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July 27, 2004
USDA Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants
Tuesday, July 27, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 29
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 Meyer Products
This Week USDA Funds Available for Rural Fire and Rescue Fewer Tax Hikes Balance State Books E-gov Spending on the Rise Safety Group Questions Protocol, Raises Call to Action EPA Purchasing Guidelines Open for Comment Town Hall Virtually Spotlights WOBs Greening the Government News of The Weird
Features
USDA Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office administers programs designed to develop essential community facilities for publicuse in rural areas. These facilities include fire and rescue stations, police stations, jails, and other public safety services.
There are three flexible financial tools available to rural communities: the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program.
Funds from these programs may be used by rural agencies to purchase equipment and services.
This year the USDA has established a First Responder Initiative which will prioritize the funding of at least $100 million to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. The following types of projects are emphasized through this initiative:
Fire Protection Equipment Fire Station Fire Trucks Rescue and Ambulance Service - Equipment Emergency Response Training Physicians Clinic Early Storm Warning System County Health Department Office Food Preparation Distribution Center Animal Shelter Veterinarians Education Facilities for Emergency Police Station Police Car Civil Defense Building Hospital Outpatient Care Office Building (Health Care) Migrant Health Centers Communications Center Mobile Communications Center
To see a list of loans and grants already obligated to first responders, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ6B0Av
How to Apply
All applications are filed with the USDA RuralDevelopment field offices. To find the nearest USDARural Development field office, please visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ6C0Aw
or contact the Rural Housing Service National Office at 202-720-4323.
States Need Fewer Tax Hikes to Stay in the Black
States' fiscal nightmare of the past four years appears to be ending. Fewer states had to raise taxes and fees in 2004 than last year to balance their books, according to a July 20 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonpartisan group of legislators meeting in Salt Lake City last week.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5l0Ac
Sponsor Message
Meyer Products Inc. offers a complete line of snowplows from 6-ft. to 10-ft. featuring the latest in design and technology. Models are available in steel or polyethylene providing extra strength along with efficient snow-rolling action. Choose either the EZ-Mount Classic, EZ-Mount Plus or the EZ-Mount Xpress for the easiest way to attach or detach the snowplow. Meyer also offers a complete line of spreaders and a network of over 300 locations for sales and service. Professional snow & ice control equipment for professionals! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BGjj0AQ
State and Local E-Gov Spending to Double by 2008
The state and local market for e-government products and services will reverse its dramatically declining growth trend in 2005 and more than double 2004 spending levels by 2008. For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5m0Ad
Comtec
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. For more information, call: 1-800-445-5148, e-mail: info@comtecindustries.com, or visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1O0A4
News
APCO Launches Call To Action
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International launched a Call to Action on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) asking members of the public safety communications community to help ensure that the needs and concerns of our telecommunicators and their agencies are considered in future congressional action on this issue.
In April, Rep. Charles Pickering (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) introduced the "VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004" in their respective chambers. As stated in the text of the bill, the purpose of the Act is "to provide a clear and unambiguous structure for the jurisdictional and regulatory treatment for the offering or provision of Voice over Internet Protocol applications, and for other purposes." In its current form, the bill provides for the establishment of "voluntary" standards for VoIP E9-1-1 services. For more information on this Call to Action visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5n0Ae
EPA Announces Public Comment Period Purchasing Guides
The EPA recently published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability for public review and comment of four draft Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Guides. These guides provide information to procurement officials for making EPP decisions that can help protect human health and the environment. They include the following products and services: (1) Carpets (2) Cleaning Products (3) Copiers and (4) Meetings and Conferences.
EPA is providing a 60-day public comment period that will end August 30, 2004. Interested parties should go to http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5o0Af to submit or view public comments. These non-mandatory preference guidelines are focused on federal buyers and buyers who use federal funds. The guidelines provide various sources for additional information on these products and services provide best practices and provide technical solicitation documents. The guides are available on EPA's EPP Web site. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5p0Ag
Biodiesel Plays Role in Government Environmental Stewardship Efforts
The Closing the Circle Awards program was established by Executive Order 13101, "Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling and Federal Acquisition." The order has expanded and strengthened the Federal government's commitment to waste prevention, recycling and buying recycled content and environmentally preferable products and services, including biobased products. The Awards recognize government agency's and their employee's efforts to have a positive impact on the environment. One of the winners, Fort Bragg, NC, and one of the honorable mention recipients, Coast Guard Air Station, Cape Cod, MA, were recognized in the Environmental Management Systems Division for use of biodiesel.
