started in 1972 after a bomb-sniffing dog named Brandy found an explosive device on a plane that had been returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and was evacuated. The bomb was found just 12 minutes before it was to detonate. The TSA is continuing this thirty-year partnership with airports. The TSA pays to train the dogsprimarily sporting breeds such as Labrador, Chesapeake Bay and Golden retrieverstrains the handlers, partially reimburses airports for the cost of maintaining the teams, and provides oversight and support to the program at each location.
Crown Equipment Crowns extensive distributor network provides a high level of service support, parts availability, and a variety of training programs including required operator training. Learn more about Crown lift trucks and their distributors at http://www.crown.com/gsa1. GOVPRO.COM REDESIGN It is now easier to navigate through govpro.coms many resources including the Online Supplier Directory with more than 3,500 companies selling to the government market, the 2003 Events Calendar, the Government Procurement article archive, and government-related links. Also find past issues of the GovPro Newsletter. Visit the redesigned site at: http://www.govpro.com NEWS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES LEARN ONLINE The Gov Online Learning Centerwww.GoLearn.govone of the major e-Gov initiatives in the federal governmenthas selected Plateau 4 Learning Management System (LMS) to help manage the e-learning, tools, products and services of multiple federal agencies and as many as 1.8 million federal workers. Under the multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract, the company will provide one of the software infrastructures for the U.S. federal government's main employee training site. Managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in partnership with the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies, the Gov Online Learning Center (GOLC) provides one-stop access to e-Learning resources that help employees perform their jobs and enhance their careers. In its initial phase, the Gov Online Learning Center is offering 37 free online courses on a variety of topics, from sexual harassment prevention to IT/computer security. With the release of the second phase, thousands of additional e-Learning products, tools, and services will be brought online.
BUS FARE COLLECTION GETS SMART CARD TECHNOLOGY A smart card-based fare collection system for Houston's public buses has been announced by the Houston METRO transit authority. Smart card-based ticketing speeds up boarding times and gives transit authorities a way to offer customers innovative fare programs such as Autoload, which lets transit users link their smart cards to their credit cards for automatic reload of transit value into the system. In addition, one smart card may be used for public transportation as well as other government or private sector services and can accept many applications, such as banking, employee identification and building access. The advanced system will integrate with the transit authority's current magnetic stripe ticketing technology. The upgrade will allow METRO to have greater flexibility in designing its fare media offerings. Riders will get the convenience that comes with smart cards. According to Shirley A. DeLibero, president and chief executive officer for Houston METRO, the system will ensure that Houston METRO is a true technology leader with a state-of-the art fare collection system, and that Houston commuters are getting the kind of sophisticated service they deserve. Houston METRO's fareboxes will be upgraded with smart card processors and provide "Point of Sale" devices throughout the transit system to allow customers to purchase and reload their fare cards.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD Bizarre but true stories about real people. ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/29076/ LINKS Ford Motor Co.: What line of work are you in? So are We! http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;4019820;6935957;t?http://www.commtruck.ford.com STATE ELECTRICITY RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITY Find an overview of the status of electricity industry restructuring in each state. The color-coded activity map indicates each states restructuring progress. Each state has a link to several tables summarizing regulatory orders, legislation, investigative studies, retail access, stranded costs, public benefits programs, and pilot programs. Information, updated monthly, is gathered from state legislatures, public utility and state energy commissions, governors offices, and news agencies. Visit: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/chg_str/regmap.html BENEFITS-DRIVEN PROCUREMENT, FEBRUARY 26, 27 World Research Group is pleased to announce its Benefits-Driven Procurement conference, scheduled for February 26-27, 2003 in Las Vegas. Save $100 if you register by December 31. To register or for more information, please visit http://www.worldrg.com/fw316 or e-mail liz@worldrg.com. PENTON MEDIA OFFERS A FREE SOLUTION TO MANUFACTURERS EQUIPMENT NEEDS: Find needed used equipment and machinery or sell your surplus equipment. Over 75,000 items are listed by over 800 dealers nationwide. This is a free service http://www.buyused.com PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Asphalt Zipper: Bucket-mounted milling/reclamation attachment. http://www.asphaltzipper.com Ideal Shield: Protective guardrail system. http://www.idealshield.com Jungle Jims Accessory Products, Inc.: Accessories for commercial lawn equipment. http://www.junglejimsap.com Keeton Industries: Water quality solutions for ponds and lakes. http://www.keetonaquatics.com San Diego Precast Concrete, Inc.: Bollards, planters, trash receptacles, tables, and more. http://www.sdpc.com Find information on advertising in the GovPro Newsletter on http://www.govpro.com or contact rhowlett@penton.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 2002 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 Radioactive Recall Dogs Herd Deadline Feds Foster Online Fundamentals Transit Tickets Go Tech News of the Weird
