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April 6, 2004
GovPro Newsletter
GovPro Newsletter Tuesday, April 6, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 14
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Strong Hold
This Week Open Source: a Good Fit for Government? Geese Got You Down? Laser Visa Program Expanded Park Service Promises Perfect Visits EPA Reconsiders Gas Mileage Estimates The Answer is Blowing in the Breeze News of The Weird
Features
Open Source Software Advocates Press for Government Consideration
Advocates of open source software, such as the popular Linux operating system, lately have pursued a new strategy to further accelerate its adoption. The tactics include a push for laws that require governments to at least consider open source software when making decisions on what software to use. Some have proposed laws that go as far as mandating the use of open source software by governments unless the only reasonable solution available is proprietary software.
While opponents protest that government regulations are merely "affirmative action for open source," supporters cite numerous rationales for laws that require governments to consider using open source software. Supporters note that, unlike purveyors of proprietary software, there is no entity that is actively and aggressively pushing the government to use open source software. The lack of a sustained marketing push makes it difficult for open source software to get on the radar screen of government officials, or for such officials to evaluate claims made by companies selling proprietary software. To level the playing field with proprietary software vendors' salespeople and lobbyists, supporters of open source software say government officials should be required to document that they at least made a good-faith effort to consider open source software, and had defensible reasons for not adopting it.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31294/
Science Beats Geese At Their Own Game
What's the best way to flush unwanted Canada geese from golf courses, campuses, ponds, rural airfields, bike paths and city parks? Most operations officers and maintenance directors already know the litany of possible cures: bells, whistles, balloons, vinyl alligators, pop-guns, owl decoys, metallic flash tape, hound dogs and human chasers-or even motorized toy boats circling on water. Some work. Briefly. But Canada geese are territorial, and they are creatures of habit. Their natural instinct is to return to their favorite haunts hours or minutes later.
Until recently, everybody loved Canada geese, with their distinctive, majestic markings in black, white and gray. In flight, they're elegant; on land, they're regal and decorous. In the wild, Canada geese are indeed a magnificent sight. But something happened when the geese introduced themselves to populated civilization-particularly in manmade domains with large tracts of open land dotted with delightful wading pools and other enticing water features. It was as if real estate developers knew exactly what geese like and so built to suit those preferences.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31299/
Park Service Ensures High Quality Visitor Experience
National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella told House lawmakers that the Park Service budget has "more funds per employee, per acre and per visitor than at any time in its history."
Mainella testified before the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee regarding budget issues. During her testimony she touted the Service's recent accomplishments as illustrative of the successes that can be achieved when prioritizing resources.
"Our job is to manage the funds that the President has proposed and Congress has provided, to ensure that parks are open, resources are protected, and outstanding visitor services are provided. We will do that job," Mainella said.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31285/
Strong Hold
Strong Hold's production team is dedicated to providing the most durable cabinet available today. Twelve-gauge steel is sheared, formed, welded, steam-cleaned then electro-statically painted to produce a solid, strong and dependable cabinet. Our product is designed to withstand years of industrial abuse and tough treatment. Choose from a wide variety of cabinets, tables, and desks. The strongest available. http://www.strong-hold.com
News
U.S. to Expand 'Laser Visa' Port Security Program
The federal government plans to roll out the "laser visa" security program to 50 more of the busiest land ports in the country by the end of the year. Launched Jan. 5 at 115 airports and 14 seaports, the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) is a $367 million border-security program that makes use of visas with digital photographs and biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, to check the identities of foreign nationals. U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors at primary inspection stations use an inkless fingerprint scanner and digital camera to ensure that a person holding a laser visa is the same person who received it from the State Department. The checking process, which takes between 10 and 15 seconds, also includes the instantaneous tagging of biometric and biographic data to federal watch lists for the tracking of potential movements of terrorists. "US-VISIT will help Homeland Security professionals focus our people and technology on the greatest risks...improving our ability to keep our borders open, planes flying, and people safe," says Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Around 28 million visitors to the United States annually will be subjected to the laser visa checking process. The federal government plans to expand US-VISIT to all 300 ports of entry by Dec. 31, 2005.
Source: The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
EPA Considers Revising Fuel Economy Measurements
The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering changes to its testing procedures for determining gas mileage estimates. The decision came in response to a petition from the San Francisco environmental organization Bluewater Network, which says the current methods are outdated and lead to misleading fuel economy labels.
EPA fuel economy labels indicate projected annual fuel costs based upon EPA mileage figures.
