Government Contract News

The latest federal, state and local government IT contract news.

Public Library to Install RFID Security System - Oct 10

Tagging of some 50,000 circulation items has begun, and installation is expected to be completed by the end of November.

To reduce its loss factor, the Cynthiana-Harrison Public Library in Kentucky will deploy a radio frequency identification (RFID) security system from 3M Library Systems this fall.

3M will install two single-corridor detection units that use RFID technology to help ensure that circulation items have been properly checked out. Each item will be affixed with an RFID tag, which stores the item's identity and transaction experience, and communicates information using radio waves. An item that has not been checked out will trigger a signal.

Tagging of some 50,000 circulation items has begun, and installation is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Cynthiana Library Director Pat Barnes says the RFID tags may eventually serve more than one purpose, enabling the library to automate such circulation management functions as checkout and return, sorting and inventory.

"Our immediate need was to improve security with respect to items lost," says Barnes. "However, we know that RFID also is used to enhance productivity in libraries, and we are examining that for the near term." A 3M SelfCheck System, which lets customers take out books and audio-visual items without a librarian's assistance, may be next on the library's RFID agenda, she adds.

Rory Yanchek, 3M general manager, says loss prevention is an increasingly critical concern for public libraries as budgets come under growing pressure in the face of expanding demand for services. "Libraries are recognizing that RFID helps make their circulating collections more secure, while also enabling greater productivity in serving the public, with tools such as SelfCheck Systems."

Libraries using RFID technology are especially focused on the durability and reliability of the tags, adds Jacob Haas, marketing manager for 3M. "3M RFID tags are designed to satisfy today's demanding library applications, and 3M warranties that they will last as long as the items to which they are affixed," says Hass.

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Mahoning County Sheriff's Office Replaces Passwords with Fingerprint Biometrics - Oct 6

Biometric authentication also removes the possibility of passwords being inappropriately shared, forgotten or stolen.

The Mahoning County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office, who recently teamed up with BIO-key International and Sig-Tec, announced today the deployment of a fingerprint biometrics-based identity and access management system. The Mahoning agency is one of the first in the nation to use fingerprint biometrics instead of passwords to secure computer workstations and the software applications and databases that reside on them.

With the new identity and access management software, authorized staff can now access the Mahoning County Sheriff's office network and applications quickly and securely with the touch of their finger.

Administrators faced with the challenge of reducing IT costs are utilizing the partnership's biometric solution to reduce help desk workload, eliminating the need to handle forgotten passwords and password resets. Additionally, this solution is more secure than conventional passwords and is preferred by users since it is more convenient than managing a multitude of complex passwords that require constant change in order to satisfy IT security requirements. Biometric authentication also removes the possibility of passwords being inappropriately shared, forgotten or stolen.

In the first deployment phase, the enhanced authentication process will be used within the county's correctional facilities, where secure access to systems and data is especially critical. More than 300 enrolled correctional officers and civilian staff now use fingerprint-based log on to access any workstation within the complex that encompasses thirteen buildings.

"The solution was amazingly quick to install and configure," reported Charles Van Dyke, deputy officer. "Sig-Tec's project management and support team led by Paul Kobs, together with my staff, completed the job remotely within about eight hours."

The new products secure the workstation and allow for biometric authentication for network and application access. The biometric credentials are captured at enrollment with VST identification software. Because VST stores each user's fingerprint as a mathematical template, the user's fingerprint image isn't stored on any computer or in any database -- further protecting security as well as privacy. The end-user simply puts their finger on the KSI keyboard with an integrated UPEK biometric fingerprint reader for access into both the network and authorized applications at any workstation throughout the facility.

"In addition to increased security and improved workflow, another benefit of this solution is that it will reduce password management and password reset support calls by over 90 percent," said Sales Manager, John McGuire.

"The requirement to address the ever growing need to secure the network and the desktop for both the safety of the employees and the organization is critical to every entity," added Michael DePasquale, CEO of Bio-key. "Implementing this solution not only meets these requirements while reducing operational costs, but also addresses compliance with regulations such as FIPS 201 credentialing, FFIEC compliance, HIPAA, Sarbanes Oxley, Visa PCI, and the Electronic Signatures Act."

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Missouri Receives $642,205 Communications Planning Grant - Oct 3

I am pleased this planning grant will enhance Missouri's future interoperable communications program.

Gov. Matt Blunt today announced Missouri will receive a $642,205 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fund five interoperable communications planning projects. Over $450,000 will be used for interoperable communications planning and training.

"I am pleased this planning grant will enhance Missouri's future interoperable communications program. The completed project will ensure all levels of first responders and governments can communicate with each other during a disaster," Gov. Blunt said.

