`
July 6, 2004
New State Laws Take Effect
Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 26
The weekly GovPro Newsletter is produced by the editors of Government Product News and Government Procurement Journal.
Visit: http://www.govpro.com a news-, product-, and issue-driven site for all levels of government.
Sponsored by Denios
This Week States Enact New Laws Digital LMRs in Everyones Future Be Prepared for Bid Protests Program Assesses Risks for Large Crowds Interoperable on Some Levels News of The Weird
Features
New State Laws Take Effect
The beginning of the new budget year means no more talking on cell phones while driving in New Jersey, the start of Sunday liquor sales in Ohio, and Colorado's dangerous dogs must wear microchips.
As of July 1, hundreds of new laws took effect that change people's daily lives, from where they can light up a cigarette to how much cold medicine they can buy at once.
New Jersey became the second state, after New York, to outlaw handheld cell phones while driving. Violators could pay a fine of up to $250. Ohio joins more than half the states in permitting liquor sales on Sundays, a sign that Prohibition-era restrictions continue to evaporate. Colorado dogs that have caused serious injury or show such tendencies must have microchips implanted at the owner's expense to permanently identify them. A state registry will track microchip placements.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgc0Az
Digital Two-Way Radios Address Interoperability Dilemma
Federal agencies that use two-way land mobile radio (LMR) systems, once commonly known as "walkie-talkies," are under a mandate by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Based on the mandate, federal agencies must migrate to new digital equipment by 2005. In turn, a growing number of state and local agencies are expected to follow suit in the near future.
Digital technology will enable greater spectrum efficiency, making room for more radio users with less interference between users and channels.
These advantages are likewise required by the public-safety radio technical standard, known as APCO Project 25 (or P25 for short), accepted by the FCC as compliant with its mandate. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International, Inc. (APCO) is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public-safety communications. APCO Project 25 is a joint effort of U.S. federal, state, and local governments, with support from the U.S. Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). State government is represented by the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD) and local government by APCO.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgd0A1
Sponsor Message
DENIOS manufactures the broadest selection of Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment available. Systems provide safe, compliant, and efficient storage of flammables, corrosives and other hazardous chemicals or materials. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJge0A2
Meeting Bid Protests Head-On
Why do vendors protest a bid award? According to Robin Rickard, CPPO, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for the Secretary of State of Oregon, and former CPO for the Oregon Department of Transportation, vendors protest because they can.
Most state and local entities, Rickard explains, subscribe to the suggested statutory provisions in the Model Procurement Code (MPC) for State and Local Governments, first published in February 1979, and revised in April 1986, by the American Bar Association. "MPC is a fairly solid foundational process," he says.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgf0A3
News
Risk Assessment Program to Prepare Large-Crowd Venues
The newly formed partnership between a terrorism risk assessment organization and a sports and entertainment risk management company aims to help make sports and entertainment venues safer and more prepared to handle an emergency. The R4 initiative, a new risk assessment program developed exclusively for the sports and entertainment industry, will assess the ability of such venues to protect against or respond to a mass casualty incident.
The R4 initiative was developed by terrorism risk assessor Critical Incident Solutions (CIS) and Roanoke, IN-based American Specialty, provider of insurance and risk management services for the sports and entertainment industry. The R4 program incorporates best practices from the military, federal government, and the sports and entertainment industry.
The R4 program offers a comprehensive assessment of the four R's of large-crowd exposure management - Risk, Readiness, Response, and Recovery. It provides specific recommendations to protect against crises.
