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December 10, 2002
GovPro Newsletter
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Tuesday, December 10, 2002 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 Twin Cities Take Land Tally Got Milk? How about Methane? Sectors Support Soy Census To Test Technologies Big Business Banks Federal Dollars News of the Weird
FEATURES MINNESOTA MAPS TWIN CITIES AREA RESOURCES A new assessment could help local and regional officials in Minnesota make better land use decisions. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Metro Natural Resource Assessment identifies important natural resource areas in the seven-county Twin Cities region including large patches of forest, wetlands and grasslands, or smaller parcels that contain rare species. Such areas could be priorities for protection as the region around Minneapolis and St. Paul faces intense development pressures, says DNR Regional Planner Sharon Pfeifer. "With a half-million new metro households expected in the next 30 years, this natural resource assessment is clearly needed in order to balance growth with conservation," Pfeifer says. The assessment uses geographic information systems (GIS) technology and a variety of existing data layers to create a map that identifies about 230,000 acres of terrestrial and wetland areasabout 12% of the total acreage within the seven county metropolitan area. Only about 37% of these areas now have any level of protection. "With the Met Council now revising its blueprint for the region's growth, this is a particularly apt time for this information to become available," Pfeifer says. "It offers the council and local units of government much better guidance on land use and conservation decisions and investments." More information on the DNR Metro Natural Resource Assessment, including a preliminary map of natural resource areas, is available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/greenways/index.html
NEW YORK PROMOTES ELECTRICITY FROM MANURE The State of New York has passed legislation providing incentives for farmers to produce electricity with methane from animal manure using anaerobic digesters. Governor George Pataki signed net metering legislation that will encourage farmers to sell excess electricity generated through the use of anaerobic digesters to utilities. The legislation is designed to make the installation and operation of anaerobic digesters more economic for New York farmers, while providing them with a tool to address environmental concerns and to reduce their energy costs. Net metering laws already exist for electricity generated by solar panels on homes. The new legislation would expand those laws to include qualified farms as potential "net metering" customers who generate power from methane. Methane released from New York State's agricultural industry represents a source of greenhouse gas emissions. By anaerobically digesting the manure, capturing the methane, and burning it to generate electricity, farmers can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving energy. New York's dairy and livestock farmers face stringent federal, state, and local regulatory pressures to control nutrient runoff into streams and eliminate the odors associated with manure management. Net metering offers farmers a way to reduce operating costs, while generating additional cash flow as a result of selling electricity to utilities. Anaerobic digestion also gives farmers the opportunity to profit from compost sales and the use of nutrient rich liquids in lieu of high cost synthetic fertilizers. "The concept of net metering electricity produced from farm animal manure is common sense, yet creates enormous benefits," says John Lincoln, President of the New York Farm Bureau. "Farmers would be provided with an economic benefit, and the environment would be protected by assisting farmers with waste disposal efforts." New York State has more than 7.7 million acres of farmland, supporting almost 1.5 million cattle, 80,000 hogs, and 60,000 sheep as part of the state's $3.1 billion agricultural industry.
FCC WEB SITE RANKED FIRST IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT In the third annual e-government study of state and federal government web sites, researchers at Brown University have determined that the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) web site http://www.fcc.gov is the top federal agency web site. The Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University and a team of researchers examined 1,265 state and federal web sites and evaluated the variety and quality of the electronic services offered. The sites were ranked on a 100-point scale based on information and service availability, quality of citizen access, and material that would help citizens. The FCC web site received the highest score, 92 points, up 16 points from the previous year when it was ranked third in federal agency web sites. In describing best practices of top federal web sites, the study says, "The Federal Communications Commission earned first place in our survey of federal web sites for its support of online services and features such as antenna structure registration, searchable databases, a comprehensive privacy and security policy, language translation availability, publication access, and live audio/video events. All in all, the FCCs web site possessed an impressive 92% of critical features surveyed for. The layout of the web site...was logical and presented the information in a clear, concise format." For the full text of the study in Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf), go to: www.insidepolitics.org.PDF "> http://www.insidepolitics.org/egovt02us.PDF">www.insidepolitics.org.PDF
GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO INDUSTRY AND PRIVATE SECTOR FOR SOY SUPPORT Government and industry representatives recently held a forum, sponsored by the United Soybean Board, in Washington D.C., entitled Stakeholders Forum: Growing the Federal Use of Biobased Products. The forum was held to explore greater federal use of natural, renewable biobased products made from farm crops and other agricultural products. The purpose of the event was two-fold: first, to identify opportunities and challenges for (non-fuel) biobased products in the federal sector; and second, to identify individual and collective strategies to increase market penetration in the federal sector. Discussion focused on the federal laws and Executive Orders, such as the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (or Farm Bill),that encourage use of biobased products. The speakers at the forum also stressed that though the government plays an important role in this process, the private sector will be the key player in determining the scope and depth of the bioproducts industry in our national economy. With each new biobased product developed, industry partners single-handedly boost U.S. economic opportunities by opening the door for new jobs, giving customers an alternative product choice, and raising the price for soybeans and other commodities, just to name a few. Were really looking to a long partnership with the industry and looking at the potential of your products, says Jean Marie Peltier, EPA. I think its important to establish these linkages and give us (government) an opportunity to look at the products youre showcasing. http://www.unitedsoybean.org/lib_fs_frame.cfm?ID=18
Crown Equipment Crown lift trucks have been recognized worldwide for design excellence and innovation. From Crowns smallest hand pallet truck to our highest lifting turret truck, Crowns goal is to provide the user with the safest, most efficient and ergonomic lift truck possible. The Crown product line has all of the answers for your electric forklift needsfind out more about increasing your productivity 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 ON THE ROAD TO CENSUS 2010 The Census Bureau will conduct field testing for the 2010 census in Colquitt, Thomas and Tift counties in Georgia, Lake County in Illinois and a portion of northwestern Queens County in New York. The tests will take place in 2004. "These field tests build upon Census 2000 successes and allow us to be innovative and expand the use of technology to make the 2010 Census the best ever," says Census Bureau Director C. Louis Kincannon. A major innovation that will be studied in 2004 is equipping field interviewers with hand-held computing devices to collect questionnaire data, navigate to assignments, and update the Bureau's Master Address File. The devices also will include global positioning system (GPS) technology that can improve the process of assigning addresses to their correct geographic location. In addition to studying new technologies, the 2004 census test will examine a variety of methodological and operational improvements. Approximately 450,000 housing units will be involved in the test across the three sites. The Census Bureau will hire a total of about 3,000 local residents for temporary positions in the test sites, and will lease office space in each location. "The Census Bureau has met with local and national elected officials who represent these areas, and looks forward to working with them on this important test," Kincannon says. Additional field tests are planned for 2006 that will build on operational, methodological, and technological answers to be provided by the 2004 census test. In 2008, a full dress rehearsal census will be conducted in final preparation for 2010. In addition to these field studies, the 2010 Census planning effort uses mail surveys, cognitive testing, and input from a wide range of advisors and stakeholders.
SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUES TO LOSE FEDERAL DOLLARS A new report shows that small businesses continue to lose ground to big defense contractors and are missing out on lucrative opportunities for a bigger share of federal contracts worth an estimated $1.89 trillion. The report (SBAHQ-01-M-0352) issued by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, reveals that the number and size of bundled contracts has reached record levelsthe highest in 10 yearsand small businesses are receiving disproportionately small shares of the work on bundled contracts. The analysis shows that for every increase of 100 bundled contracts there was a decrease of 60 contracts to small businesses. Between Fiscal Years 1992 and 2001, federal agencies reported that 1.24 million prime contracts worth a total of $1.89 trillion were issued. At current levels, contract bundling costs the small business sector an estimated $13 billion each year, the report said, "making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to compete and survive in the federal marketplace." Prepared by Eagle Eye Publishers, Inc., the study reviewed federal contracting data reported between FY 1992 and FY 2001.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD Bizarre but true stories about real people. ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28885/
Ford Motor Co. Ford Motor Company is more than a global corporation. It's a world of people nearly 400,000 strong, connecting with customers every day. Ford offers the widest variety of trucks built for commercial applications. Everything from E-series cargo vans and wagons to Super Duty F-Series trucks and chassis cabs that can be tailored to meet specific vocational needs. Be sure to visit your local Ford dealer. Your dealer will help you select the right truck and the right services to meet your needs. What Line of Work Are You In? So Are We! http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;4019820;6935957;t?http://www.commtruck.ford.com
LINKS BENEFITS-DRIVEN PROCUREMENT, FEBRUARY 26, 27 World Research Group is pleased to announce its Benefits-Driven Procurement event, scheduled for February 26-27, 2003 in Las Vegas. Special early bird prices expire on December 20. 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 Jungle Jims Accessory Products, Inc.: Accessories for commercial lawn equipment. http://www.junglejimsap.com National Automotive Parts Association: Automotive parts and accessories. http://www.napaonline.com PPI Modular Structures: Modular space solutions. http://www.pro-part.com Textron: Golf, turf, and specialty products. http://www.textronturf.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.
