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July 1, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
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Tuesday, July 1, 2003 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.
Sponsored by Safety Storage
CONTENTS
E-Contracts Add Sight and Sound Cities Cite Fee Increases Finally--Firefighting Funding Council to Secure Homeland GSA Goes Global News of the Weird
FEATURES
E-PROCUREMENT SIGNS ON TO MULTIMEDIA CONTRACTS
Systems and applications based on new technical advancements have tantalized and often fulfilled their promises of enabling entities to gain greater efficiency over current processes. In fact, many of us wonder how we got anything done before the mass adoption of e-mail, voice mail and electronic facsimile.
The truth, however, is that modern technology also brings with it a number of complexities. Often, the very technologies designed to make our jobs easier can unexpectedly drive down an entitys productivity in unforeseen ways. Nowhere is this more evident than in modern contracting systems.
In theory, making the procurement system electronic and accessible online should speed the entire process. Recent advancements in contracting applications have enhanced the overall performance of many e-procurement systems, resulting in exponential performance improvements in terms of procurement-fulfillment turnaroundthat is, filling orders to specification.
For full text and graphics visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/27677/
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ADD OR INCREASE USER FEES FOR SERVICES
Preliminary results of International City/County Management Associations (ICMA) survey on reinventing government show that some cities have implemented changes in response to budget shortfalls.
* Shared services, in which two local governments combine departments, such as public works, so that one department delivers services to both communities (21%) * Reduced services delivery, such as reduced library hours (24%) * Eliminated delivery of at least one nonrequired service, such as canceling a summer in the parks program (24%) * Increased taxes (38%) * Added or increased user fees/charges for service (75%) * Rescinded previously approved capital expenditures (38%) * Froze vacant positions (54%) * Used reserve funds (one-time solution (46%).
In addition, some local governments report using nontraditional sources of revenue, such as a utility tax on wireless communications, rental of city property for cell tower sites, pay-per-bag trash pickup, charging a fee for bulky waste pickup, and other initiatives.
The survey was sent to the city manager or chief administrative officer in all cities with a population 10,000 or greater. Those that did not respond to the first mailing will soon receive a second mailing. Please be sure that your city responds so that ICMA will have useful material to make available in these fiscally challenging times. Source: International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
SAFETY STORAGE
Safety Storage crafts hazardous storage buildings for a wide range of applications, like isolating a hazardous production process, containing a volatile material, enclosing an explosive operation, adding a test lab, or securing equipment or evidence. Only Safety Storage has the custom-engineering experience and range of pre-fabricated solutions that fully comply with governmental regulations, and meet pertinent building and fire codes. For details, go to http://www.safetystorage.com
NEWS
FIRE FIGHTERS CALL HOMELAND SECURITY BILL A "STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"
The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) called the near-unanimous passage of the budget for the new Department of Homeland Security by the House of Representatives "a step in the right direction, but just a first step."
The $29.4 billion appropriated includes $4.4 billion for local firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency responders who are on the frontlines of the nation's domestic war on terrorism. Also adopted was an amendment sponsored by Rep. Lee Terry (R-Nebraska) to increase spending on the FIRE Act grant program for local fire departments from $500 million to $750 million for FY 2004.
"While we applaud the much needed infusion of homeland security funds for fire fighters, we still have concerns that it is not enough, and much of it will be siphoned off before it gets to the local level," said Harold Schaitberger, General President of the IAFF. Visit: http://www.iaff.org
DHS APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the appointment of 18 individuals to serve as members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on homeland security-related issues. The HSAC convened for the first time as a Department of Homeland Security entity at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.
"I am grateful that these accomplished and experienced citizens are willing to serve and provide valuable insights on critical homeland security issues," said Secretary Ridge. "By bringing together members from diverse public and private sector backgrounds, the Council will provide recommendations that will help DHS more effectively integrate our efforts to make the homeland more secure."
GSA'S GLOBAL SUPPLY EXPANDS INVENTORY
GSA Global Supply, the new name for the streamlined U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Customer Supply Center, will soon provide tens of thousands of new items, agency officials announced today.
Customers will choose new office products, tools and maintenance/repair/ operating (MRO) supplies, along with the traditional mandatory source items, as required under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD). Purchasers are guaranteed compliance with relevant procurement regulations.
A new Web site, https://www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov , will make buying easier and faster. Customers can choose from this wide array of products and still receive only one bill. Customers also may continue to choose direct billing or use GSA SmartPay purchase cards so there is no need for purchase orders.
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/28027/
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
KI is an award-winning, international furniture producer. Products include office seating, stacking and guest chairs, tables and wall systems. http://www.KI.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
Polythane Systems and the affiliated companies sell spray polyurethane foam for roofing, walls and tanks and the coatings necessary to complete the system. http://www.polythane.com
Alamo Industrial is the world's largest manufacturer of tractor-mounted vegetation management equipment. Built Sharper to give you the edge you need! Visit http://www.alamo-industrial.com
Installed in over 100 military and government facilities around the world, Onity provides superior electronic locking systems, e-safes and energy management solutions.URL: http://www.onity.biz
Skatewave Modular Skatepark Systems is a division of Landscape Structures Inc. Skatewave was founded in March 2001 and since then has installed more than 350 parks across the United States, Canada and Southeast Asia. Visit http://www.skatewave.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.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
Cover-All Building Systems manufacture steel-framed, fabric-covered buildings. Available in widths up to 160 ft. The buildings can be manufactured to any length. Choose from multiple foundation options. Offer a North America-wide Dealer network. http://www.coverall.net
Yodock Wall Co. offers traffic control systems, including plastic deformable barriers that can be filled with water, sand, or other material. http://www.yodock.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.