The approved projects include:

• Hire an Interoperability Program Manager to manage planning activities associated with outreach and education and to enhance coordination among regional and State interoperability activities.
• Develop and implement plans to reallocate governance responsibilities and authorities, and document implementation of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP).
• The Kansas City Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) will develop training materials to provide quality, standardized training for first responders and telecommunications on the regional communications system, and develop a maintenance cost model for agencies that join the regional system.
• The Kansas City Urban Area Security Initiative will develop a plan and method for existing VHF-user equipment to be reprogrammed to the new Regional Area-wide Multi-Band Interoperable Communications System (RAMBIS) VHF frequencies.

Under Gov. Blunt, the office of homeland security was redesigned and transformed to better protect our citizens. This action elevated the responsibility to the Department of Public Safety with the dedicated resources of the department including National Guard, Highway Patrol, Fire Marshal's office, and State Emergency Management Agency to accomplish the Homeland Security mission.

Since the merger, the department has lead the effort in preparing for and responding to disasters, created Missouri's first ever information analysis center (MIAC), drafted an Interoperability communication plan to ensure law enforcement and first responders can communicate during a disaster, implemented a new distribution formula for local government to receive homeland security grant funding, and employed regional homeland security committees across the state to encourage input from homeland security stakeholders.

With the governor's direction Missouri's homeland security effort is coordinated among federal, state and local communities and covers a multi-hazard, multi-threat spectrum of possible scenarios. The state's unique geological features, such as the Missouri River, Mississippi River and New Madrid seismic fault, along with the state's various military bases are identified as distinctive areas covered by the homeland security plan.

Fort Pierce, Fla., to Develop GIS Strategic Implementation Plan - Sep 23

Will evaluate current GIS operations in the city and make recommendations that will ensure an enterprisewide GIS.

The city of Fort Pierce, Fla., selected Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. (GTG) to develop a GIS Strategic Implementation Plan. The multi-year, phased plan will evaluate current GIS operations in the city and make recommendations that will ensure an enterprisewide GIS. The project will include onsite interviews and presentations to all of the stakeholders. The resultant plan will serve as the step-by-step guide of how GIS is governed, implemented and distributed throughout the city. Also known as the Sunrise City, Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on the East Coast of Florida.

Louisiana Awards Finance and Procurement Software Contract - Sep 22

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's desire to accurately match federal highway funds with its current IT system was a compelling reason for the upgrade,

 

 

Louisiana has selected SAP to run all of its financial and procurement business processes, the company announced. The SAP software will be deployed throughout the state, with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) as a key project participant. LADOTD's desire to accurately match federal highway funds with its current IT system was a compelling reason for the upgrade, according to SAP. The state of Louisiana therefore conducted a search to find a solution with the depth and breadth necessary to meet and exceed its challenges. The state's search ended with the SAP ERP Financials solution, the SAP Procurement for Public Sector package and the SAP Service and Asset Management solution.

"Based on the robustness of its comprehensive product offering while providing the lowest total cost of ownership, SAP is a key solution provider that can adapt to our constantly changing needs," said Edward Driesse, chief information officer for the state of Louisiana. "Not only does SAP provide a 360-degree view of state finances and operations, it offers tight integration with our SAP ERP Human Capital Management functionality as well."

The implementation of the software has already started. The project is currently in the blueprint phase.

Virginia Awards Contract for Business Intelligence Tools - Sep 18

"This initiative is likely to result in a strong best-practices playbook that other states could employ in establishing their own BI environment."

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) has awarded LogiXML a contract for business intelligence tools. This contract allows agencies and public bodies within the commonwealth of Virginia (and other public bodies outside of it) to purchase licenses, support and services for LogiXML's enterprise-grade business intelligence solutions. Contract award was based on a thorough evaluation of responses to an RFP issued by VITA's Supply Chain Management directorate.

The contract, which includes five optional one-year extensions at the end of the initial 5-year period, provides the Commonwealth with the complete line of LogiXML products and support services, including an enterprise-wide license option available to Virginia's executive branch agencies. LogiXML is a certified small business with headquarters in McLean, Va.

LogiXML's full suite of user-friendly BI solutions operates on a unified Web-based platform to meet a wide range of data reporting, analysis and dashboards needs, and deliver outstanding efficiency and access to data in a visual and actionable format. LogiXML's Web-based ad hoc reporting allows users to configure and run customized reports on demand, without the need for IT involvement. With its managed corporate reporting, more technical report developers can use LogiXML to build and deliver Web-based reports to users and groups across the organization in a standardized and streamlined protocol.

