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June 24, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
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Tuesday, June 24, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 24
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.
Sponsored by Crown Equipment
CONTENTS
Name Recognition Narrows Search Energy Initiative Fuels Forest Health Train Travel Triples Grassland Grants Grow News of the Weird
FEATURES
Language Analysis Enhances Investigations
The New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN) received multi-cultural name recognition training and certification at its headquarters in Franklin, MA. NESPIN is part of the Department of Justice's Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program. The NESPIN geographical region includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The center also has member agencies in Canada.
Federal authorities used name recognition technology to track the September 11th terrorists to Florida, and it continues to be used in the war on terrorism by U.S. Intelligence and Border Protection agencies today.
Rick Flood, the training coordinator at NESPIN, said the seminar is the first in greater New England area to directly educate local and regional law enforcement officials on the use of this effective counter-terrorism tool.
"Participants soon discovered that the Anglo-centric name search, generally used by most law enforcement agencies are not always effective when dealing with names in languages like Arabic, Chinese and Korean," said Flood.
"Wanted suspects may go undetected because the officer simply does not know the variations of the suspect's name. The attendees were given the training and search tools needed in order to stay ahead of the criminal element, especially terrorists," he added.
The ability of local law enforcement officials to analyze names will become even more critical as they begin to access the State Department's database of 50 million overseas applications for United States visas. The State Department hopes that by providing easier links to this information, local law enforcement agencies will be better equipped to track individuals whose names appear on the government's anti-terrorism watch lists.
In this pilot course, law enforcement officials learned how to recognize and search Arabic, Korean and Chinese names using Language Analysis System Name Reference Library (NRL), a tool that instantly displays name variations that can be used to enhance searches. For investigative work, the NRL also provides information about the origins and usage of names from eight major cultures. For more information, visit http://www.las-inc.com.
CROWN EQUIPMENT
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Electric lift trucks range from hand pallet trucks to very narrow-aisle (VNA) turret trucks. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Cabinets Announce Renewable Energy Initiative
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton announced an initiative to encourage the use of woody biomass byproducts as sources of renewable energy. The officials signed a memorandum or understanding (MOU) that establishes consistent policies and procedures across the three agencies to support the use of these byproducts.
The MOU promotes the use of woody biomass byproducts that result from forest, woodland, and rangeland restoration and hazardous fuels treatment projects, consistent with locally developed land management plans. The byproducts that are removed can be used for biomass energy, such as steam and electric and a variety of other uses.
"The Department of Energy is pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to set forth policy principles that have the potential to increase woody biomass utilization from federal lands for biomass energy and other bio-products," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. "This cooperative effort with these major federal land-holding departments provides benefits in terms of reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health while, at the same time, increasing the Nation's renewable energy supply. This memorandum reinforces our commitment and support to the National Energy Policy's charge to re-evaluate access limitations to federal lands in order to increase renewable energy production."
The agreement focuses on the use of byproducts from land management practices, such as fuels treatment and hazardous fuels reduction that reduce the rate of spread, intensity, resistance to control and crowning potential of wildfires by reducing available fuel. Woody biomass includes trees and woody plants, including limbs, tops, needles, and other woody parts that grow in a forest, woodland, or rangeland area, that are byproducts of ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction treatment activities.
Energy is a key market for low-value woody biomass, and DOE, USDA and DOI support and conduct research into biomass energy alternatives.
"The challenge has been that markets for biomass and small wood are sporadic and marginally economical in most western states. Stewardship contracting for the next 10 years presents the opportunity for a steady supply, new markets and product uses," Interior Secretary Norton said. "Thinning for biomass allows for wildlife habitat improvement with wildlife biologists designing the projects. These projects go on all the time on private land and are profitable both for the environment, energy and the landowner. A million acres have been thinned in the last 25 years for biomass use and 800,000 of those acres were private."
The principles of this agreement will be implemented under the relevant authorities of the three federal departments. Under the MOU, agencies agreed to:
--Promote understanding among local communities, interested parties and the general public in forest restoration and fuels treatment projects, biomass quality and quantity and seek input on woody biomass utilization strategies.
--Develop and apply the best scientific knowledge pertaining to woody biomass utilization and forest management practices for reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health.
