News/Press Releases		Features		Event Calendar

PA e-Comm News MARCH 7

ADVERTISERS OF THE WEEK

There are two recently released documents from the Department of Homeland Security concerning security issues that you may be interested in. The first is entitled "The Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets," http://www.whitehouse.gov/pcipb/physical.html and the other is the final version of "The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace," http://www.whitehouse.gov/pcipb/." Both documents were released in February 2003 and are available for download in .pdf format at the DHS web site located at http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/. Please review the documents at your convenience.

California is again considering taxing e-commerce. E-commerce companies that have a physical presence in a state are required by law to collect sales taxes. As a result, San Francisco-based BananaRepublic.com collects taxes on sales to California residents, while Seattle-based Amazon.com does not. Because of its size and economic heft, California appears to be losing more tax revenue than any other state to Web retail sales. Earlier this month, roughly three dozen states and eight major online retailers struck a deal in which the Internet companies agreed to begin collecting sales taxes. As part of the agreement, the e-commerce shops were granted amnesty for any prior uncollected taxes. California did not participate in that settlement and has not joined a coalition of states that is working to streamline the product definitions on which sales taxes are based.

Which IT positions are most in need and what qualifications must you have to be hired? Information security specialists will be among the most sought-after and well-paid tech workers in 2003, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. These specialists earn about $65,000 a year and corporate information-systems security executives are paid an average of $237,000. According to Salary.com, the average base salary for a network security systems manager ranges from $54,500 to nearly $90,000. The common thread connecting most highly paid positions is that they are systems-based. In an environment in which many companies have chosen to allow telecommuting, networking expertise is increasingly vital. Another hot area is enterprise software systems, where workers implement and manage customer relationship management programs or big enterprise systems. An entry-level network planning analyst earns, on average, between $41,000 and $52,000 and a network planning manager, who is responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategy of a company's IT system, earns a base salary that can range from $77,500 to almost $100,000. And naturally, certification is a valuable enhancement. 

E-COMMERCE RELATED EVENTS AND INFORMATION

The following are links to upcoming seminars and other events that our readers might have an interest in and/or other information related to e-commerce.

The World Trade Center~Harrisburg is hosting a conference on April 28-29, 2003 at the Radisson Penn Harris entitled “IT Strategies for Global Markets.” This will be the premier conference for Marketing, Sales, and IT professionals working in today's global environment. While other conferences focus on IT issues, this is one of the few conferences offered throughout the country that focuses on international IT topics.

The conference will begin with an opening reception and exhibition in the evening of April 28, followed by a full day conference and exhibition on April 29 featuring breakout sessions on a variety of topics including web site globalization, localization, security, e-commerce, search engine strategies for global markets, and technical topics for IT professionals.

Confirmed Speakers from Symantec, Lionbridge, Common Sense Advisory, and M2 Limited will be traveling to Pennsylvania to present at the conference. In addition, Chris Sherman-Associate Editor of Searchenginewatch.com will present “Global Search Engine Strategies” and Jim Carroll, Author of various books including “Surviving the Information Age” and “Light Bulbs to Yottabits: How to Profit by Understanding the Internet of the Future will provide the keynote address. Visit the WTC~H web site at www.hwtc.org for the most up-to-date information about the conference.

Your company may want to take this unique opportunity to become an exhibitor at this exclusive event. The attendees for this conference will be marketing & sales managers and IT professionals from companies that are involved in international business. We are expecting approximately 250-300 attendees. The event will be promoted extensively throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, information about this program is being forwarded to all 300 World Trade Centers around the globe.

Join us in April for the “IT Strategies for Global Markets” conference. If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact the World Trade Center~ Harrisburg at (717) 843-1090. We hope that you are able to join us for this unique conference. 

5 Simple Security Tips

1. Install and Use Anti-Virus Software 
2. Use Care When Opening and Reading E-mail with Attatchments 
3. Keep Your System Patched 
4. Make Back-ups of Important Files and Folders 
5. Be Careful When Downloading Programs From the Internet 

Internet Systems Defense (ISD) provides companies with a great investment. We here at ISD believe that everyone should have the right to surf the internet with peace of mind. Why should you be afraid to go to your favorite site to check something out? Will I get a virus, a trojan, or maybe even a backdoor that will be left on my machine? How do I know that someone isn't trying to hack into my computer right now?! If you find yourself asking these questions you may want to re-evaluate you current security practices. ISD offers managed network security and consultation that could help you to alleviate these problems and institute new security policies. 