FEATURES NEVADA PROPOSES INDEPENDENT CASK TESTING Citing serious credibility problems associated with past federal government-sponsored tests of casks being developed to deliver high-level nuclear waste to the proposed Yucca Mountain repository near Las Vegas, the State of Nevada Nuclear Projects Agency asked U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Richard Meserve to consider Nevadas proposal on how to carry out a series of independent tests to oversee and verify the governments previous findings. In a letter to Meserve, Nevada Nuclear Projects Agency Executive Director Bob Loux said the state believes that comprehensive full-scale testing would not only demonstrate compliance with NRC performance standards, it would improve the overall safety of the cask and vehicle system and generally enhance confidence in both qualitative and probabilistic risk and analysis techniques. Loux also wrote that the tests could increase public and state and local government acceptance of the shipments, and could reduce adverse social and economic impacts caused by current public perceptions of the risks of transporting the nations high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Nevada is proposing a four-pronged approach to the full-scale certification testing: meaningful stakeholder participation in development of testing protocols and selection of test facilities and personnel; full-scale physical testing, including sequential drops of casks, fire, puncture, and immersion, prior to NRC certification; additional computer simulations to determine performance in extra-regulatory accidents and to determine failure thresholds; and, reevaluation of previous risk study findings and, if appropriate, revisions of NRC cask performance standards. Loux said Nevada also considers destructive testing of a randomly selected production cask to be a highly desirable way of ascertaining actual failure thresholds. Nevada in 1999 requested a comprehensive assessment of the affects of three types of terrorist attacks and sabotage on waste casks: attacks against transportation infrastructure used by nuclear waste shipments, attacks involving the capture of a nuclear waste shipment and use of high-energy explosives against the cask, and direct attacks on a cask using anti-tank missiles. As part of that request, Nevada also recommended that the NRC consider the need for physical testing on full-scale or scale models of casks to evaluate weapons capabilities, cask vulnerability to attack with high-energy explosive and the response of spent nuclear fuel to such attacks. However, Loux said the NRC has yet to take any action on Nevadas recommendation, despite the added urgency brought about by the events of Sept. 11 and their implications for potential terrorism against spent fuel and/or high-level waste shipments. Loux added that during the preliminary phase of the NRCs Package Performance Study, conducted in 1999 and 2000, the NRC repeatedly acknowledged the importance of establishing stakeholder confidence in the PPS study process and its findings. However, the NRC has yet to release the draft PPS testing protocol for public review and comments, as it promised in summer 2002, nor has the NRC rescheduled the promised PPS public meetings in Nevada, originally planned for August and September, 2002. The process to date does not inspire confidence, nor does it come close to meeting NRC-stated commitments to public and stakeholder involvement in developing and review of testing protocols, Loux said.
CANINE TEAM HELPS TSA MEET DEADLINE The rapidly-expanding Explosives Detection Canine Team Program will play an important role in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) meeting a Dec. 31 deadline for screening all baggage for explosives, TSA officials said today as they demonstrated the expertise of dogs and their handlers. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has specifically cited the use of explosives detection canine teams as one of the security screening methods that will be used in order to meet the Dec. 31 deadline mandated by Congress. Adm. James M. Loy, under secretary of transportation for security, said, "Canine teams give us another highly-reliable tool for ensuring the safety of the traveling public as we continue to press our war against terrorism." Before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, the Federal Aviation Administration's Canine and Explosives Program, with a budget of $9.5 million, managed 174 teams in 39 airports. Congress approved $6 million in supplemental funding in October of 2001 to expand the program, which has been shifted to the TSA's Aviation Operation's Law Enforcement Division. Currently there are some 267 teams authorized at 63 of the nation's largest airports. TSA has requested additional funding to expand the program to 325 teams in 82 airports by the end of 2003. At Lackland, the skill of the canine teams was demonstrated in "hide and seek" exercises involving public areas as well as luggage. The point was made that a team concept was in play, with handlers directing their partners to search key areas. "We have a high level of confidence in the teams," said David Kontny, Canine Program Manager. "Canine teams offer mobility and versatility, enhancing screening and explosive detection throughout the entire airport environment. You may see a canine team at curb-side one moment and then searching an unattended bag in the terminal area the next, due to their mobility and pinpoint accuracy in detecting explosive odors." The canine program was started in 1972 after a bomb-sniffing dog named Brandy found an explosive device on a plane that had been returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and was evacuated. The bomb was found just 12 minutes before it was to detonate. The TSA is continuing this thirty-year partnership with airports. The TSA pays to train the dogsprimarily sporting breeds such as Labrador, Chesapeake Bay and Golden retrieverstrains the handlers, partially reimburses airports for the cost of maintaining the teams, and provides oversight and support to the program at each location.
