Government Marketing News

UPDATED Week of Monday, September 6, 2010

Published by: Federal Buyers Guide

Ex-HP CEO Mark Hurd Joins Oracle

Hewlett-Packard's ex-chief executive officer Mark Hurd has joined Oracle as president and will join the company's board of directors. Hurd will report to Oracle CEO and founder Larry Ellison. Mark did a brilliant job at HP and I expect he'll do even better at Oracle," said Oracle CEO Larry Ellison in a statement. "There is no executive in the IT world with more relevant experience than Mark. Oracle's future is engineering complete and integrated hardware and software systems for the enterprise. Mark pioneered the integration of hardware with software when Teradata was a part of NCR."

http://www.ibtimes.com/

DHS to expand cybersecurity program for researchers

The Homeland Security Department asked on Wednesday for comments on the latest version of forms that determine who is eligible to access a repository of computer and network data for cybersecurity research and development. DHS posted a notice in the Federal Register inviting comments on a package of forms it uses to give individuals access to data about cybersecurity incidents that targeted the computer networks of organizations, including academia, industry and nonprofits, that participate in the program.

http://www.nextgov.com/

$3M Army grant funds defense technology center

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $3 million grant to the New Jersey Technology Solutions Center (NJTSC) to help keep high-technology jobs in Monmouth County in the wake of Fort Monmouth’s closing. Reps. Rush Holt (D-12th District) and Frank Pallone (D-6th District), with Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, worked to secure the funding from the U.S. Army.

http://atlanticville.gmnews.com/

QuickBooks 2011 Saves Small Businesses Time in the Back Office

Small businesses will find more ways to save time with the latest version of best-selling QuickBooks® financial software from Intuit Inc. QuickBooks 2011 includes several new features that help small business owners find important data quickly when they need it, perform everyday tasks more efficiently and access essential business information remotely. The software goes on sale Sept. 27. "For every small business owner, time is money. They want to focus on their business — their passion — not on their books," said Dan Wernikoff, vice president and general manager of Intuit's Financial Management Solutions division. "With QuickBooks 2011, we've focused on helping them put seconds, minutes and even hours back on the clock."

http://www.marketwatch.com/

Small Gains for Small Business in Federal Contracting

For the first time since 2005, the Small Business Administration reports that the share of federal contracts going to small business increased over the previous year. But the federal government still fell short of its small-business contracting goals, and longstanding criticisms about how the government keeps score continue to cast doubt on the agency’s report card. The Small Business Act requires the federal government to set a governmentwide goal that 23 percent of all prime contracts go to small businesses. According to the S.B.A.’s 2009 Small Business Procurement Scorecard, released last Friday, 21.9 percent of such contract dollars, or about $97 billion, went to small businesses. That’s a small improvement over 2008, when small firms captured just 21.5 percent of federal contract dollars, a low since at least 1998.

http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/

Less than half of 'Net connections meet FCC speed goal

A Federal Communications Commission report released on Thursday examining Internet access subscriptions found less than half of U.S. subscribers currently get broadband service that meets or exceeds speed targets set by the commission in its national broadband plan. The plan released in March set the "universal availability target" at 4 megabits per second downstream and 1 megabits per second upstream. But the Internet subscription report found only 44 percent of the 71 million fixed Internet connections to households met the target as of June 2009.

http://www.nextgov.com/

Lockheed Martin to upgrade Air Force intell workstations

Lockheed Martin Corp. will upgrade workstations for the Air Force’s Distributed Common Ground System under a $4.4 million task order. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will upgrade 200 DCGS Common Work Stations so that analysts can use both Unix and Windows-based software applications simultaneously from a single work station, company officials said today. The upgrade will allow data to be transferred easily between two completely different operating systems.

http://washingtontechnology.com/

IceWEB to supply unified storage system for VideoBank`s contract with US Federal Government

Shares in cloud storage networks specialist IceWEB, Inc were on the move today after the company announced that its channel partner, VideoBank, had been awarded a contract from the US Federal Government. VideoBank provides solutions for managing video, audio, still imagery, documents, and other digital content for organizations of all types and sizes. The company`s video management platform will be provided in the contract, which utilizes IceWEB`s 48TB IceWEB 5000 data storage product.

http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/

SAIC Awarded $16 Million Contract By U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Science Applications International Corporation announced today it was awarded a new contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help demonstrate real-world applications and support development of the DOT's IntelliDrive(SM) Program, the department's planned new communications infrastructure .The contract has a two year base period of performance, three one-year options and a total value of more than $16 million, if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Michigan. IntelliDrive(SM) is a multimodal initiative that aims to enable safe, interoperable networked wireless communications among vehicles, infrastructure, and passengers' personal communications devices. It leverages the capabilities of wireless technology to help make surface transportation more safe, smart and green. The goal of IntelliDrive(SM) is to ultimately enhance the safety, mobility and quality of life of all Americans, while helping to reduce the environmental impact of surface transportation. Under the contract, SAIC will support the DOT's Michigan IntelliDrive(SM) Test Bed. The company will provide operation, management, and maintenance services to help ensure continued research, testing, and demonstration of IntelliDrive(SM) concepts, standards, applications, and potential products. This test bed will help demonstrate the effectiveness and value of IntelliDrive(SM) applications and facilitate nationwide deployment.

