Three Things to Consider During State and Local Government Fiscal Year-End Spend

According to ONVIA, 46 state agencies' fiscal year-end dates fall at the end of June, while 86% of school districts align with the school year in June. Keep in mind, New York, Alabama, Texas, and Michigan have different fiscal year deadlines. As a purchasing professional, you are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic environment and the fast-approaching fiscal year-end June 30th deadline. You are probably facing the question of whether to spend your remaining funds on COVID-19 requirements, categorize or spend on products for future projects. It is important to consider category management, product reach, and contract vehicles to streamline your purchasing process during this busy time of year.  Why to Consider Category Management It may be worth considering a category management approach similar to the Federal Government’s implemented in early 2019 to encourage smarter purchasing across purchasing departments. During the rush through the state and local fiscal year-end spend season, this approach allows state and local governments to streamline and complete their final purchases in time to meet the June 30th deadline. Category management is brought into this process to ensure that all of these procurement departments are collaborating and streamlining their processes. By working closely with one another, they can identify the best way to purchase products and services in order to consolidate, avoid product duplicates, and save money. Expanding Your Product Category Reach Establishing a partnership with an organization that can help build relationships with key suppliers can help in consolidating and reducing product costs. The more product categories that your partner has the ability to serve, the more products and services you can leverage through that relationship. With the right partner you can expand your product category reach by a number of industries, such as: Automation - industrial automation, process control and motor control applications Broadband communications - assist operators with broadband infrastructure   Data communications - cooper, fiber, cabling, connectivity, racks, cabinets and power supplies Electrical - breakers, hardware, meter devices, switchgear, wiring devices Electronics - automation, control, relays, sensors, switches Lighting - LED, emergency lighting, indoor and outdoor fixtures Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) - abrasives, adhesives, tools, janitorial supplies Renewables - inverters, racking, solar lighting Safety - personal protective equipment, signage, respiratory and fall protection Security - video surveillance, access control, cameras Wire, cable and conduit - fire alarm, splices, termination, traffic and roadway The Benefits of Contract Vehicles According to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), cooperative procurement refers to the combining of requirements of two or more public procurement entities to leverage the benefits of volume purchases, delivery and supply chain advantages, best practices, and the reduction of administrative time and expenses. WESCO offers multiple statewide and cooperative contracts. We hold over ten statewide contacts, including states that have to spend their remaining funds by the June 30th deadline. NPPGov – Electrical Products and Lighting Equipment OMNIA Partners – MRO Supplies and Related Services Sourcewell – Facility MRO Supplies and Related Services By considering category management, product reach and contract vehicles in your year-end purchases will allow your agency to confidently buy the necessary products and solutions to meet your June 30th deadline. WESCO has a dedicated team focused on the state, local, and education market ready to meet your fiscal year-end needs and beyond.

WESCO’s GPN Summit Fundraises for Veteran Charity in Las Vegas

Every year, WESCO’s Government Partner Network (GPN) brings together our GPN partners, suppliers, and members of our Commercial, Institutional and Government team to network and collaborate. The eighth annual event took place from Nov. 5-7 in Henderson, NV, and gave attendees the opportunity to volunteer and fundraise for a local charity. Event Attendees Volunteer With Las Vegas Fisher House The GPN Summit included a community service project benefiting the Las Vegas Fisher House, a 501(C) (3) charitable non-profit committed to improving the quality of life for members of the military, military retirees, veterans, and their families in Nevada. The Las Vegas Fisher House, operated by the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, strives to be a “home away from home” for families of veterans or active duty service members undergoing extensive treatment at two local hospitals. GPN Summit attendees stuffed 120 snack bags to give to military and veteran families who are staying at the Fisher House while a loved one is receiving treatment. Snacks included granola bars, candy, trail mix, fruit snacks, and breakfast snacks. Participants also wrote a few words of encouragement to each family. The snack bags will be distributed to active military and veterans’ families who are staying at the Fisher House. At this year’s GPN event, $7,100 was raised to benefit the local Las Vegas Fisher House.  Charity, Networking and Education at GPN Summit In addition to charitable opportunities, the GPN Summit included informational sessions on protecting critical infrastructure with surveillance and other measures, data center technology, specific agency opportunities, and digital transformation in the government space. Two government contracting experts, Gloria Larkin of TargetGov and Brain Dunn of Winvale, delivered keynote presentations on the changes related to GSA and government contracting rules. WESCO’s Government Partner Network The GPN is an exclusive network of strategic government contractors who benefit from WESCO’s partnerships to be more competitive on commercial, institutional and government opportunities. Our government customers gain access to diverse suppliers who add value to their businesses. To learn more about the Government Partner Network, contact us at gpn@wesco.com.

