Consortiums will be likely winners of broadband stimulus funding
Government groups or non-profit consortiums that bring private companies and government entities together may be the big winners when broadband stimulus awards are announced in early November....
NIST, USFA Launch SCBA Study
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have started a research study to examine the enhancement of thermal performance of SCBA face pieces to increase the protection of firefighters. ...
NACo reports on LED light efficiency tests
The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), in traffic signals has become popular among local governments as a means to save energy in recent years. Now, several counties are testing how effective the lights would be for street lighting, according to an article from the Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo)....
The SeaArk companies mark 50 years of boat building
This September, the McClendon family will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Monticello, Ark.-based SeaArk Marine boat builders....
Movers and Shakers
New assignments and promotions at Woolrich Outdoor Clothing Co., Hino Trucks, Danfoss Drives, and Parsons Brinckerhoff....
New technology, stimulus funding help revive municipal broadband
Municipal broadband often brings up negative connotations thanks to the failures of some very large muni-Wi-Fi programs in 2008. However, some communities have found that broadband networks can save them money by using them as their primary network for multiple city departments. In fact, technology enhancements, wireless spectrum availability and creative funding have combined to lift municipal broadband projects off the ground....
Local governments like to Tweet, survey shows
RSS feeds, Twitter and Facebook are the most common Web 2.0 applications used by local governments, according to a recent survey by the Washington-based Public Technology Institute (PTI). The technology allows officials to keep residents informed and involved in their city or county government....
USGS report: Road deicing contributes to high chloride levels in streams
Road salt for deicing may be causing elevated levels of chloride, a component of salt, in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern U.S., according to a new government study. Other chloride sources include wastewater treatment, septic systems and farming operations....
Veterans continue serving their country as vendors to governments
Kurt A. Walker, owner of a Batteries Plus store in Newport News, Va., served his country for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. He continues to serve by supplying state, local and federal agencies with batteries and police radios, as well as facility maintenance products, including emergency exit lights, fire alarm panels and scrubbers....
Movers and Shakers
New assignments and promotions at Haws Corp. and Topcon Positioning Systems....
NACo adopts policies on stimulus funds, food inspection and more
Following its annual conference in July, the Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo) has adopted new policies on a variety of issues, from food inspection to illegal dumping. More than 20 new proposals were submitted for consideration during the conference.Following its annual conference in July, the Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo) has adopted new policies on a variety of issues, from food inspection to illegal dumping. More than 20 new proposals were submitted for consideration during the conference....
LED signs grow in popularity, but safety may be an issue
They are hard to ignore — billboards made from thousands of glowing LEDs that change ads several times a minute. While the technology is a boon to advertisers, local governments are trying to figure out how best to regulate digital displays so they do not distract drivers or bother nearby residents....
PTI publishes guide to energy assurance grants
"Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines," published with support from the DOE, addresses energy assurance and security concerns for mission-critical government facilities....
Samsung/GVI Security ranks second in Guide to Greener Electronics
Another green honor for Samsung/GVI Security....
Texas community aims for citywide video surveillance
McAllen, Texas, is one step closer to installing a citywide video surveillance network. The city commission has approved a $335,000 contract with Houston-based INX Inc. to build a wireless Internet network that will provide the backbone for the video surveillance program....
Palm Beach County, Fla., picks Denios for hazardous waste cabinets
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Fla., has contracted with Louisville, Ky.-based Denios to design and manufacture a network of storage cabinets for household hazardous waste accumulation sites around the county....
Planning for the unexpected
A successful emergency management plan helps organizations prepare before a crisis for the predictable — and the unexpected....
Flawless inauguration, thanks to well-planned purchasing operation
The District of Columbia’s Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) now can relax. Six months of planning and hard work led to a well-received presidential inauguration ceremony that came off without a hitch. ...
NIGP Code: a highly useful procurement tool
No question about it: The NIGP Commodity/Services Code (NIGP Code) has become THE national standard for product/service codes used in public purchasing...
Vendor training video, assessment tool highlight 2008 NIGP prize program
Accurately measuring vendor performance and reaching out to vendors via video were two of the winning concepts selected for NIGP's 2008 Innovations and...
NIGP Chapter Directory
NIGP's network of 77 chapters provides a gathering place for education, conversation and problem solving at the local and regional levels....
Reaching new heights through classes, communication
The Mid-America Council of Public Purchasing Chapter (MACPP) made some decisions in 2007 that changed the way we approached our membership with classes, programs and information. ...
Mission statement lays foundation for success
The success of our chapter has been greatly due to following our mission statement: To promote ethical, efficient and cost-effective public purchasing...
Members' involvement makes the difference
The success of the Oregon Public Purchasing Association (OPPA) is attributed to its members. OPPA is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009. For nearly...
New UPPCC Certifications
The Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC) is an independent entity formed to govern and administer the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certification programs....
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