Top 11-20 Stories of 2010
Continuing our previous 2010 Top 10 ranking, here’s a brief rundown of some of the most-read stories that appeared on the GovPro.com website in the past year. The following list spotlights Govpro.com stories ranked 11-20 in popularity.
Efforts to become more energy efficient, new technology and green government were key topics often discussed in GovPro.com and on its visitor comment boards during 2010. Governments coping with tight budgets was a subject dealt with frequently in GovPro.com last year.
Set your Web browser to GovPro.com to read about government products, procurement, administration and related topics in 2011.
11. Managing the contract workforce
The trend toward outsourcing and a need to cut costs suggest an increasing reliance on contract and contingent manpower to meet the changing labor needs of the government market. Managed service providers (MSPs) can provide turnkey services for “free” by using VMS software tools to ensure low rates, transparency and efficiency.
12. Government workers: need to brush up on driving skills?
Government workers are among the most dangerous drivers, according to insurance.com’s ranking, “Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession.”
13. More support to repeal 3 percent withholding mandate
The National Institute for Governmental Purchasing, an organization dedicated solely to public purchasing, has started a letter-writing campaign to repeal Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act.
14. Product with long history is fighting Gulf spill
Oil-absorbent booms made from a 3,000-year-old Egyptian hibiscus plant called kenaf are containing the Deepwater Horizon oil spill throughout the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to containing the oil, the booms serve as a barrier that keeps oil off boats, docks and pilings.
15. Association of state purchasers urges repeal of 3 percent withholding mandate
Describing the mandate as “an administrative and record-keeping nightmare,” the National Association of State Procurement Officials is supporting the repeal of Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005.
16. Tennessee county tops list as most conservative
Williamson County, near the center of Tennessee, leans definitely to the right, according to calculations by the Daily Caller web site. The Daily Caller ranks Williamson as the most conservative county in the U.S. Georgia had four counties in the top 20 most conservative, followed by Texas with three, and Colorado and Ohio with two each.
17. Some ways government building managers can save energy
Govpro.com talked with the Alliance to Save Energy’s vice president of programs, Jeffrey Harris, about strategies and resources government facility managers can use to reduce building energy consumption.
18. 2010: a good time to earn that MPA?
Does it make sense for government managers to start work on an advanced degree? Jeremy Plant, professor of public policy and administration and coordinator of Graduate Programs in Public Administration at the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg, thinks now is as good a time as any.
When pursuing strategic sourcing, today’s procurement professionals often depend on suppliers to identify and present creative solutions that meet state and local governments’ needs and that require minimum upfront investment. But do pre-solicitation meetings and discussions with vendors — critical to creative sourcing — have the “appearance of impropriety,” or could they be seen as favoritism for a particular company?
20. Grounds maintenance equipment getting cleaner, greener
Makers of mowers and other outdoor power equipment are working to meet tougher clean-air standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Industry-wide, manufacturers are now addressing stricter emissions standards that are being phased in for gasoline and diesel-powered mowers.
View the Top 10 Stories of 2010 and Top 21-25 Stories of 2010 for government buyers and managers.
Set your Web browser to GovPro.com to read about government products, procurement, administration and related topics in 2011.