The History of the Government’s Data Center Transformation and What It Means For You

If you work in the data communications industry, specifically with the federal government, you’re probably already familiar with the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI), and how it led to the Federal Information Technology Reform Act (FITARA). But have you heard about the latest updates to the Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI)? A Brief History of Federal Data Centers As the number of data centers grew significantly over a 10-year period (1998-2009) from 432 to more than 1,000, the federal government studied whether any agency data centers could be consolidated to result in cost savings. The results of this study brought about the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI) in 2010. The FDCCI was created to:   Promote the use of Green IT by reducing the overall energy and real estate footprint of government data centers Reduce the cost of data center hardware, software, and operations Increase the overall IT security posture of the government Shift IT investments to more efficient computing platforms and technologies In short, it recommended that federal agencies optimize and consolidate their data centers to deliver better services to the public while increasing return-on-investment to taxpayers. Over time, the FDCCI led to Congress creating the Federal Information Technology Reform Act (FITARA), which was signed into law in 2015. FITARA spelled out requirements, established guidelines, and set completion deadlines and expectations for the shift and made them law. It required the federal government to meet the FDCCI specs of its agencies’ data centers by October 1, 2018. Roughly 24 federal agencies have spent considerable effort, time, and resources to ensure compliance, but the process is a long and arduous one — an October 2018 deadline would be nearly impossible to hit. The FITARA Enhancement Act of 2017 pushed that deadline to 2020, giving the agencies two extra years. But would even two years be enough time? How could they prioritize their work? Enter the Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) Initially created in 2016 via memorandum M-16-19 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the DCOI set the priorities for data center closures, consolidations, and improvements through the end of the 2018 fiscal year. Because the FITARA Enhancement Act extended the deadline, an update was needed with revised priorities, and this summer, it was issued. On June 25 of this year, the M-19-19 Memorandum was distributed to a wide variety of CIOs in executive departments and myriad federal agencies. In the memo, Suzette Kent, the Federal Chief Information Officer for the United States at OMB, provided updated requirements and priorities, and extended the deadline until October 1, 2020 to meet the FITARA enhancements. The updated memo directed agencies to focus on “general compute” data centers instead of non-tiered facilities and to continue to submit quarterly updates on progress and metrics. These priority and directional shifts can cause alarm with IT managers, regulators and contractors, and creates confusion within departments to ensure compliance to the law and adherence to established deadlines. What equipment and technology are needed? Which solutions are the most efficient? How do we optimize our infrastructure? What haven’t we thought of? Fortunately, WESCO can help. WESCO Capabilities and Contracts WESCO can provide agencies with comprehensive evaluation regarding space, power, cooling, cabling, and connectivity to meet federal consolidation requirements. The complete assessment includes recommendations based on best practices to support your current operations and future requirements. Technology review to assess your IT use and business goals Review and assessment of facility infrastructure elements Site survey to inspect the facility and confirm existing infrastructure systems Analysis of documentation and site survey data to generate recommendations Site modification recommendations and alternative solutions In addition, WESCO has a GSA Schedule 70 GS-35F-573GA with more than 25,000 products from industry-leading manufacturers from product categories including copper and fiber cabling, patch cords, test equipment, UPS, racks, and cabinets. As you prepare for the October 1, 2020 extension, WESCO can help you assess, provide products and solutions, and contract vehicles to meet the consolidation requirements.  

WESCO Gives Back to the Center for Community Outreach at Kansas University at NAEP Conference

For the last five years, WESCO has sponsored community service projects at the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP)’s annual meeting – and this year was no different. In previous years, WESCO and NAEP have partnered to build hygiene kits for community members in Reno, NV, boxed lunches for homeless or low-income veterans in San Antonio, TX, and backpacks with school supplies for students in need at Florida State University. Giving Back to Kansas City Community This year, the 98th NAEP annual meeting was held in Kansas City, MO and the partnering organization was the Center for Community Outreach at Kansas University. The organization encourages students to participate in volunteer activities within their communities at the local and global levels to become active, mindful, and engaged citizens after their college experience. The Center for Community Outreach gets students involved in programs that address a variety of issues in communities. With 12 student-run programs, some of the many issues they focus on include hunger, mentoring, community health, and much more. During the meeting, 60 volunteers including WESCO, NAEP members, and conference attendees worked together to assemble hygiene kits and backpacks filled with school supplies for college students facing housing and basic needs insecurities. The project resulted in 100 hygiene kits and 100 backpacks ready to go to deserving students. Each hygiene kit assembled provides essential products such as anti-bacterial wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and lip balm. For students who need assistance with school supplies, the backpacks supply them with pens, pencils, notebooks, and flash drives. The Future of the Program The NAEP Annual Meeting was held April 7-10, 2019, and brought together educational procurement professionals from across the country. Each year the meeting brings professionals from both large, small, public, and private educational backgrounds to learn and share experiences. We are happy to announce that WESCO has been honored to be selected to sponsor the 99th NAEP Annual Meeting service project in 2020! Make sure to join us next year on April 5-8 at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN, and help us give back to the local community.