--Encourage the sustainable development and stabilization of woody biomass utilization markets.
The USDA and DOE are also working together to fund projects through the Biomass Research and Development program and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program. Both programs were created by the Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Details on these programs can be found at http://www.usda.gov/farmbill/ and http://www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov/.
NEWS
BOSTON-NEW YORK RIDERSHIP UP
Amtrak reported a 13 percent increase in Acela Express ridership between Boston and New York resulting from new lower fares of $99 or less that took effect April 28.
In the five weeks since the fare reduction, Acela Express ridership north of New York increased to an average of 12,525 trips per week - up 13.1 percent from the five-week period preceding the fare change when average ridership was 11,073 trips per week.
Amtrak also reported a 34 percent increase in the number of Boston-New York passengers opting to "step up" to Acela Express First Class service following the April 28 implementation of a $50 cap for the upgrade. Average First Class ridership in the five weeks preceding April 28 was 1,106. In the five weeks that followed, ridership surged to an average of 1,477. First Class passengers enjoy at-seat meals served on china, premium wine by the glass, priority boarding where available and access to Amtrak's ClubAcela station lounges in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
SECURITY EXPERTS RALLY IN NATIONS CAPITAL
The second annual GOVSEC, the Government Security Expo and Conference, and the first annual U.S. Law Enforcement Conference and Exposition will be co-located at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, July 23-25, 2003. Over 60 federal agencies will convene with state and local officials for educational training and exhibits showcasing new products and services. For more information, visit: http://www.govsecinfo.com
Signup Begins for Grassland Reserve Program
The first signups for the $49.9 million in grants to implement the Grassland Reserve Program will begin at the end of the month.
This voluntary program helps protect valuable grasslands from conversion to other land uses. Grasslands make up the largest land cover on America's private lands. Privately owned grasslands and shrub lands cover more than 525 million acres in the United States.
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will direct financial resources and technical expertise to help landowners protect and restore these lands.
Applications for participation will be accepted on a continuous basis at local USDA service centers. Once funding has been exhausted, eligible applicants will remain on file until additional funding becomes available. Source: Environmental News Service
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.
To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28609/
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
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.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
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
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.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.
Sponsored by Crown Equipment
CONTENTS
Name Recognition Narrows Search Energy Initiative Fuels Forest Health Train Travel Triples Grassland Grants Grow News of the Weird
FEATURES
Language Analysis Enhances Investigations
The New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN) received multi-cultural name recognition training and certification at its headquarters in Franklin, MA. NESPIN is part of the Department of Justice's Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program. The NESPIN geographical region includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The center also has member agencies in Canada.
Federal authorities used name recognition technology to track the September 11th terrorists to Florida, and it continues to be used in the war on terrorism by U.S. Intelligence and Border Protection agencies today.
Rick Flood, the training coordinator at NESPIN, said the seminar is the first in greater New England area to directly educate local and regional law enforcement officials on the use of this effective counter-terrorism tool.
"Participants soon discovered that the Anglo-centric name search, generally used by most law enforcement agencies are not always effective when dealing with names in languages like Arabic, Chinese and Korean," said Flood.
"Wanted suspects may go undetected because the officer simply does not know the variations of the suspect's name. The attendees were given the training and search tools needed in order to stay ahead of the criminal element, especially terrorists," he added.
The ability of local law enforcement officials to analyze names will become even more critical as they begin to access the State Department's database of 50 million overseas applications for United States visas. The State Department hopes that by providing easier links to this information, local law enforcement agencies will be better equipped to track individuals whose names appear on the government's anti-terrorism watch lists.
In this pilot course, law enforcement officials learned how to recognize and search Arabic, Korean and Chinese names using Language Analysis System Name Reference Library (NRL), a tool that instantly displays name variations that can be used to enhance searches. For investigative work, the NRL also provides information about the origins and usage of names from eight major cultures. For more information, visit http://www.las-inc.com.
CROWN EQUIPMENT
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Electric lift trucks range from hand pallet trucks to very narrow-aisle (VNA) turret trucks. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Cabinets Announce Renewable Energy Initiative
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton announced an initiative to encourage the use of woody biomass byproducts as sources of renewable energy. The officials signed a memorandum or understanding (MOU) that establishes consistent policies and procedures across the three agencies to support the use of these byproducts.