http://www.prnewswire.com/

GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems Help Drivers Go Green

Do you know what your business’ carbon footprint is? Or what your greenhouse gas emissions are? If you’re a business and you provide goods and services to the U.S. government very soon you will be requested to provide this information. In the US government’s efforts towards more sustainable business practices, the EPA and the Obama administration are pushing for increased reporting by businesses on their environmental impact with the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. GPS vehicle tracking systems can quickly slash vehicle fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions. Drivers should install a GPS vehicle tracking system into their vehicles to monitor engine diagnostics, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as each vehicle moves. GPS vehicle tracking systems enable drivers to easily set realistic goals to reduce vehicle emissions and show tangible results. Data that used to either be unavailable or used to take days or months to compile now take just seconds with a modern GPS tracking vehicle system.

http://www.ecoinstitution.com/

Businesses look into high-speed rail work

More than 200 people, most of them representing small and minority businesses from Polk and surrounding counties, converged at The Lakeland Center on Wednesday afternoon for an information session to find out how their businesses might get involved with the multi-billion dollar Florida high-speed rail project. The meeting was conducted by the Florida Rail Enterprise division of the Florida Department of Transportation as part of a series of meetings this week discussing the project. A second meeting for the general public, focusing solely on the progress of the project, also was held Wednesday evening at The Lakeland Center.

http://www.newschief.com/

New fighter-jet telemetry deal means $18 million for Harris Corp.

The Air Force has awarded an $18 million contract to Harris Corp.'s government communications unit in Palm Bay for the production of advanced fighter-jet missile telemetry, the company said Thursday. Terms of the 2½ year deal call for Harris Government Communications Systems Division to build telemetry "modules" for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) program.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

GSA kicks off modernization of troubled e-travel program

The General Services Administration issued a request for proposals on Aug. 27 for a follow-on to its troubled online travel service that federal employees use to book travel and receive reimbursements. The agency plans to replace the E-Gov Travel Service program with an upgrade that officials said will improve usability, provide transparency and offer better savings.

http://www.nextgov.com/

Microsoft tells Virginia 'We will build it'

Virginia has enticed another major West Coast technology giant to establish new facilities in the commonwealth. Microsoft Corp. will invest up to $499 million to locate its latest-generation data center (Gen4) in Mecklenburg County, in what will be the largest economic investment in southern Virginia history, according to an Aug. 31 announcement from Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office.

http://washingtontechnology.com/

Sunpower (SPWRA) Selected For At Least 20MW Of Govt Work

SunPower (SPWRA) has captured a key customer it was announced this morning – the US government. They will be responsible for installations of solar power at the National Renewable Energy Lab, the General Services Administration as well as the Navy the and Air Force. The government contracts call for a minimum of 20MW in new solar projects. No word on the financials of the deal. “SunPower has worked with federal agencies since 1999, resulting in the installation of more than 20 MW of solar power systems at government facilities,” said Karen Butterfield, SunPower’s director of federal accounts. “As a result, SunPower has the experience and credibility to successfully navigate the federal procurement process and deliver reliable, high performance solar systems that meet agency requirements. With the addition of a U.S.-based panel manufacturing facility this year, we have also bolstered our ability to serve this growing demand.”

http://greenstockscentral.com/

Construction Spending in U.S. Fell Twice as Much as Forecast

Construction spending in July fell twice as much as forecast, led by a slump in homebuilding that will depress U.S. economic growth. The 1 percent drop brought spending to $805.2 billion, the lowest level in a decade, after a revised 0.8 percent drop in June that wiped out a previously estimated gain, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Spending on federal government projects fell by the most in a year.

http://www.businessweek.com/

DigitalGlobe Awards $307M in Contracts for WorldView-3 Satellite

Commercial remote-sensing firm DigitalGlobe on Aug. 30 announced it has signed contracts valued at $307 million with Ball Aerospace and ITT Industries to build the WorldView-3 satellite’s platform and imager, respectively, with a launch scheduled in mid-2014. The contracts, which were expected, will permit Longmont, Colo.-based DigitalGlobe to meet the conditions of a 10-year, $3.55-billion contract to provide imagery and services to the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

http://www.spacenews.com/

OSI Systems Receives Contracts Worth up to $12M from U.S. Domestic Nuclear Detection Office