Internet Systems Defense  Phone: 717-364-1094  Toll Free: 1-866-541-0800  info@isdweb.biz

Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Defense (DoD) 
The Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is soliciting abstracts, followed by technical and cost proposals, to conduct concept exploration R&D in support of the Army's Rotary Wing Vehicle (RWV) Technology Effort Objectives. The long-range objective of AATD's structures program is to improve the lethality, agility, survivability and supportability of the Army's Objective Force by making airframe and rotor structures light, affordable and durable. Estimated FY 2004 funding is shown in parentheses for each of three topic areas: Dynamic Load and Stress Prediction (approx. $600,000), Multifunctional Structures (approx. $1.7 million), and Reconfigurable Structures (approx. $800,000). The period of performance for each award resulting is expected to be 24 months, starting in FY03/FY04 and ending in FY05/FY06. Cost sharing of up to 50 percent is required, and multiple awards are anticipated. Any capable offeror may submit an abstract. Abstracts are due by March 27, 2003; full proposals are due by May 30, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAH10/DAAH10-03-R-0004/listing.html

The Office of Naval Research invites proposals across a spectrum of science and engineering disciplines for Long-Range Science and Technology (S&T) Projects which offer potential for advancement and improvement of Navy and Marine Corps operations. The amount and period of performance of each selected proposal will vary depending on the research area and the technical approach to be pursued by the selected offeror. All responsible sources from academia and industry may submit proposals, which are due by September 30, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa/default.htm

The Office of Naval Research also is seeking innovative science and technology concepts to improve sustainment capabilities within the naval service (i.e., Navy and Marine Corps). No formal request for proposals, solicitation, and/or additional information regarding this request will be issued. The responses to this request for information will be considered in the planning and definition of future technology development programs for which later solicitations may play a part. Input will help ensure that the agency’s R&D investments are targeted at the highest payoff technologies. Responses are due March 31, 2003. The announcement and call for papers are available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/ONR/SS-03-001/listing.html

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting research proposals for applying molecular-scale electronics technology to the development of ultra-dense molecular electronic computer processors and molecular electronic sensor systems for use in a variety of stand-alone and embedded applications. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that would actually produce prototype nanoelectronic systems that will enable revolutionary advances in computing and sensing. Awards totaling approximately $15 million for Phase I are expected to be made during calendar year 2003. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal. Multiple awards are anticipated. Proposals are due May 23, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA03-12/listing.html

The Air Force Space and Missiles System Center, Global Positioning System (GPS) Joint Program Office solicits R&D proposals for Modernized GPS User Equipment. Proposals should be structured to explicitly capitalize on synergies between the three study subjects outlined in the announcement and how these interdependencies and synergies are to be exploited. A pre-proposal conference will be held on March 4, 2003, with one-on-one meetings at the Aerospace Corporation, Building A-1, Room 1062, 2350 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245. Responses are due April 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFSC/SMCSMSC/GPSU-03-01/SynopsisP.html 

The U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC is conducting a market survey to identify potential contractors manufacturing devices employing the following capabilities and equipment: 1) the design, prototyping and fabrication of Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and nanoscale devices, and 2) demonstrated knowledge, experience and qualified personnel in several MEMS and nanotechnology areas described in the announcement. Interested firms that are capable of producing these devices are invited to indicate their interest by providing specifications, brochures or drawings within two weeks of the date of this notice (February 26, 2003) to US Army TACOM-ARDEC, ATTN: Dr. Patrick Black, AMSTA-AR-WEA, Bldg. 1, Floor 3, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000. The announcement points out the Army does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market survey or otherwise pay for information solicited. More information is available at: 
http://www.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAE30/R20030227/listing.html

Department of Education (ED) 
ED invites applications for projects under the Experimental and Innovative Training program (1) to develop new types of training programs for rehabilitation personnel and demonstrate the effectiveness of these new types of training programs for rehabilitation personnel in providing rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; and (2) to develop new and improved methods of training rehabilitation personnel so that there may be a more effective delivery of rehabilitation services by state and other rehabilitation agencies. For FY 2003, the Administration has requested $42.6 million for this program, an estimated $400,000 of which would be allocated for this competition. An estimated four awards are expected to range from $75,000 to $100,000 for projects of up to 36 months' duration. States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including Indian tribes and institutions of higher education, are eligible for assistance. Applications are due April 15, 2003. More information is available in the February 26 issue of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont03.html

Department of Transportation (DOT) 
DOT invites Phase I research proposals for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The conducted research should demonstrate a sound approach to the investigation of an important transportation-related scientific or engineering problem. During FY 2003, DOT intends to award 9-10 Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 each. All types of small business organizations may submit proposals. Eligible for-profit small business concerns must have 500 employees or less, be independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is proposing, and have its principal place of business located in the U.S. Proposals are due May 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir/sol03/index.html

NASA 
NASA solicits proposals for ground-based research and technology development, ground-based pilot studies, rapid technology development teams, and/or space flight experiments, in the following areas: Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Control, Advanced Life Support, and Space Human Factors Engineering. All categories of institutions are eligible to submit proposals, which are due by June 13, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/HQ/OPHQDC/NRA-03-OBPR-01/listing.html