According to Bluewater Network, actual fuel economy can be some 20 percent lower than what the EPA's labels suggest.
"It is unlawful for corporations to mislead the public about their products, but thanks to the EPA, car owners are paying two to three hundred dollars more every year for gas than they thought they would," said Bluewater Network Executive Director Russell Long. "We are glad the agency is finally addressing this problem."
Bluewater Network's petition, filed in June 2002, called on the agency to revise the 1985 test procedures and calculation methods it uses to determine its fuel economy value labels to more accurately reflect today's driving conditions.
The organization says the EPA's current procedures and methods are obsolete because they do not consider significant increases in urban congestion, higher average highway driving speeds, and the percentage of driving taking place in urban areas.
In its announcement, the EPA said its action will have no effect on the fuel economy standards now in place and administered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
The nation's overall fuel economy for model year 2002 was the lowest since 1980. More information and instructions for comment on the EPA"s testing procedures can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/mpg.htm#regs
. Source: Environmental News Service (ENS)
DOE Partnerships to Develop Wind Turbines
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to expand the use of wind power in the United States, and sees significant potential in areas with wind speeds that are too low to tap economically with today's wind turbines-areas with average annual wind speeds of about 13 miles per hour at a height of 10 meters (about 33 feet). To allow wind power projects in these areas, DOE is establishing 21 partnerships with public and private entities to develop low-wind-speed wind turbines. The program includes conceptual design studies and the development of both turbine components and complete wind turbines, and DOE expects the total investment in the partnerships to total $60 million over the next four years. DOE announced the partnerships on March 29th at the wind industry's Global Windpower 2004 Conference in Chicago.
Image Library Project Progresses
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a key player in the U.S. campaign to control exports of commercial products that are also needed for the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. As part of this campaign, NNSA is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security's Bureaus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to assist the U.S. to identify and intercept WMD-related exports before they reach the hands of problem countries or terrorist organizations.
The project announced represents an important new advance, bringing virtual WMD expertise to front-line organizations through use of an export control image database. The project will join New Mexico Software, Inc. with NNSA's Kansas City Plant in developing a library and reference center of commodity images and information needed by government entities involved in enforcing export controls.
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28525/
Links
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
MSA offers a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments on GSA. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://www.gsaadvantage.gov or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog. >
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://www.fargo.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://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Strong Hold
This Week Open Source: a Good Fit for Government? Geese Got You Down? Laser Visa Program Expanded Park Service Promises Perfect Visits EPA Reconsiders Gas Mileage Estimates The Answer is Blowing in the Breeze News of The Weird
Features
Open Source Software Advocates Press for Government Consideration
Advocates of open source software, such as the popular Linux operating system, lately have pursued a new strategy to further accelerate its adoption. The tactics include a push for laws that require governments to at least consider open source software when making decisions on what software to use. Some have proposed laws that go as far as mandating the use of open source software by governments unless the only reasonable solution available is proprietary software.
While opponents protest that government regulations are merely "affirmative action for open source," supporters cite numerous rationales for laws that require governments to consider using open source software. Supporters note that, unlike purveyors of proprietary software, there is no entity that is actively and aggressively pushing the government to use open source software. The lack of a sustained marketing push makes it difficult for open source software to get on the radar screen of government officials, or for such officials to evaluate claims made by companies selling proprietary software. To level the playing field with proprietary software vendors' salespeople and lobbyists, supporters of open source software say government officials should be required to document that they at least made a good-faith effort to consider open source software, and had defensible reasons for not adopting it.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31294/
Science Beats Geese At Their Own Game
What's the best way to flush unwanted Canada geese from golf courses, campuses, ponds, rural airfields, bike paths and city parks? Most operations officers and maintenance directors already know the litany of possible cures: bells, whistles, balloons, vinyl alligators, pop-guns, owl decoys, metallic flash tape, hound dogs and human chasers-or even motorized toy boats circling on water. Some work. Briefly. But Canada geese are territorial, and they are creatures of habit. Their natural instinct is to return to their favorite haunts hours or minutes later.
Until recently, everybody loved Canada geese, with their distinctive, majestic markings in black, white and gray. In flight, they're elegant; on land, they're regal and decorous. In the wild, Canada geese are indeed a magnificent sight. But something happened when the geese introduced themselves to populated civilization-particularly in manmade domains with large tracts of open land dotted with delightful wading pools and other enticing water features. It was as if real estate developers knew exactly what geese like and so built to suit those preferences.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31299/
Park Service Ensures High Quality Visitor Experience
National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella told House lawmakers that the Park Service budget has "more funds per employee, per acre and per visitor than at any time in its history."