Fort Bragg used about 8,000 gallons of B20 (20% biodiesel/80% diesel) in 15 pieces of off-road equipment in fiscal year 2003. The Coast Guard Air Station has been using B20 for about one year. They use approximately 5,000-8,000 gallons a year in all their diesel equipment - about 40 pieces in all including fuel trucks, tow tractors (mules), dump trucks and generators.
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5q0Ah
Event
Women's Virtual Town Hall Meeting to Cover Federal Procurement Markets
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce and the National Women's Lobby will host the first-ever National Women's Town Hall Thursday, July 29, 2004, bringing together women business owners and economic development professionals across the country for a hands-on session designed to help WOBs compete effectively in federal procurement markets. Discussion will center on the Women's Federal Procurement Program, a program critical to the financial success of women working to secure federal contracting dollars. The free online Town Hall begins at 11 a.m. (EST), and is scheduled to last one hour. To register, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5r0Ai
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1M0A2
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. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5s0Aj
Offering interior and exterior signage, and complete wayfinding and installation services, 2/90 Sign Systems is your total signage solution. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5t0Ak
Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) is based in Minneapolis and is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer world. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5u0Al
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1N0A3
Spacesaver offers cost-effective, space-efficient, value-added solutions for all your storage needs - files, tools, equipment, weapons and more. For a case study on weapons and mobility bag storage, visit: http://www.spacesaver.com/promos/gov_offer.html?trcmp=SPC-CE9901353209
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5w0An
DENIOS manufactures Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment. 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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5x0Ao
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1S0A8
Swenson Spreader provides Snow and Ice Control equipment designed to minimize downtime, increase productivity and most importantly - improve your bottom line. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJrl0Ad
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
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 Meyer Products
This Week USDA Funds Available for Rural Fire and Rescue Fewer Tax Hikes Balance State Books E-gov Spending on the Rise Safety Group Questions Protocol, Raises Call to Action EPA Purchasing Guidelines Open for Comment Town Hall Virtually Spotlights WOBs Greening the Government News of The Weird
Features
USDA Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development office administers programs designed to develop essential community facilities for publicuse in rural areas. These facilities include fire and rescue stations, police stations, jails, and other public safety services.
There are three flexible financial tools available to rural communities: the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program.
Funds from these programs may be used by rural agencies to purchase equipment and services.
This year the USDA has established a First Responder Initiative which will prioritize the funding of at least $100 million to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. The following types of projects are emphasized through this initiative:
Fire Protection Equipment Fire Station Fire Trucks Rescue and Ambulance Service - Equipment Emergency Response Training Physicians Clinic Early Storm Warning System County Health Department Office Food Preparation Distribution Center Animal Shelter Veterinarians Education Facilities for Emergency Police Station Police Car Civil Defense Building Hospital Outpatient Care Office Building (Health Care) Migrant Health Centers Communications Center Mobile Communications Center
To see a list of loans and grants already obligated to first responders, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ6B0Av
How to Apply
All applications are filed with the USDA RuralDevelopment field offices. To find the nearest USDARural Development field office, please visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ6C0Aw
or contact the Rural Housing Service National Office at 202-720-4323.