Sponsored by Safety Storage
CONTENTS
E-Contracts Add Sight and Sound Cities Cite Fee Increases Finally--Firefighting Funding Council to Secure Homeland GSA Goes Global News of the Weird
FEATURES
E-PROCUREMENT SIGNS ON TO MULTIMEDIA CONTRACTS
Systems and applications based on new technical advancements have tantalized and often fulfilled their promises of enabling entities to gain greater efficiency over current processes. In fact, many of us wonder how we got anything done before the mass adoption of e-mail, voice mail and electronic facsimile.
The truth, however, is that modern technology also brings with it a number of complexities. Often, the very technologies designed to make our jobs easier can unexpectedly drive down an entitys productivity in unforeseen ways. Nowhere is this more evident than in modern contracting systems.
In theory, making the procurement system electronic and accessible online should speed the entire process. Recent advancements in contracting applications have enhanced the overall performance of many e-procurement systems, resulting in exponential performance improvements in terms of procurement-fulfillment turnaroundthat is, filling orders to specification.
For full text and graphics visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/27677/
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ADD OR INCREASE USER FEES FOR SERVICES
Preliminary results of International City/County Management Associations (ICMA) survey on reinventing government show that some cities have implemented changes in response to budget shortfalls.
* Shared services, in which two local governments combine departments, such as public works, so that one department delivers services to both communities (21%) * Reduced services delivery, such as reduced library hours (24%) * Eliminated delivery of at least one nonrequired service, such as canceling a summer in the parks program (24%) * Increased taxes (38%) * Added or increased user fees/charges for service (75%) * Rescinded previously approved capital expenditures (38%) * Froze vacant positions (54%) * Used reserve funds (one-time solution (46%).
In addition, some local governments report using nontraditional sources of revenue, such as a utility tax on wireless communications, rental of city property for cell tower sites, pay-per-bag trash pickup, charging a fee for bulky waste pickup, and other initiatives.
The survey was sent to the city manager or chief administrative officer in all cities with a population 10,000 or greater. Those that did not respond to the first mailing will soon receive a second mailing. Please be sure that your city responds so that ICMA will have useful material to make available in these fiscally challenging times. Source: International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
SAFETY STORAGE
Safety Storage crafts hazardous storage buildings for a wide range of applications, like isolating a hazardous production process, containing a volatile material, enclosing an explosive operation, adding a test lab, or securing equipment or evidence. Only Safety Storage has the custom-engineering experience and range of pre-fabricated solutions that fully comply with governmental regulations, and meet pertinent building and fire codes. For details, go to http://www.safetystorage.com
NEWS
FIRE FIGHTERS CALL HOMELAND SECURITY BILL A "STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"
The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) called the near-unanimous passage of the budget for the new Department of Homeland Security by the House of Representatives "a step in the right direction, but just a first step."
The $29.4 billion appropriated includes $4.4 billion for local firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency responders who are on the frontlines of the nation's domestic war on terrorism. Also adopted was an amendment sponsored by Rep. Lee Terry (R-Nebraska) to increase spending on the FIRE Act grant program for local fire departments from $500 million to $750 million for FY 2004.
"While we applaud the much needed infusion of homeland security funds for fire fighters, we still have concerns that it is not enough, and much of it will be siphoned off before it gets to the local level," said Harold Schaitberger, General President of the IAFF. Visit: http://www.iaff.org
DHS APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the appointment of 18 individuals to serve as members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on homeland security-related issues. The HSAC convened for the first time as a Department of Homeland Security entity at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.
"I am grateful that these accomplished and experienced citizens are willing to serve and provide valuable insights on critical homeland security issues," said Secretary Ridge. "By bringing together members from diverse public and private sector backgrounds, the Council will provide recommendations that will help DHS more effectively integrate our efforts to make the homeland more secure."
GSA'S GLOBAL SUPPLY EXPANDS INVENTORY
GSA Global Supply, the new name for the streamlined U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Customer Supply Center, will soon provide tens of thousands of new items, agency officials announced today.
Customers will choose new office products, tools and maintenance/repair/ operating (MRO) supplies, along with the traditional mandatory source items, as required under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD). Purchasers are guaranteed compliance with relevant procurement regulations.
A new Web site, https://www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov , will make buying easier and faster. Customers can choose from this wide array of products and still receive only one bill. Customers also may continue to choose direct billing or use GSA SmartPay purchase cards so there is no need for purchase orders.
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/28027/
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
KI is an award-winning, international furniture producer. Products include office seating, stacking and guest chairs, tables and wall systems. http://www.KI.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
Polythane Systems and the affiliated companies sell spray polyurethane foam for roofing, walls and tanks and the coatings necessary to complete the system. http://www.polythane.com
Alamo Industrial is the world's largest manufacturer of tractor-mounted vegetation management equipment. Built Sharper to give you the edge you need! Visit http://www.alamo-industrial.com
Installed in over 100 military and government facilities around the world, Onity provides superior electronic locking systems, e-safes and energy management solutions.URL: http://www.onity.biz
Skatewave Modular Skatepark Systems is a division of Landscape Structures Inc. Skatewave was founded in March 2001 and since then has installed more than 350 parks across the United States, Canada and Southeast Asia. Visit http://www.skatewave.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.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
Cover-All Building Systems manufacture steel-framed, fabric-covered buildings. Available in widths up to 160 ft. The buildings can be manufactured to any length. Choose from multiple foundation options. Offer a North America-wide Dealer network. http://www.coverall.net
Yodock Wall Co. offers traffic control systems, including plastic deformable barriers that can be filled with water, sand, or other material. http://www.yodock.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.
