Just like any other organization, government agencies generate and store massive amounts of data at local, state and federal levels – from census and employment data, to data about military activities and covert operations.
Read MoreWith the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) came the requirement for federal agencies to consolidate and optimize data centers by Oct. 1, 2018. But don’t worry if you’re working with some that haven’t achieved all the closure and efficiency improvements that were prioritized in the subsequent Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI).
Read MoreEvery 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.
Read MoreGovernment contractors are looking for a cost-effective solution to increase their network speed without compromising security. A fiber optic network is one route to go, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to install.
Read MoreYour security site plan can have a lot of moving parts. For critical infrastructure sites (i.e., power plants – nuclear, gas, electrical or solar, petroleum refineries, data centers, etc.), it’s important to know what’s happening inside and outside, regardless if you’re onsite or not.
Read MoreIf 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).
Read MoreAccording to the Office of Management and Budget’s memorandum M-19-10 Category Management: Making Smarter Use of Common Contract Solutions and Practices, released March 20, 2019, “category management is defined as the business practice of buying common goods and services as an enterprise to eliminate redundancies, increase efficiency, and deliver more value and savings from the Government’s acquisition programs.”
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreHealthcare, foodservice and educational institutions often have different requirements for lighting technology compared to residential or commercial facilities. One such requirement may involve additional testing to ensure food, water and consumer safety.
Read MoreWith the Internet of Things (IoT) driving bandwidth demands higher and higher, healthcare facility and infrastructure managers find themselves facing expensive and disruptive rip-and-replace scenarios for networks not able to scale, migrate, and keep up.
Read MoreIn October 2016, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued the DFARS 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting clause. These regulations required prime contractors and their suppliers to provide adequate security on all covered contractor information systems.
Read MoreMaintaining the security of the electrical grid is recognized as a top priority by most federal, state and local entities. There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose security is entrusted to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the electrical grid is what allows the other 15 to function. The financial resources to implement necessary mitigation solutions to deter, detect, protect, respond and recover from an event are limited.
Read MorePhysical security concerns are an integral issue for healthcare facilities. These vital organizations are open to the public and serve vulnerable populations. A physical or cybersecurity attack could be devastating to the facility, its personnel, patients and the community. Conducting a risk assessment can significantly mitigate the vulnerabilities of a healthcare facility to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Read MoreIndustrial controls systems are facing an enemy that’s only becoming more hazardous – cyberattacks. Last year, one report found that 34 percent of industrial control systems around the globe were breached more than twice in one year. To better protect and secure federal agencies’ networks, new federal guidelines were published that standardize government cybersecurity efforts. The Unified Facility Criteria UFC 4-010-06, released by the Department of Defense (DoD) in September 2016, lists requirements for incorporating cybersecurity into control system design. It is the first complete list of standards and processes for cybersecurity design guidance specifically written for all DoD control systems.
Read MoreAs a purchasing professional, it can seem like your biggest hurdle is figuring out how to do more with less. Getting the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost can be a challenge. The primary responsibility of a purchasing department is to procure goods and services for an organization, but determining the balance between locally managed and quoted agreements and leveraging the work of other agencies is part of the role. Working together with others can often yield better results than working alone. That’s especially true in negotiating prices. Joining a network of like-minded professionals as part of a cooperative contract provides an innovative way to get better prices and save time.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year when Government Services Administration (GSA) schedules are in the spotlight. Many federal agencies use these schedules to access discounted products and services that will streamline the federal procurement process. This contract vehicle is particularly important during federal year-end buying season. Every year, agencies scramble to spend their remaining budgets by the September 30 deadline or else lose their funds.
Read MoreNext week’s National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) conference in San Antonio, Texas, will give WESCO a special opportunity. On Tuesday, May 24, our Government and Institutional team will sponsor the event’s annual community service project to benefit Soldiers’ Angels.
Read More