States Need Fewer Tax Hikes to Stay in the Black
States' fiscal nightmare of the past four years appears to be ending. Fewer states had to raise taxes and fees in 2004 than last year to balance their books, according to a July 20 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonpartisan group of legislators meeting in Salt Lake City last week.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5l0Ac
Sponsor Message
Meyer Products Inc. offers a complete line of snowplows from 6-ft. to 10-ft. featuring the latest in design and technology. Models are available in steel or polyethylene providing extra strength along with efficient snow-rolling action. Choose either the EZ-Mount Classic, EZ-Mount Plus or the EZ-Mount Xpress for the easiest way to attach or detach the snowplow. Meyer also offers a complete line of spreaders and a network of over 300 locations for sales and service. Professional snow & ice control equipment for professionals! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BGjj0AQ
State and Local E-Gov Spending to Double by 2008
The state and local market for e-government products and services will reverse its dramatically declining growth trend in 2005 and more than double 2004 spending levels by 2008. For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5m0Ad
Comtec
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. For more information, call: 1-800-445-5148, e-mail: info@comtecindustries.com, or visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1O0A4
News
APCO Launches Call To Action
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International launched a Call to Action on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) asking members of the public safety communications community to help ensure that the needs and concerns of our telecommunicators and their agencies are considered in future congressional action on this issue.
In April, Rep. Charles Pickering (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) introduced the "VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004" in their respective chambers. As stated in the text of the bill, the purpose of the Act is "to provide a clear and unambiguous structure for the jurisdictional and regulatory treatment for the offering or provision of Voice over Internet Protocol applications, and for other purposes." In its current form, the bill provides for the establishment of "voluntary" standards for VoIP E9-1-1 services. For more information on this Call to Action visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5n0Ae
EPA Announces Public Comment Period Purchasing Guides
The EPA recently published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability for public review and comment of four draft Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Guides. These guides provide information to procurement officials for making EPP decisions that can help protect human health and the environment. They include the following products and services: (1) Carpets (2) Cleaning Products (3) Copiers and (4) Meetings and Conferences.
EPA is providing a 60-day public comment period that will end August 30, 2004. Interested parties should go to http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5o0Af to submit or view public comments. These non-mandatory preference guidelines are focused on federal buyers and buyers who use federal funds. The guidelines provide various sources for additional information on these products and services provide best practices and provide technical solicitation documents. The guides are available on EPA's EPP Web site. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5p0Ag
Biodiesel Plays Role in Government Environmental Stewardship Efforts
The Closing the Circle Awards program was established by Executive Order 13101, "Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling and Federal Acquisition." The order has expanded and strengthened the Federal government's commitment to waste prevention, recycling and buying recycled content and environmentally preferable products and services, including biobased products. The Awards recognize government agency's and their employee's efforts to have a positive impact on the environment. One of the winners, Fort Bragg, NC, and one of the honorable mention recipients, Coast Guard Air Station, Cape Cod, MA, were recognized in the Environmental Management Systems Division for use of biodiesel.
Fort Bragg used about 8,000 gallons of B20 (20% biodiesel/80% diesel) in 15 pieces of off-road equipment in fiscal year 2003. The Coast Guard Air Station has been using B20 for about one year. They use approximately 5,000-8,000 gallons a year in all their diesel equipment - about 40 pieces in all including fuel trucks, tow tractors (mules), dump trucks and generators.
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5q0Ah
Event
Women's Virtual Town Hall Meeting to Cover Federal Procurement Markets
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce and the National Women's Lobby will host the first-ever National Women's Town Hall Thursday, July 29, 2004, bringing together women business owners and economic development professionals across the country for a hands-on session designed to help WOBs compete effectively in federal procurement markets. Discussion will center on the Women's Federal Procurement Program, a program critical to the financial success of women working to secure federal contracting dollars. The free online Town Hall begins at 11 a.m. (EST), and is scheduled to last one hour. To register, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5r0Ai
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1M0A2
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. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5s0Aj
Offering interior and exterior signage, and complete wayfinding and installation services, 2/90 Sign Systems is your total signage solution. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5t0Ak
Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) is based in Minneapolis and is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer world. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5u0Al
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1N0A3
Spacesaver offers cost-effective, space-efficient, value-added solutions for all your storage needs - files, tools, equipment, weapons and more. For a case study on weapons and mobility bag storage, visit: http://www.spacesaver.com/promos/gov_offer.html?trcmp=SPC-CE9901353209
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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5w0An
DENIOS manufactures Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment. 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/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ5x0Ao
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJ1S0A8
Swenson Spreader provides Snow and Ice Control equipment designed to minimize downtime, increase productivity and most importantly - improve your bottom line. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/egoR0D8eaH0JQA0BJrl0Ad
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