The Virginia Enterprise Applications Program (VEAP) is coordinating with a number of state agency representatives to establish a Business Intelligence Competency Center (BICC) to assist with disseminating information about and develop and deliver training in the LogiXML tools. This BICC will be available to assist agencies when they transition to use these tools.

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to work with the commonwealth to provide this vital technology to help state agencies extract the most value from their data," said Arman Eshraghi, CEO and founder of LogiXML. "Virginia is one of the only states to implement technology standards. This initiative is likely to result in a strong best-practices playbook that other states could employ in establishing their own BI environment."

As part of the contract, LogiXML has teamed with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to supply extended support services as needed to commonwealth agencies and local government organizations desiring support.

E-Verify Required for Vendors Doing Business With Rhode Island - Sep 16

"Designing a procurement system that insures that vendors doing business with the state directly verify the employment of individuals who are legally entitled to work within Rhode Island."

Photo: Providence, R.I.

Back in March, Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri authored an executive order requiring Executive Branch hires and all contractors, subcontractors and vendors doing business with it to use the federal government's E-Verify system to ensure that companies were not hiring illegal immigrants, that Social Security numbers were valid, and that hiring was in compliance with federal and state law.

The order was challenged in court by the ACLU and a restraining order was sought to stop enforcement.

Yesterday, however, Gov. Carcieri announced that Superior Court Judge Pfeiffer's ruling had denied the restraining order. "We are pleased with the judge's decision to deny the temporary restraining order, which allows the administration to move forward in requiring vendors to use E-Verify," said Carcieri. "More importantly, the decision clearly recognizes that my executive order was within my authority and allowed by the state's constitution."

In the decision Judge Pfeiffer states, "The executive order does not violate the separation of powers doctrine," and "does not encroach upon the power of the General Assembly to enact laws regarding state contracts." Further, the decision recognizes that "the executive order is not outside of the authority of the governor to issue," and that, "the chief executive power of this state is vested in the governor."

The decision went on to state, "Nothing under the procurement statute or elsewhere in the general laws impedes the chief purchasing officer, at the governor's directive, from designing a procurement system that insures that vendors doing business with the state directly verify the employment of individuals who are legally entitled to work within Rhode Island."

A release from the Governor's Office said the Department of Administration will immediately move forward to promulgate a purchasing regulation that expressly requires vendors who are doing business with the State of Rhode Island to use E-Verify.

Delaware Employs Access and Identity Management System - Sep 9

Provides DTI with a centralized and automated system for managing who has access to specific information systems and applications throughout the state's IT infrastructure.

Photo: Thomas Jarrett, secretary, Delaware Department of Technology and Information. (Credit: GTTV)

Delaware's Department of Technology and Information (DTI) -- which manages IT for nearly 65 agencies statewide, the legislative and judicial branches, as well as 19 school districts, 17 charter schools and three higher education institutions -- is using Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite as the foundation for its identity management infrastructure.

DTI has leveraged the application to deploy single sign-on for Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise eBenefits application, allowing employees to log-in more easily -- yet securely -- to access healthcare benefit plans and programs online. The state has also leveraged its identity management infrastructure to offer secure citizen services online.

Prior to implementing Oracle, the state lacked an enterprisewide system to track employee access to sensitive information. Further, employees were required to remember several passwords and provide log-in information multiple times to access personal healthcare benefit information, increasing the chances of forgotten passwords.

With Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite, DTI created a single identity for each user and can more rapidly and automatically provision and deprovision access privileges and requirements.

The new system provides DTI with a centralized and automated system for managing who has access to specific information systems and applications throughout the state's IT infrastructure. As a result, users are able to log into the system once and gain access to a broad range of resources, further improving security and usability. Individual agencies are able to add users, ultimately releasing the departments' IT staff for more critical tasks and improved efficiency.

PeopleSoft Enterprise eBenefits enables state employees to access one page to perform benefits-related transactions, such as processing their annual open enrollment or making changes to personal and dependent data when benefit-related life events occur. By simplifying the application, the state has realized increased user adoption of online benefits administration, which ultimately helps reduce administrative costs.

Delivering Citizen Services While Protecting Personal Data
Delaware is also better equipped to deliver citizen services while helping to protect personal data. For example, the state implemented a free service for trucking companies to file their International Motor Fuel Tax (IFTA) paperwork online. IFTA E-file allows Delaware-based IFTA carriers to quickly and accurately file quarterly IFTA returns online. The application performs all required computations, simplifying filing and virtually eliminating the possibility of mathematical errors, according to Oracle.

IFTA E-file is restricted to authorized users that have a department-supplied password. The application protects taxpayer information via Secured Socket Layer (SSL) encryption.

