- GSA Schedule 84 Cooperative Purchasing
SIA Goal: To secure the enactment of federal legislation that extends the GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program to Schedule 84.
Background: The E-Government Act of 2002 authorized "cooperative purchasing" through which state and local governments have increased access to products and services only offered through GSA Schedule 70.
Potential benefit to SIA members: This legislation would extend cooperative purchasing to Schedule 84 and make it easier for many SIA members to secure customer agreements with state and local governments.
- Port Security Grant Program
SIA Goal: To secure Fiscal Year 2008 Funding for the Port Security Grant Program for SIA member equipment manufacturers and to make sure SIA Standards are adhered to appropriately.
Background: The SAFE Port Act was signed into law by President Bush. This legislation authorizes $2 billion over five years for port security grants administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Port security grants may be used for such purposes as security gates and fencing, remote surveillance, concealed video systems, and "other security related equipment that contributes to the overall security of passengers, cargo, or crew members."
Potential benefit to SIA members: Port security grant monies may be used to purchase certain equipment offered by SIA members.
- Tax Withholding of Contractor Payments
SIA Goal: To secure the repeal of a federal law that requires federal, state, and local governments to withhold three percent of payments to government contractors. SIA will achieve this goal by becoming an active member of the "Tax Withholding Relief Coalition" formed and led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Background: The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 mandates that federal, state, and local governments withhold three percent (3%) of all payments to "any person providing property or services" to the government beginning in 2011. This provision was enacted because Congress was concerned that some government contractors are not fulfilling their tax obligations.
Potential benefit to SIA members: The current withholding requirement could negatively impact the cash flow of any SIA member who does business with government. Repeal of this provision would benefit SIA members who sell products and services to the government.
- Oversight of HSPD-12 and the TWIC program
SIA Goal: To communicate SIA member concerns about federal agency implementation of HSPD-12 and the TWIC program to members of Congress.
Background: SIA's PIV Working Group actively works within government channels to address federal agency implementation of HSPD-12 and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Potential benefit to SIA members: Congressional expressions of support (i.e. Congressional calls/letters to federal agencies) for SIA positions toward implementation of these initiatives may positively influence future federal agency actions.
- SIA Standards Activities
SIA Goal: To secure the enactment of federal legislation that reaffirms federal requirements for government agency participation in private sector standards activities. The proposed SIA legislation would require federal agencies to participate in the standards development activities of the electronic physical security industry.
Background: The National Technology and Advancement Act of 1995 and OMB Circular A-119 direct all federal agencies to participate in the standards development activities of private sector standards bodies. This has not occurred within the electronic physical security industry or within SIA's standards activities.
Potential benefit to SIA members: This legislation will bring federal agency expertise into SIA's Standards Committee activities and contribute to federal agency use of SIA standards.
- Grants for Fire Detection Systems
SIA Goal: To support legislation securing grant money for fire safety equipment in colleges and universities.
Background: The legislation would establish a new U.S. Department of Education grant program for the installation of fire detection and prevention systems The bill would authorize $3 million annually between fiscal years 2007-2010.
Potential benefit to SIA members: This legislation will provide funding for fire safety equipment manufactured and sold by SIA members.