The R4 assessment is conducted by CIS and American Specialty experts in Sports/Entertainment risk management, venue operations, emergency response, security and counterterrorism. Critical Incident Solutions is a homeland security threat assessor that focuses on empowering city and county and business authorities during disasters, allowing them to be more proactively prepared to safely evacuate and respond during an emergency. More information can be accessed at http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgg0A4
Interoperability: Good Locally, Bad on a Bigger Scale
A new report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors states that 77 percent of U.S. cities say their police and fire departments have interoperable communication capabilities. The report also says 74 percent of localities can communicate easily with nearby first responder agencies, but some communication problems with state and federal agencies still exist. According to the report, 88 percent of respondents lacked interoperable communications with federal homeland security agencies, and 83 percent do not have interoperability with Justice Department agencies; 49 percent to 60 percent of cities do not have interoperability with state agencies including the police and emergency management offices. Most do not have interoperability among critical infrastructures, and an accompanying homeland security report said 52 percent of 231 cities had not received homeland security funds. Estimates to install an interoperable communications infrastructure for a city of 100,000 people average $4.7 million, while the estimate for a city of 400,000 averages $30 million. "The results of this survey underscore the role financial resources play in disaster response preparation," says Mayor David Wallace of Sugar Land, TX, who is the conference's homeland security task force co-chairman. Source: the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgh0A5
Links
Why spend taxpayer money on two or more machines when one machine will do? Bobcat presents the Toolcat(TM) 5600 -- built to handle many jobs with a wide choice of attachments! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BHd20A6
BioFit(R) Engineered Products offers ergonomic office and drafting chairs covered in GSA Contract No. GS-28F-5839A and Department of Veteran Affairs Contract No. V797P-4196A. These chairs provide comfort, support and easy adjustability. bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BInu0AP
http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi- Did you know Comtec manufactures solid plastic toilet partitions and Tufftec lockers of the same HDPE? These non-absorbent, odor and mildew resistant products are virtually maintenance free making them perfect partners for any high traffic area while saving you money in the long run. Call 1-800-445-5148 or email info@comtecindustries.com for more information; http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgi0A6
Fire alarm and detection. Sprinklers and suppression. Integrated security. Building and healthcare communications. SimplexGrinnell offers best-in-class systems and services, easily accessible through the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BInx0AS or call 1-800-SIMPLEX.
Lyon Workspace Products is your single source for GSA-Certified lockers, modular drawer cabinets, racks, shelving, shop furniture and related storage products. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJYb0Ak
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgj0A7
MSA offers a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments on GSA. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgk0A8 or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog.
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgl0AA
Cardiac Science-combines industry leading AED technology with comprehensive AED/CPR training programs to create a heartsafe environment for you. The new Powerheart Automated External Defibrillator (AED) G3 offers simple, one-button operation. Featuring RescueReady technology guaranteeing first time, every time shock delivery. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgm0AB
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
******************************************************
If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter for government professionals send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Subscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
If you would like to unsubscribe to the GovPro newsletter send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Unsubscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
The weekly GovPro Newsletter is produced by the editors of Government Product News and Government Procurement Journal.
Visit: http://www.govpro.com a news-, product-, and issue-driven site for all levels of government.
Sponsored by Denios
This Week States Enact New Laws Digital LMRs in Everyones Future Be Prepared for Bid Protests Program Assesses Risks for Large Crowds Interoperable on Some Levels News of The Weird
Features
New State Laws Take Effect
The beginning of the new budget year means no more talking on cell phones while driving in New Jersey, the start of Sunday liquor sales in Ohio, and Colorado's dangerous dogs must wear microchips.
As of July 1, hundreds of new laws took effect that change people's daily lives, from where they can light up a cigarette to how much cold medicine they can buy at once.
New Jersey became the second state, after New York, to outlaw handheld cell phones while driving. Violators could pay a fine of up to $250. Ohio joins more than half the states in permitting liquor sales on Sundays, a sign that Prohibition-era restrictions continue to evaporate. Colorado dogs that have caused serious injury or show such tendencies must have microchips implanted at the owner's expense to permanently identify them. A state registry will track microchip placements.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgc0Az
Digital Two-Way Radios Address Interoperability Dilemma
Federal agencies that use two-way land mobile radio (LMR) systems, once commonly known as "walkie-talkies," are under a mandate by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Based on the mandate, federal agencies must migrate to new digital equipment by 2005. In turn, a growing number of state and local agencies are expected to follow suit in the near future.
Digital technology will enable greater spectrum efficiency, making room for more radio users with less interference between users and channels.
These advantages are likewise required by the public-safety radio technical standard, known as APCO Project 25 (or P25 for short), accepted by the FCC as compliant with its mandate. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International, Inc. (APCO) is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public-safety communications. APCO Project 25 is a joint effort of U.S. federal, state, and local governments, with support from the U.S. Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). State government is represented by the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD) and local government by APCO.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgd0A1
Sponsor Message
DENIOS manufactures the broadest selection of Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment available. Systems provide safe, compliant, and efficient storage of flammables, corrosives and other hazardous chemicals or materials. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJge0A2
Meeting Bid Protests Head-On
Why do vendors protest a bid award? According to Robin Rickard, CPPO, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for the Secretary of State of Oregon, and former CPO for the Oregon Department of Transportation, vendors protest because they can.