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center seeks an industry partner to develop a design concept for a deployable/extendible optical bench structure for the Advanced X-Ray Polarimeter (AXP) mission in support of the development of a proposal to respond to the NASA SMEX Announcement of Opportunity. The Advanced X-Ray Polarimeter (AXP) is a mission designed to measure X-ray polarization from a wide range of types of astrophysical sources. It is expected that primary selection of the AXP mission would result in a contract to design, build and test the deployable structure system. Responses in the first phase of the selection process are due in May 2003. More information, including the full announcement of opportunity, is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/GSFC/OPDC20220/544-GBN/listing.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications for an initiative to develop new techniques for biomedical research. Research should seek to develop (1) new and improved instruments or devices, (2) new methodologies using existing instruments, or (3) software related to instrumentation. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; and domestic or foreign institutions. Applications will be accepted on June 1 and October 1 annually. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-075.html 
 

PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The following is a listing of recently published technology procurement opportunities with various governmental entities. We hope our readers take the opportunity to investigate these postings and increase their business:

RRB - Bureau of Supply and Service
Purchasing Division
D -- D-IInformation Technology
Modification 01 http://www.eps.gov/spg/RRB/BSS/PD/2003-B-01/listing.html

HHS - Program Support Center
Division of Acquisition Management
R -- Develop and Interactive/Web-based and CD -ROM/Web-based Model on Smallpox Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/PSC/DAM/Reference-Number-03R000158/listing.html

DISA - Acquisition Directorate
DITCO-NCR
D -- Consulting Services for Verity Search Engine and Software Licenses. Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DISA/D4AD/DTN/Reference-Number-DCOPR36431/listing.html

DOE - BWXT Y-12, L.L.C. (DOE Contractor)
BWXT Y-12, L.L.C.
D -- Information Technology Services (ITS-03)
Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOE/BWXTY12/BWXTY12/ITS-03R/listing.html

DOC - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Mountain Administrative Support Center
D -- Software & Communication Processor Integration
Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/MASC/NRMAM-307577DT/listing.html

DOT - Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA)
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
R --Advance Research in Transportation Technology
Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOT/RSPA/VNTSC/DTRS57-98-SS-0430/listing.html

EPA - Office of Acquisition Management
EPA/Headquarters
R -- Information Technology Solutions - Environmental Systems Engineering (ITS-ESE) Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/HQ/Reference-Number-PR-HQ-02-11750/listing.html

NSF - Division of Acquisition and Cost Support
DACS
A -- IODP SYSTEM INTEGRATION 
Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/NSF/DCPO/CPO/DACS-03-00001/listing.html

International Export/Import Opportunities

Opportunity Name: Call Center, Internet & Mobile Services
Sector: Communications Technology
Type of Opportunity: invest
Opportunity Number: RMU20030214400
Approval Date: 2/14/2003 2:31:45PM
Description: A Mauritiuan company is looking to identify a long-term U.S. joint venture partner with experience in international calling and/or Internet data and mobile services.

The company currently focuses on outbound call center services, telemarketing and telesales, database updating, appointment scheduling, web call back, messaging center, virtual secretary services, debt collection services, consulting and strategic planning services, after-hours and/or overflow call handling, and broadband connectivity. The company serves both local and international clients including Microsoft, IBM, American Express, Air France, and Nestle. The company's primary objective is to become a reference in the call center and customer care sector at the local, regional and international level. The company has prepared a business plan that is available for the review by interested parties.

For more information, please contact:
Mimi Alemayehou
ALINC
Tel: (202) 326-0280 x. 28
Fax: (202) 326-0290
Email: malemayehou@iesc.org  www.iesc.org

Opportunity Name: IT Outsourcing - Joint Venture partner
Sector: Communications Technology
Type of Opportunity: invest
Opportunity Number: RHR20030219462
Approval Date: 2/20/2003 7:42:42AM
Description:
A Croatian company is looking to identify a long-term local or international joint venture partner with experience in call centers and/or other outsourcing IT services in order to improve its present business activity as a system integrator in telecommunications and networking convergence (data, voice, Internet Protocol) solutions. 

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Violane Konar-Leacy 
Tel.: (202) 326-0280 x21 
Fax: (202) 326-0289 
E-mail: vkonar-leacy@usgtn.net
www.usgtn.net


Opportunity Name: Environmental & Energy Technology
Sector: Environment & Energy Technology
Type of Opportunity: buy
Opportunity Number: RBR20030218446
Approval Date: 2/20/2003 4:52:33PM
Description:
An integral subsidiary of one of the biggest utility companies in Brazil is looking for ESCOs -energy service companies- and EESCOs -environmental and energy service companies- with the objective of acquiring the most up-to-date technology available through a strategic alliance, or through an agent/distributor agreement, or through a licensing agreement in the following specific areas: 

- Energy diagnoses; 
- Energy management; 
- Energy savings and services; 
- Carbon Markets and CDM projects; 
- Performance contracts in general. 

For more information, please contact:
Mr. David Hartingh
Tel: (202) 326-0280 x18
Fax: (202) 326-0289
E-mail: dhartingh@usgtn.net  www.usgtn.net

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov

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