Sponsored by Crown Equipment
CONTENTS Twin Cities Take Land Tally Got Milk? How about Methane? Sectors Support Soy Census To Test Technologies Big Business Banks Federal Dollars News of the Weird
FEATURES MINNESOTA MAPS TWIN CITIES AREA RESOURCES A new assessment could help local and regional officials in Minnesota make better land use decisions. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Metro Natural Resource Assessment identifies important natural resource areas in the seven-county Twin Cities region including large patches of forest, wetlands and grasslands, or smaller parcels that contain rare species. Such areas could be priorities for protection as the region around Minneapolis and St. Paul faces intense development pressures, says DNR Regional Planner Sharon Pfeifer. "With a half-million new metro households expected in the next 30 years, this natural resource assessment is clearly needed in order to balance growth with conservation," Pfeifer says. The assessment uses geographic information systems (GIS) technology and a variety of existing data layers to create a map that identifies about 230,000 acres of terrestrial and wetland areasabout 12% of the total acreage within the seven county metropolitan area. Only about 37% of these areas now have any level of protection. "With the Met Council now revising its blueprint for the region's growth, this is a particularly apt time for this information to become available," Pfeifer says. "It offers the council and local units of government much better guidance on land use and conservation decisions and investments." More information on the DNR Metro Natural Resource Assessment, including a preliminary map of natural resource areas, is available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/greenways/index.html
NEW YORK PROMOTES ELECTRICITY FROM MANURE The State of New York has passed legislation providing incentives for farmers to produce electricity with methane from animal manure using anaerobic digesters. Governor George Pataki signed net metering legislation that will encourage farmers to sell excess electricity generated through the use of anaerobic digesters to utilities. The legislation is designed to make the installation and operation of anaerobic digesters more economic for New York farmers, while providing them with a tool to address environmental concerns and to reduce their energy costs. Net metering laws already exist for electricity generated by solar panels on homes. The new legislation would expand those laws to include qualified farms as potential "net metering" customers who generate power from methane. Methane released from New York State's agricultural industry represents a source of greenhouse gas emissions. By anaerobically digesting the manure, capturing the methane, and burning it to generate electricity, farmers can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving energy. New York's dairy and livestock farmers face stringent federal, state, and local regulatory pressures to control nutrient runoff into streams and eliminate the odors associated with manure management. Net metering offers farmers a way to reduce operating costs, while generating additional cash flow as a result of selling electricity to utilities. Anaerobic digestion also gives farmers the opportunity to profit from compost sales and the use of nutrient rich liquids in lieu of high cost synthetic fertilizers. "The concept of net metering electricity produced from farm animal manure is common sense, yet creates enormous benefits," says John Lincoln, President of the New York Farm Bureau. "Farmers would be provided with an economic benefit, and the environment would be protected by assisting farmers with waste disposal efforts." New York State has more than 7.7 million acres of farmland, supporting almost 1.5 million cattle, 80,000 hogs, and 60,000 sheep as part of the state's $3.1 billion agricultural industry.
FCC WEB SITE RANKED FIRST IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT In the third annual e-government study of state and federal government web sites, researchers at Brown University have determined that the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) web site http://www.fcc.gov is the top federal agency web site. The Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University and a team of researchers examined 1,265 state and federal web sites and evaluated the variety and quality of the electronic services offered. The sites were ranked on a 100-point scale based on information and service availability, quality of citizen access, and material that would help citizens. The FCC web site received the highest score, 92 points, up 16 points from the previous year when it was ranked third in federal agency web sites. In describing best practices of top federal web sites, the study says, "The Federal Communications Commission earned first place in our survey of federal web sites for its support of online services and features such as antenna structure registration, searchable databases, a comprehensive privacy and security policy, language translation availability, publication access, and live audio/video events. All in all, the FCCs web site possessed an impressive 92% of critical features surveyed for. The layout of the web site...was logical and presented the information in a clear, concise format." For the full text of the study in Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf), go to: www.insidepolitics.org.PDF "> http://www.insidepolitics.org/egovt02us.PDF">www.insidepolitics.org.PDF
GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO INDUSTRY AND PRIVATE SECTOR FOR SOY SUPPORT Government and industry representatives recently held a forum, sponsored by the United Soybean Board, in Washington D.C., entitled Stakeholders Forum: Growing the Federal Use of Biobased Products. The forum was held to explore greater federal use of natural, renewable biobased products made from farm crops and other agricultural products. The purpose of the event was two-fold: first, to identify opportunities and challenges for (non-fuel) biobased products in the federal sector; and second, to identify individual and collective strategies to increase market penetration in the federal sector. Discussion focused on the federal laws and Executive Orders, such as the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (or Farm Bill),that encourage use of biobased products. The speakers at the forum also stressed that though the government plays an important role in this process, the private sector will be the key player in determining the scope and depth of the bioproducts industry in our national economy. With each new biobased product developed, industry partners single-handedly boost U.S. economic opportunities by opening the door for new jobs, giving customers an alternative product choice, and raising the price for soybeans and other commodities, just to name a few. Were really looking to a long partnership with the industry and looking at the potential of your products, says Jean Marie Peltier, EPA. I think its important to establish these linkages and give us (government) an opportunity to look at the products youre showcasing. http://www.unitedsoybean.org/lib_fs_frame.cfm?ID=18
Crown Equipment Crown lift trucks have been recognized worldwide for design excellence and innovation. From Crowns smallest hand pallet truck to our highest lifting turret truck, Crowns goal is to provide the user with the safest, most efficient and ergonomic lift truck possible. The Crown product line has all of the answers for your electric forklift needsfind out more about increasing your productivity 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 ON THE ROAD TO CENSUS 2010 The Census Bureau will conduct field testing for the 2010 census in Colquitt, Thomas and Tift counties in Georgia, Lake County in Illinois and a portion of northwestern Queens County in New York. The tests will take place in 2004. "These field tests build upon Census 2000 successes and allow us to be innovative and expand the use of technology to make the 2010 Census the best ever," says Census Bureau Director C. Louis Kincannon. A major innovation that will be studied in 2004 is equipping field interviewers with hand-held computing devices to collect questionnaire data, navigate to assignments, and update the Bureau's Master Address File. The devices also will include global positioning system (GPS) technology that can improve the process of assigning addresses to their correct geographic location. In addition to studying new technologies, the 2004 census test will examine a variety of methodological and operational improvements. Approximately 450,000 housing units will be involved in the test across the three sites. The Census Bureau will hire a total of about 3,000 local residents for temporary positions in the test sites, and will lease office space in each location. "The Census Bureau has met with local and national elected officials who represent these areas, and looks forward to working with them on this important test," Kincannon says. Additional field tests are planned for 2006 that will build on operational, methodological, and technological answers to be provided by the 2004 census test. In 2008, a full dress rehearsal census will be conducted in final preparation for 2010. In addition to these field studies, the 2010 Census planning effort uses mail surveys, cognitive testing, and input from a wide range of advisors and stakeholders.
SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUES TO LOSE FEDERAL DOLLARS A new report shows that small businesses continue to lose ground to big defense contractors and are missing out on lucrative opportunities for a bigger share of federal contracts worth an estimated $1.89 trillion. The report (SBAHQ-01-M-0352) issued by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, reveals that the number and size of bundled contracts has reached record levelsthe highest in 10 yearsand small businesses are receiving disproportionately small shares of the work on bundled contracts. The analysis shows that for every increase of 100 bundled contracts there was a decrease of 60 contracts to small businesses. Between Fiscal Years 1992 and 2001, federal agencies reported that 1.24 million prime contracts worth a total of $1.89 trillion were issued. At current levels, contract bundling costs the small business sector an estimated $13 billion each year, the report said, "making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to compete and survive in the federal marketplace." Prepared by Eagle Eye Publishers, Inc., the study reviewed federal contracting data reported between FY 1992 and FY 2001.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD Bizarre but true stories about real people. ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28885/
Ford Motor Co. Ford Motor Company is more than a global corporation. It's a world of people nearly 400,000 strong, connecting with customers every day. Ford offers the widest variety of trucks built for commercial applications. Everything from E-series cargo vans and wagons to Super Duty F-Series trucks and chassis cabs that can be tailored to meet specific vocational needs. Be sure to visit your local Ford dealer. Your dealer will help you select the right truck and the right services to meet your needs. What Line of Work Are You In? So Are We! http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;4019820;6935957;t?http://www.commtruck.ford.com
LINKS BENEFITS-DRIVEN PROCUREMENT, FEBRUARY 26, 27 World Research Group is pleased to announce its Benefits-Driven Procurement event, scheduled for February 26-27, 2003 in Las Vegas. Special early bird prices expire on December 20. 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 Jungle Jims Accessory Products, Inc.: Accessories for commercial lawn equipment. http://www.junglejimsap.com National Automotive Parts Association: Automotive parts and accessories. http://www.napaonline.com PPI Modular Structures: Modular space solutions. http://www.pro-part.com Textron: Golf, turf, and specialty products. http://www.textronturf.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.
