San Antonio Business Journal 2011

• Government tech spending is brisk for new year – 12/23/2011
  Government is totally dependent on technology. In fact, without technology tools to help them manage systems, incoming calls, security, inventory, data and scheduling, public officials would not be able to function. [more]
• Telecommunication products will be big in ‘12 – 12/09/2011
  Public officials are set to purchase telecommunication products and services at a rapid pace in 2012. Technology products and services are being classified as essential because of staff reductions throughout the state at all levels of government. [more]
• Engineering firms have plenty of opportunities – 11/25/2011
  According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population in Texas has increased by more than 20 percent since 2000, more than double the rate of the country as a whole. If current projections hold, Texas will add another 4+ million by 2020. [more]
• Data collection creates need for management – 11/11/2011
  The amount of electronic data that governments must collect, maintain and display grows exponentially every year. The sheer volume is almost unbelievable. [more]
• Construction activity picking up on campuses – 10/28/2011
  Construction opportunities on university campuses in Texas will be abundant in the next few months in spite of the fact that legislators failed to give public universities the authority to issue tuition revenue bonds. Some planned projects could be delayed because of the bonding issue, but there are other financing mechanisms available. [more]
• Quickest ways to sell to government agencies – 10/14/2011
  There is a little-known secret about the quickest way to sell to governmental agencies. Here it is — become a part of a cooperative purchasing program. [more]
• Government is leaning on the private sector for billing – 09/16/2011
  Most people would be surprised to realize how many government contracting opportunities exist for vendors offering solutions for billing and collections. Government has always leaned heavily on the private sector for these types of administrative services, but because of economic conditions throughout the state, even more opportunities in this area are anticipated in the coming year. [more]
• Insurance needs creating lucrative marketplace – 09/02/2011
  Insurance companies, third party administrators and professional service companies will find the public sector an attractive marketplace in the coming year. Cities, counties, school districts and special districts are required to carry many forms of insurance. [more]
• Technology increases productivity and cuts costs – 08/19/2011
  In spite of dramatic funding cuts to public sector budgets throughout the state, technology spending by government officials will increase in the coming year. That is because technology offers a way to increase productivity and cut costs at the same time, and public officials are desperate for something that provides that outcome. [more]
• Lege funding an abundance of capital projects – 08/05/2011
  Texas developers, contractors and architecture and engineering firms interested in infrastructure and constructions projects received a big boost from the Texas Legislature this past session. Several bills signed by the governor provide funding and funding mechanisms that pave the way for much-needed capital projects throughout Texas. [more]
• Cuts don’t necessarily mean reduced spending – 07/22/2011
  The Texas legislative session was painful for everyone involved. And, the outcome was not particularly good. But, now that the dust has settled, it is interesting to review what happened and to analyze what it all means for government contractors over the next two years in Texas. [more]
• Parks facilities provide contracting opportunities – 07/08/2011
  Parks, greenbelts, hike-and-bike trail systems and other recreational facilities are extremely important in enhancing the quality of life for Texas communities. Texas’ growing population and increasing demand for safe places to exercise and play provide numerous opportunities for contractors large and small. [more]
• Lots of opportunities for facilities, equipment services – 06/24/2011
  Companies that offer services related to facilities and equipment will be glad to hear that there are many upcoming opportunities in government marketplaces. And, there is an abundance of immediate opportunities as well. [more]
• Local governments need temp contract staffing – 06/10/2011
  Companies that offer temporary and contract staffing services will find an abundance of opportunities throughout Texas at the local level of government. In fact, in the next year, government will spend hundreds of millions of dollars with staffing agencies on an as-needed basis to deal with employee vacancies, vacation, illness, leave of absence, medical leave and increased workloads. [more]
• Fleet services major part of public sector market – 05/27/2011
  Companies selling products and services related to vehicles and fleet services will find public sector marketplaces very attractive in the months to come. Governmental entities will soon have new funding and there is pent-up demand for this type of purchasing. [more]
• Growth means more contracting opportunities – 05/13/2011
  Recent census data has confirmed what Texans already know – this state has seen tremendous growth, especially in the Valley and suburban areas. Texas is, in fact, the 7th-fastest-growing state. [more]
• Billions available for higher ed construction projects in Texas – 04/29/2011
  Funding efforts currently under way at both the state and local levels of government are likely to provide billions of dollars for higher education construction projects over the next few years. Contractors interested in these opportunities should begin monitoring activities now. [more]
• Don’t overlook cooperative purchasing vehicles – 04/15/2011
  Newcomers to the public sector marketplace or experienced vendors who want to increase their public sector sales should take a close look at cooperative purchasing vehicles. These programs establish competitively bid contracts for common goods and services. [more]
• Bond votes may create contracting opportunities – 03/25/2011
  On May 14, 60 Texas cities, counties, community colleges, hospital districts and school districts will ask voters to approve more than $2.3 billion in bond funding to complete critical facilities and infrastructure needs. [more]
• Rail projects provide contracting opportunities – 03/18/2011
  While funding for Texas highways is scarce, there appears to be more than ample funding for rail and bus projects. Last month’s announcement indicating the federal government may invest $53 billion more for construction of a national high-speed and intercity passenger rail network made it obvious that urban, commuter rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects will provide contracting opportunities for many years. [more]
• Government entities are seeking cost-control options – 03/04/2011
  As government organizations develop their 2012 budgets, they are all seeking cost-reduction and cost-containment options. The fact that there is less money for them to spend should alert government contractors to numerous new opportunities. Here are just a few of the categories where there are immediate contracting opportunities for private sector firms. [more]
• Identifying future opportunities can provide an edge – 02/18/2011
  Over the last two years, competition has significantly increased for construction firms working in government marketplaces. There are many reasons why this is true, but the competition is primarily driven by fewer construction opportunities in the private sector. [more]
• RFIs provide firms with competitive advantage – 02/04/2011
  It is common for new government contractors to become confused by a solicitation document called a Request for Information (RFI). What does that mean? How is a company expected to respond? [more]
• Partnerships allowing construction to continue – 01/14/2011
  State and local government budgets are tight and many public entities have halted or curtailed new construction projects. However, in many instances, it is more costly to maintain old and inefficient buildings or purchase portable buildings because of overcrowding. [more]
• Government audits equal contracting opportunities – 01/07/2011
  Audit firms capture millions of dollars in new business each year from cities, counties, school districts and state agencies. Those numbers are expected to increase significantly in the coming months. Audit firms that have overlooked government business in the past may be wise to reconsider such decisions. [more]

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