Most state and local entities, Rickard explains, subscribe to the suggested statutory provisions in the Model Procurement Code (MPC) for State and Local Governments, first published in February 1979, and revised in April 1986, by the American Bar Association. "MPC is a fairly solid foundational process," he says.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgf0A3
News
Risk Assessment Program to Prepare Large-Crowd Venues
The newly formed partnership between a terrorism risk assessment organization and a sports and entertainment risk management company aims to help make sports and entertainment venues safer and more prepared to handle an emergency. The R4 initiative, a new risk assessment program developed exclusively for the sports and entertainment industry, will assess the ability of such venues to protect against or respond to a mass casualty incident.
The R4 initiative was developed by terrorism risk assessor Critical Incident Solutions (CIS) and Roanoke, IN-based American Specialty, provider of insurance and risk management services for the sports and entertainment industry. The R4 program incorporates best practices from the military, federal government, and the sports and entertainment industry.
The R4 program offers a comprehensive assessment of the four R's of large-crowd exposure management - Risk, Readiness, Response, and Recovery. It provides specific recommendations to protect against crises.
The R4 assessment is conducted by CIS and American Specialty experts in Sports/Entertainment risk management, venue operations, emergency response, security and counterterrorism. Critical Incident Solutions is a homeland security threat assessor that focuses on empowering city and county and business authorities during disasters, allowing them to be more proactively prepared to safely evacuate and respond during an emergency. More information can be accessed at http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgg0A4
Interoperability: Good Locally, Bad on a Bigger Scale
A new report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors states that 77 percent of U.S. cities say their police and fire departments have interoperable communication capabilities. The report also says 74 percent of localities can communicate easily with nearby first responder agencies, but some communication problems with state and federal agencies still exist. According to the report, 88 percent of respondents lacked interoperable communications with federal homeland security agencies, and 83 percent do not have interoperability with Justice Department agencies; 49 percent to 60 percent of cities do not have interoperability with state agencies including the police and emergency management offices. Most do not have interoperability among critical infrastructures, and an accompanying homeland security report said 52 percent of 231 cities had not received homeland security funds. Estimates to install an interoperable communications infrastructure for a city of 100,000 people average $4.7 million, while the estimate for a city of 400,000 averages $30 million. "The results of this survey underscore the role financial resources play in disaster response preparation," says Mayor David Wallace of Sugar Land, TX, who is the conference's homeland security task force co-chairman. Source: the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgh0A5
Links
Why spend taxpayer money on two or more machines when one machine will do? Bobcat presents the Toolcat(TM) 5600 -- built to handle many jobs with a wide choice of attachments! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BHd20A6
BioFit(R) Engineered Products offers ergonomic office and drafting chairs covered in GSA Contract No. GS-28F-5839A and Department of Veteran Affairs Contract No. V797P-4196A. These chairs provide comfort, support and easy adjustability. bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BInu0AP
http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi- Did you know Comtec manufactures solid plastic toilet partitions and Tufftec lockers of the same HDPE? These non-absorbent, odor and mildew resistant products are virtually maintenance free making them perfect partners for any high traffic area while saving you money in the long run. Call 1-800-445-5148 or email info@comtecindustries.com for more information; http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgi0A6
Fire alarm and detection. Sprinklers and suppression. Integrated security. Building and healthcare communications. SimplexGrinnell offers best-in-class systems and services, easily accessible through the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BInx0AS or call 1-800-SIMPLEX.
Lyon Workspace Products is your single source for GSA-Certified lockers, modular drawer cabinets, racks, shelving, shop furniture and related storage products. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJYb0Ak
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgj0A7
MSA offers a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments on GSA. Visit GSA Advantage!, http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgk0A8 or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog.
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgl0AA
Cardiac Science-combines industry leading AED technology with comprehensive AED/CPR training programs to create a heartsafe environment for you. The new Powerheart Automated External Defibrillator (AED) G3 offers simple, one-button operation. Featuring RescueReady technology guaranteeing first time, every time shock delivery. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egaN0D8eaH0JQA0BJgm0AB
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
******************************************************
If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter for government professionals send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Subscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
If you would like to unsubscribe to the GovPro newsletter send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Unsubscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