Mainella testified before the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee regarding budget issues. During her testimony she touted the Service's recent accomplishments as illustrative of the successes that can be achieved when prioritizing resources.
"Our job is to manage the funds that the President has proposed and Congress has provided, to ensure that parks are open, resources are protected, and outstanding visitor services are provided. We will do that job," Mainella said.
For full text, visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/31285/
Strong Hold
Strong Hold's production team is dedicated to providing the most durable cabinet available today. Twelve-gauge steel is sheared, formed, welded, steam-cleaned then electro-statically painted to produce a solid, strong and dependable cabinet. Our product is designed to withstand years of industrial abuse and tough treatment. Choose from a wide variety of cabinets, tables, and desks. The strongest available. http://www.strong-hold.com
News
U.S. to Expand 'Laser Visa' Port Security Program
The federal government plans to roll out the "laser visa" security program to 50 more of the busiest land ports in the country by the end of the year. Launched Jan. 5 at 115 airports and 14 seaports, the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) is a $367 million border-security program that makes use of visas with digital photographs and biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, to check the identities of foreign nationals. U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors at primary inspection stations use an inkless fingerprint scanner and digital camera to ensure that a person holding a laser visa is the same person who received it from the State Department. The checking process, which takes between 10 and 15 seconds, also includes the instantaneous tagging of biometric and biographic data to federal watch lists for the tracking of potential movements of terrorists. "US-VISIT will help Homeland Security professionals focus our people and technology on the greatest risks...improving our ability to keep our borders open, planes flying, and people safe," says Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Around 28 million visitors to the United States annually will be subjected to the laser visa checking process. The federal government plans to expand US-VISIT to all 300 ports of entry by Dec. 31, 2005.
Source: The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
EPA Considers Revising Fuel Economy Measurements
The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering changes to its testing procedures for determining gas mileage estimates. The decision came in response to a petition from the San Francisco environmental organization Bluewater Network, which says the current methods are outdated and lead to misleading fuel economy labels.
EPA fuel economy labels indicate projected annual fuel costs based upon EPA mileage figures.
According to Bluewater Network, actual fuel economy can be some 20 percent lower than what the EPA's labels suggest.
"It is unlawful for corporations to mislead the public about their products, but thanks to the EPA, car owners are paying two to three hundred dollars more every year for gas than they thought they would," said Bluewater Network Executive Director Russell Long. "We are glad the agency is finally addressing this problem."
Bluewater Network's petition, filed in June 2002, called on the agency to revise the 1985 test procedures and calculation methods it uses to determine its fuel economy value labels to more accurately reflect today's driving conditions.
The organization says the EPA's current procedures and methods are obsolete because they do not consider significant increases in urban congestion, higher average highway driving speeds, and the percentage of driving taking place in urban areas.
In its announcement, the EPA said its action will have no effect on the fuel economy standards now in place and administered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
The nation's overall fuel economy for model year 2002 was the lowest since 1980. More information and instructions for comment on the EPA"s testing procedures can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/mpg.htm#regs
. Source: Environmental News Service (ENS)
DOE Partnerships to Develop Wind Turbines
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to expand the use of wind power in the United States, and sees significant potential in areas with wind speeds that are too low to tap economically with today's wind turbines-areas with average annual wind speeds of about 13 miles per hour at a height of 10 meters (about 33 feet). To allow wind power projects in these areas, DOE is establishing 21 partnerships with public and private entities to develop low-wind-speed wind turbines. The program includes conceptual design studies and the development of both turbine components and complete wind turbines, and DOE expects the total investment in the partnerships to total $60 million over the next four years. DOE announced the partnerships on March 29th at the wind industry's Global Windpower 2004 Conference in Chicago.
Image Library Project Progresses
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a key player in the U.S. campaign to control exports of commercial products that are also needed for the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. As part of this campaign, NNSA is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security's Bureaus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to assist the U.S. to identify and intercept WMD-related exports before they reach the hands of problem countries or terrorist organizations.
The project announced represents an important new advance, bringing virtual WMD expertise to front-line organizations through use of an export control image database. The project will join New Mexico Software, Inc. with NNSA's Kansas City Plant in developing a library and reference center of commodity images and information needed by government entities involved in enforcing export controls.
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28525/
Links
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
MSA offers a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments on GSA. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://www.gsaadvantage.gov or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog. >
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://www.fargo.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://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