The MOU promotes the use of woody biomass byproducts that result from forest, woodland, and rangeland restoration and hazardous fuels treatment projects, consistent with locally developed land management plans. The byproducts that are removed can be used for biomass energy, such as steam and electric and a variety of other uses.
"The Department of Energy is pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to set forth policy principles that have the potential to increase woody biomass utilization from federal lands for biomass energy and other bio-products," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. "This cooperative effort with these major federal land-holding departments provides benefits in terms of reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health while, at the same time, increasing the Nation's renewable energy supply. This memorandum reinforces our commitment and support to the National Energy Policy's charge to re-evaluate access limitations to federal lands in order to increase renewable energy production."
The agreement focuses on the use of byproducts from land management practices, such as fuels treatment and hazardous fuels reduction that reduce the rate of spread, intensity, resistance to control and crowning potential of wildfires by reducing available fuel. Woody biomass includes trees and woody plants, including limbs, tops, needles, and other woody parts that grow in a forest, woodland, or rangeland area, that are byproducts of ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction treatment activities.
Energy is a key market for low-value woody biomass, and DOE, USDA and DOI support and conduct research into biomass energy alternatives.
"The challenge has been that markets for biomass and small wood are sporadic and marginally economical in most western states. Stewardship contracting for the next 10 years presents the opportunity for a steady supply, new markets and product uses," Interior Secretary Norton said. "Thinning for biomass allows for wildlife habitat improvement with wildlife biologists designing the projects. These projects go on all the time on private land and are profitable both for the environment, energy and the landowner. A million acres have been thinned in the last 25 years for biomass use and 800,000 of those acres were private."
The principles of this agreement will be implemented under the relevant authorities of the three federal departments. Under the MOU, agencies agreed to:
--Promote understanding among local communities, interested parties and the general public in forest restoration and fuels treatment projects, biomass quality and quantity and seek input on woody biomass utilization strategies.
--Develop and apply the best scientific knowledge pertaining to woody biomass utilization and forest management practices for reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health.
--Encourage the sustainable development and stabilization of woody biomass utilization markets.
The USDA and DOE are also working together to fund projects through the Biomass Research and Development program and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program. Both programs were created by the Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Details on these programs can be found at http://www.usda.gov/farmbill/ and http://www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov/.
NEWS
BOSTON-NEW YORK RIDERSHIP UP
Amtrak reported a 13 percent increase in Acela Express ridership between Boston and New York resulting from new lower fares of $99 or less that took effect April 28.
In the five weeks since the fare reduction, Acela Express ridership north of New York increased to an average of 12,525 trips per week - up 13.1 percent from the five-week period preceding the fare change when average ridership was 11,073 trips per week.
Amtrak also reported a 34 percent increase in the number of Boston-New York passengers opting to "step up" to Acela Express First Class service following the April 28 implementation of a $50 cap for the upgrade. Average First Class ridership in the five weeks preceding April 28 was 1,106. In the five weeks that followed, ridership surged to an average of 1,477. First Class passengers enjoy at-seat meals served on china, premium wine by the glass, priority boarding where available and access to Amtrak's ClubAcela station lounges in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
SECURITY EXPERTS RALLY IN NATIONS CAPITAL
The second annual GOVSEC, the Government Security Expo and Conference, and the first annual U.S. Law Enforcement Conference and Exposition will be co-located at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, July 23-25, 2003. Over 60 federal agencies will convene with state and local officials for educational training and exhibits showcasing new products and services. For more information, visit: http://www.govsecinfo.com
Signup Begins for Grassland Reserve Program
The first signups for the $49.9 million in grants to implement the Grassland Reserve Program will begin at the end of the month.
This voluntary program helps protect valuable grasslands from conversion to other land uses. Grasslands make up the largest land cover on America's private lands. Privately owned grasslands and shrub lands cover more than 525 million acres in the United States.
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will direct financial resources and technical expertise to help landowners protect and restore these lands.
Applications for participation will be accepted on a continuous basis at local USDA service centers. Once funding has been exhausted, eligible applicants will remain on file until additional funding becomes available. Source: Environmental News Service
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.
To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28609/
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
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.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
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
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.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.