OSI Systems, Inc., a vertically-integrated provider of specialized electronic products for critical applications in the Security and Healthcare industries, today announced that its security division, Rapiscan Systems, has been awarded multiple Exploratory Research Program (ERP) contracts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). By conducting transformational research and development initiatives, DNDO's objective is to enlist thought leaders to advance the country's nuclear materials detection capabilities. With its leading scientists and engineers, Rapiscan has secured contracts that are incrementally funded for a total obligated value of $2 million with additional options that could be exercised for a total value of up to $12 million. All of the contracts focus specifically on detecting shielded nuclear material. Specifically, the company has been charged with developing a Liquefied Noble gas detector (in collaboration with Yale University), a threshold activation detector, a human portable system and an aircraft inspection solution.

http://www.marketwatch.com/

Government Falls Short of Small Business Contracting Goals

Small businesses nationwide won a record $96.8 billion in federal contracts last year, an increase of more than $3 billion over fiscal 2008, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration's most recent scorecard. However, it still wasn't enough to reach a goal set by Congress. Small business contracts accounted for 21.9 percent of federal spending last year – up from 21.5 percent the year before. Congress set a goal of 23 percent goal.

http://www.inc.com/

Achaogen nabs $64.5M biothreat contract

Achaogen Inc. won a federal government contract worth up to $64.5 million to develop an antibiotic to treat bubonic plague and other biologic threats. Four months after South San Francisco-based Achaogen raised a $56 million venture round, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority within the Department of Health and Human Services committed $27 million during the base two years of the contract. Options would bring the total to $64.5 million.

http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/

Contract Award Updates

• Department of Defense, Updated August 30:
  http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4355
• Department of Defense, Updated August 31:
  http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4356
• Department of Defense, Updated September 1:
  http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4358
• Department of Defense, Updated September 2:
  http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4359
• Department of Defense, Updated September 3:
  http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4360

Events for Government

Identity Management for Government

Attend this conference to learn how to develop an effective identity management strategy and roadmap — from policy to implementation — along with helpful solutions, tools, tips and guidance to get started. Join your colleagues for this must-attend industry summit featuring best-practice examples and case studies from government experts who have successfully developed identity management systems and solutions.

This event for planning for the operational use, implementation and interoperability of identity credentials will take place September 13-16, 2010 in Washington, D.C. To register, call (888) 362-7400 or (773) 695-9400.

http://www.aliconferences.com/

Web 2.0 Expo New York 2010

This year, Web 2.0 Expo New York focuses on Platforms for Growth, diving into the platform opportunities for the whole web ecosystem, particularly mobile, real-time, and the social web. We'll be talking about real-time data and the content being generated, how that data is consumed, and the platforms and applications enabling various services. We'll also be concentrating on the players that have spawned their own ecosystems, creating huge opportunities for partners, vendors and competitors. 

Web 2.0 Expo New York happens September 27-30, 2010 at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Web 2.0 Expo New York highlights the important debates and the challenges faced by the industry's key players, and helps you pick the winning platforms for growth in a web-fueled world. Connect with other designers, developers, entrepreneurs, marketers, business strategists, and investors at one of the most vibrant events of the year. Register at https://en.oreilly.com/webexny2010/public/register.

http://www.web2expo.com/

ITEXPO WEST 2010

 ITEXPO is the bi-annual, face-to-face gathering point for the communications and technology community. Each element of the ITEXPO conference and trade show – educational sessions, exhibit hall experience, and networking opportunities – unites practitioners with solutions providers. 

ITEXPO is where today’s real world implementations can be explored in tandem with the most promising solutions of tomorrow. ITEXPO takes place October 4-6, 2010 in the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. For more questions, please contact Frank Coppola at fcoppola@tmcnet.com.

http://www.tmcnet.com/

Greater Washington Procurement Conference

The Greater Washington Procurement Conference is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The goal for this event is to connect small businesses to buyers from federal, state and local government agencies and large government prime contractors. Learn how they do business, who they are looking for, meet them and then FOLLOW-UP! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES!

The Greater Washington Procurement Conference will take place at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on October 6, 2010. Please contact info@showorksinc.com for further information.

http://www.allianceforbiz.com/

INPUT Education: Government 101 - How To Work with the Federal Government

A half-day seminar on the fundamentals of government contracting: The federal government procurement process presents a steep learning curve for individuals and companies new to the market. This seminar provides the essentials that will help you get a faster start to pursuing opportunities and growing your business.

This event will take place at the INPUT Training Room at 11720 Plaza America Drive, Suite 1200, Reston, VA 20190 on October 19, 2010. Please contact events@input.com for more information.

http://www.input.com/

Compiled By:
Carla Amurao

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Andrew Tuttle

Federal Buyers Guide Inc.