WESCO Gives Back at Annual Government Partner Network Summit in Tampa

The seventh annual WESCO Government Partner Network (GPN) Summit held Nov. 6-8 in Tampa, FL, gave WESCO and attendees a special opportunity to give back to the local and global community all while networking with fellow employees, GPN partners and suppliers. The event included a community service project and Adopt-A-Hospital in Afghanistan for attendees to participate. What is the Government Partner Network? The Government Partner Network is an exclusive network comprised of WESCO strategic government contractors whose members can leverage our internal network to be more competitive on federal, state and local government opportunities through our consolidation of products, services, and supply chain solutions. Our customers in the government segment gain access to a diverse supplier base that adds value to its business practices and help achieve long-term growth objectives. What is the Government Partner Network Summit? WESCO hosts an annual GPN Summit event to bring together supplier sponsors, GPN partners, and members of the Government and Institutional team to network and collaborate on ways to win government and institutional business. This year, topics discussed included federal energy savings contracts, supply chain services, digital transformation solutions and critical infrastructure protection. In addition, we had two guest speakers, Gloria Larkin of TargetGov and Tammy Rimes of National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP). Community Service in Tampa Given the background of the attendees and the GPN program’s goals, we’ve always been rooted in charitable activities. For this year’s community service project, the WESCO Government and Institutional team worked with the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department to give GPN Summit attendees the opportunity to help stuff 100 backpacks with school supplies for the less fortunate in the Tampa area. Supplies included pencils, notebooks, erasers, folders, paper, crayons, markers and more. Participants also wrote a few words of encouragement to each student. The backpacks will be distributed to low-income children who attend the afterschool program at the parks and recreation center. Adopt-A-Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan Our WESCO teammate Jason Wolff, Manager, Critical Infrastructure Program, is currently deployed to Afghanistan. One of his company mission’s is to advise a local hospital in Kandahar. Unfortunately, it was discovered the hospital is very unsanitary and the people are dying not from injuries but from infections. The hospital staff is well trained and understands the need for sterilization but has little to work with. At this year’s event, $7,989 was raised to purchase basic items including sterile bandages, pads and sponges, antibiotic ointments and burn creams, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, decontaminate cleaner and survival wraps to send to Jason to distribute to the hospital.  Ongoing Commitment to Community WESCO is committed to supporting the education, healthcare, federal, state and local markets through a dedicated team of individuals focused solely on these customers. Our team understands the purchasing processes, contract vehicles, unique language and acronyms, and various solutions that matter to these customers. And we always welcome the opportunity to give back to our community. To get involved with our Government Partner Network, reach out at gpn@wesco.com.

WESCO Gives Back to Florida State University Students at NAEP Conference

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) Annual meeting is a place for procurement colleagues from schools large and small, public and private across the country to collaborate. The 97th annual meeting of NAEP took place in Orlando, FL from April 8-11, 2018. This marks the fourth year in a row WESCO has sponsored a community service project at the event to benefit students of Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. NAEP partnered with Projects with Purpose to stuff meal bags for FSU students in the Unconquered Scholars program, struggling with homelessness and other challenges. The mission of Unconquered Scholars Program is to provide qualified Florida State University students guidance, continual mentor-ship, advocacy, security and a voice to further ensure their personal academic success and long-term independence. Unfortunately, many Scholars have faced intense hardships during childhood that may increase their risk of leaving academia without a degree and the program is designed to reduce that risk. Florida State University is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of Unconquered students to help them experience the long-term professional and personal benefits associated with educational achievement. Through teamwork and collaboration with other campus partners, the Unconquered Scholars Program provides the below services: One-on-One Advising Summer Bridge Program College Life Coaching Academic Advising Financial Aid Assistance and Advocacy Tutoring Services State of the Art Computer Lab and Study Suites Mental Health Counseling Services Academic and Skills Workshops Volunteer Opportunities The community service project resulted in over 100 backpacks filled with a combination of schools supplies, nutritious snacks, a gift card, and a personal note of encouragement from the person who stuffed the bag. Participants included NAEP members and suppliers who came together to bring an unexpected gift to a student in need at Florida State University. WESCO was honored to be selected to sponsor the service project again for 2018. Join us next year for NAEP at the Kansas City, MO Marriott from April 7-10, 2019.