Crown Equipment Crowns extensive distributor network provides a high level of service support, parts availability, and a variety of training programs including required operator training. Learn more about Crown lift trucks and their distributors at http://www.crown.com/gsa1. GOVPRO.COM REDESIGN It is now easier to navigate through govpro.coms many resources including the Online Supplier Directory with more than 3,500 companies selling to the government market, the 2003 Events Calendar, the Government Procurement article archive, and government-related links. Also find past issues of the GovPro Newsletter. Visit the redesigned site at: http://www.govpro.com NEWS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES LEARN ONLINE The Gov Online Learning Centerwww.GoLearn.govone of the major e-Gov initiatives in the federal governmenthas selected Plateau 4 Learning Management System (LMS) to help manage the e-learning, tools, products and services of multiple federal agencies and as many as 1.8 million federal workers. Under the multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract, the company will provide one of the software infrastructures for the U.S. federal government's main employee training site. Managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in partnership with the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies, the Gov Online Learning Center (GOLC) provides one-stop access to e-Learning resources that help employees perform their jobs and enhance their careers. In its initial phase, the Gov Online Learning Center is offering 37 free online courses on a variety of topics, from sexual harassment prevention to IT/computer security. With the release of the second phase, thousands of additional e-Learning products, tools, and services will be brought online.
BUS FARE COLLECTION GETS SMART CARD TECHNOLOGY A smart card-based fare collection system for Houston's public buses has been announced by the Houston METRO transit authority. Smart card-based ticketing speeds up boarding times and gives transit authorities a way to offer customers innovative fare programs such as Autoload, which lets transit users link their smart cards to their credit cards for automatic reload of transit value into the system. In addition, one smart card may be used for public transportation as well as other government or private sector services and can accept many applications, such as banking, employee identification and building access. The advanced system will integrate with the transit authority's current magnetic stripe ticketing technology. The upgrade will allow METRO to have greater flexibility in designing its fare media offerings. Riders will get the convenience that comes with smart cards. According to Shirley A. DeLibero, president and chief executive officer for Houston METRO, the system will ensure that Houston METRO is a true technology leader with a state-of-the art fare collection system, and that Houston commuters are getting the kind of sophisticated service they deserve. Houston METRO's fareboxes will be upgraded with smart card processors and provide "Point of Sale" devices throughout the transit system to allow customers to purchase and reload their fare cards.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD Bizarre but true stories about real people. ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/29076/ LINKS Ford Motor Co.: What line of work are you in? So are We! http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;4019820;6935957;t?http://www.commtruck.ford.com STATE ELECTRICITY RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITY Find an overview of the status of electricity industry restructuring in each state. The color-coded activity map indicates each states restructuring progress. Each state has a link to several tables summarizing regulatory orders, legislation, investigative studies, retail access, stranded costs, public benefits programs, and pilot programs. Information, updated monthly, is gathered from state legislatures, public utility and state energy commissions, governors offices, and news agencies. Visit: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/chg_str/regmap.html BENEFITS-DRIVEN PROCUREMENT, FEBRUARY 26, 27 World Research Group is pleased to announce its Benefits-Driven Procurement conference, scheduled for February 26-27, 2003 in Las Vegas. Save $100 if you register by December 31. To register or for more information, please visit http://www.worldrg.com/fw316 or e-mail liz@worldrg.com. PENTON MEDIA OFFERS A FREE SOLUTION TO MANUFACTURERS EQUIPMENT NEEDS: Find needed used equipment and machinery or sell your surplus equipment. Over 75,000 items are listed by over 800 dealers nationwide. This is a free service http://www.buyused.com PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Asphalt Zipper: Bucket-mounted milling/reclamation attachment. http://www.asphaltzipper.com Ideal Shield: Protective guardrail system. http://www.idealshield.com Jungle Jims Accessory Products, Inc.: Accessories for commercial lawn equipment. http://www.junglejimsap.com Keeton Industries: Water quality solutions for ponds and lakes. http://www.keetonaquatics.com San Diego Precast Concrete, Inc.: Bollards, planters, trash receptacles, tables, and more. http://www.sdpc.com Find information on advertising in the GovPro Newsletter on http://www.govpro.com or contact rhowlett@penton.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 2002 Penton Media, Inc.