Delaware state agencies, law enforcement and court officials collaborated with private sector partners to create an application to support the Violence Against Women Act, an aide in the protection of domestic abuse victims. When a domestic abuse victim applies for a protective order, law enforcement and court officials need this information to protect the victim and manage the completion of any court-mandated training.

Previously law enforcement and court officials, as well as the private sector organizations that provide the mandated training, did not have an accurate method for tracking protective orders and related remedial activities. Utilizing Web services and authentication tools available in Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite, the state created a secure application to manage the status of these cases. More than 8,000 private-sector partners and law enforcement and court officials can use the application to view and search abuse cases, track remedial training status and enforce protective orders.

Future for the State of Delaware
DTI plans to roll out additional features of Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite including password recovery and self-registration. The agency also plans to extend single sign-on to the state's other enterprise systems and to create other online citizen services, leveraging Oracle's secure foundation.

The state also plans to implement Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite for Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise Pension Administration, which will provide retired state employee pensioners access to their deposit advice from anywhere in the world.

"Oracle Identity and Access Management Suite has allowed us to automate and centralize our application sign-on processes statewide," said Thomas Jarrett, secretary, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, "while enhancing overall security. In just six months, Oracle provided us with a coordinated identity data infrastructure, and we are already reaping the benefits. Our employees and citizens have confidence in our ability to protect their personal data while delivering easy-to-use online tools."

IRS Selects Disaster Recovery Support Tool - Sep 5

Provides incident management, risk assessment, impact analysis, technology modeling, plan development, maintenance and notification utilities in a fully integrated package.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Information Technology Disaster Recovery Organization (ITDRO), has chosen to deploy the eBRP Toolkit Suite as its disaster recovery / business resumption decision support tool (DST). This is an enterprisewide deployment which will enhance critical infrastructure protection, response planning, reporting, and incident management; while ensuring NIMS/ICS and other regulatory compliances.

The toolkit is a suite of Web-based business continuity plan development utilities that takes an "incident ready" approach to business continuity management. The toolkit suite provides incident management, risk assessment, impact analysis, technology modeling, plan development, maintenance and notification utilities in a fully integrated package.

Maine Authority Awards $1.75 Million for Broadband Buildout - Sep 5

"These investments are enabling people in rural areas enhanced access to technology, transforming our state economy, and expanding business opportunities for more Mainers."

Photo: Main Gov. John E. Baldacci

The ConnectME Authority has awarded six grants to expand broadband communications services to unserved areas in Maine. A total of more than $1.75 million was awarded to the recipients, expanding services to an estimated 12,500 residents. A list of the grantees is shown below, and they are fully listed on the ConnectME Authority's Web site.

Governor Baldacci, in conjunction with the Legislature, created the ConnectME initiative in 2006 to expand broadband throughout Maine.

"This second round of grants shows that the ConnectME initiative is spurring private investment in broadband and cellular service across Maine," said Baldacci. "These investments are enabling people in rural areas enhanced access to technology, transforming our state economy, and expanding business opportunities for more Mainers."

Grant applications were judged based on a number of criteria, including the projected percentage of households that would be served; the level of public-private partnerships created; the level of community support for the projects; and the financial viability of the projects. Generally, successful projects are to be completed within one year of receiving the grant funding.

Created under the Connect ME legislation, the Authority contains four members representing the public and private sphere. The ConnectME Authority is established to stimulate investment in advanced communications technology infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas of Maine, with the emphasis on those areas that are unlikely to receive service from a traditional provider.

These Authority awards go to six innovative applications, five of which will expand access to high speed Internet service to more than 60 communities that had little prospect of receiving service. The sixth application proposes to build a fiber optic cable network that will connect three partnering medical centers and seven health care facilities in six towns across Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties, providing high speed telehealth services. The ConnectME funds will provide the match requirement for a $3.6 million FCC Rural Health Care Pilot Project grant.

The following are the applicants and the communities served:

• Axiom Technologies, Town of Steuben
• Axiom Technologies, 31 Towns in Washington County
• Cornerstone Communications, 17 Towns in Moosehead Lake region
• Mainely Wired, Town of Penobscot, surrounding area
• Redzone Wireless, Mount Desert Island, surrounding communities
• Franklin Community Health Network, fiber optic cable network

The ConnectME Authority expects to conduct a third round of grant awards next spring, based on funding availability.

The members of the Authority are Jean Wilson, vice president of information services at LL Bean, Chair; Mitchel W. Davis, CIO for Bowdoin College; Richard B. Thompson, CIO for Maine state government; and Sharon Reishus, chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

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