2012 IT outlook in local governments
American City & County and the Public Technology Institute surveyed a broad base of subscribers to determine the state of IT among local governments across the nation. The response rate was healthy, with 68.2 percent coming from municipalities and 25.1 percent from counties. Given the ever-changing IT environment, we asked a series of questions about new trends, including cloud computing, app development, and mobile device ownership and use....
Searching for products? Sources for governments to find what they need
One reliable tool that helps government buyers, specifiers and managers find what they need is the Govpro.com site. The ThomasNet site is another source for public purchasers seeking information on products....
Laptops boost efficiency of deputies in Los Angeles County (with related video)
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) vehicles are now equipped with mobile data computer systems (MDCS) from Raytheon Co. LASD patrol cars, motorcycles, prisoner transport units, command vehicles and SUVs have been outfitted with the Raytheon-integrated computer systems. The $19.9 million technology upgrade replaces the 1987-era mobile digital technology previously used by the sheriff’s department....
Nissan NV commercial van serves government fleet needs (with related video)
The first entry in Nissan North America’s commercial vehicle lineup in North America is the 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van). The rear-wheel-drive NV is available in three models, NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD, and in two roof configurations — standard and high roof....
Grounds maintenance: Preparing mowers for cold weather
Here are some winterization tips for Grasshopper mowers provided by Grasshopper Co. The tips can help ensure that grounds maintenance departments’ mower fleets will be ready to start next spring....
State and local governments have key role in Obama $4 billion energy efficiency program
In early December, the White House announced nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next two years. The investments, part of the president’s Better Building Initiative (BBI), aim to reduce energy costs, help the U.S. gain energy independence, and, according to some estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the depressed construction sector. One participant is Bob Hinkle, CEO of Metrus Energy....
App speeds extrication at MVA scene
Widespread smartphone and tablet adoption continues to drive the demand for mobile applications, for both consumers and first responders in the field who must perform myriad tasks. What’s exciting about the development for the fire service is that firefighters often are the inventors of many apps now available on the market for all-hazards response....
GSA weighs in on the White House’s $4 billion energy efficiency program for buildings
Earlier this month, the president announced nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next two years. U.S. General Services Administrator Martha Johnson said the president’s building initiative will improve the energy efficiency of the federal building portfolio. ...
This weekend: Software developers hack for government
At least 50 software developers from the San Francisco Bay area will gather this weekend to develop open government data software applications. The participants, who will compete for cash prizes at the event, will create apps based off of open government data, and the apps will be made available online for anyone to use....
GIS tool helps Golden State city win planning grant
Fullerton, Calif. has landed $270,000 in California Department of Transportation planning funding, thanks to a geographic information system (GIS) that provided key answers for the grant application. Esri Community Analyst, a cloud-based GIS from Esri, produced reports and supplied data that were needed to fill out the application. ...
Defending lawns against winter weeds—identifying and controlling them
It would be nice to think that after struggling with weeds all summer, the fall and winter would provide a well-deserved break from the concerns of weed control. However, winter weeds begin their life cycle in the late summer through the early fall (when daytime temperatures are in the 70s), grow during the winter and die in the late spring or early summer....
Local governments paid slightly higher prices in November
Last month, the overall costs of goods and services purchased by local governments increased 0.3 percent, according to American City & County’s Municipal Cost Index. The November 2011 Municipal Cost Index value of 224.2 is 4.9 percent higher than last year. ...
NIGP has resources if a procurement requires product specifications data
Public procurement professionals should not hesitate to consult the specification resources at the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), says Darin Matthews. ...
Opinion: eProcurement technology assists public purchasers in helping solve government budget challenges
This fall, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and Deltek announced surprising results of a survey that revealed insights into the state of procurement organizations in the public sector. The survey targeted the heads of procurement in city, county and state governments, as well as public universities and K-12 district schools, and found that 22 percent of those surveyed (including larger entities) do not use procurement software of any kind....
It’s time to order holiday flowers for the government office
What’s the best-selling holiday plant for government offices? It’s the Premier Poinsettia, according to OfficeScapesDirect. The company supplies designer-quality silk flowers, plants and trees for business interiors, and commercial and government spaces....
Federal safety agency making progress as it analyzes firefighter exposure to toxins (with related video)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has provided a status update on its long-term firefighter cancer study, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Cancer Institute. The goal of the study is to determine whether firefighters have a higher risk of cancer and other illness due to on-the-job toxin exposure....
Indy airport installs vehicle charging stations
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers using the Indianapolis International Airport now have a convenient way to ensure a fully charged ride home, with the installation of three GE Energy EV charging stations in the airport parking garage....
Central Michigan University offers MPA degree courses at a variety of U.S. locations
As part of our series on Master's of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs and their value to government administrators, Govpro.com looked into the MPA degree offerings of Central Michigan University. ...
Government groups oppose reductions in Community Development Block Grants
Local government officials are voicing outrage at cuts to the Community Development Block Grant program that were included in the “minibus” appropriations bill for fiscal year 2012 recently signed by President Obama....
Fleets: get an all-electric van for the cost of a diesel-powered commercial model
The Green for Free program aims to make all-electric vehicles more affordable to fleets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. and Enova Systems have launched the initiative, which allows fleet managers to purchase all-electric vehicles for the cost of diesel-powered units....
Government workers: beware of the Hatch Act
The founders of the FedSmith.com federal workplace portal have shared their opinions on several topics with Govpro.com. In Part 4, Ralph Smith describes the comments readers post on the portal about salaries, benefits and campaigning....
Flurry of price increases announced
Manufacturers and providers of services have recently announced price hikes on products, materials and services. West Chester, Ohio-based AK Steel recently announced that it will increase current spot market base prices for all carbon flat-rolled steel products by $50 per ton, effective immediately with new orders....
It’s on to the House after Senate votes to repeal 3 percent withholding provision
By a vote of 95-0, the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation to repeal a federal mandate that would have required federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent of certain payments to contractors and other vendors who do business with the government. ...
Looking for an online MPA degree? At Post University, it’s totally online
Here is a brief introduction to the online MPA degree program at Post University. It is part of Govpro.com's series on Master's of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs and their value to government administrators....
Survey measures current needs and resources of fire departments in each state
The National Fire Protection Association released a state-by-state fire service needs assessment based on findings from its "Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service," a study that looked at the current needs of U.S. fire departments compared to the findings of its 2001 and 2005 studies. ...
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