N I T C . n e w s

Backbone Network Services RFP
The State of Nebraska is seeking a qualified contractor to design, develop, implement, and provide Convergent Transport Backbone Network Services. Click here for the RFP (SCA-0262)

Ability Quest Conference
The Ability Quest Conference -- Nebraska's Largest Assistive Technology Conference and Showcase -- is scheduled for May 7-9 in Lincoln. Click here for more information and to get a registration form.

National Security Strategy
In February, the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace was released by the White House.

Nebraska Information Technology Clearinghouse

News for...

Communities

Education

State Government

Communities

IT Planning and Mini Grant Program update:
Edgar completes community assessment
The Edgar technology committee worked with the Center for Rural Research and Development at UNK to conduct a community survey. The survey found that 62% of households have a computer and 49% have Internet access. 65% of businesses have Internet access. More information on the NITC/Technologies Across Nebraska IT Planning and Mini Grant program is now available at http://www.nitc.state.ne.us/toolkit/pilot/index.htm .

Libraries receive Gates Foundation computers
Over 200 Nebraska libraries received computers and training.

Guidebook helps local government officials get online
Getting Online 2.0 by the National Center for Small Communities is now available.

Federal grant and loan programs
RUS rural broadband loan program
RUS Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants and Loans
NTIA Technology Opportunities Program (TOP)

Meetings and conferences
Telehealth Subcommittee, April 15, 1:30, videoconferencing sites
Rural Telecon Conference, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Washington, D.C.

Education

April Update from the NITC Education Council

Several states look for ways to reduce the Brain Drain

Nearly 80% of America's students have access to the Internet at home

E-rate denials lead to investigation of fraud

Invitation to browse the National Science Digital Library

Nebraska company provides tele-nursing to K-12 schools

Washington state to build Digital Education Commons portal

WGU opens new online teachers college

The next Education Council Meeting will be held Thursday, April 17, 2003 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CT over the NVCN system with sites at Chadron State College, Lincoln Executive Building, and Wayne State College.

Upcoming Conferences
NETA, Omaha, NE, April 24-25, 2003
NDLA, Kearney, NE, May 28-30, 2003
NECC, Seattle, WA, June 30-July 2, 2003
MII, Lincoln, NE, July 28-29, 2003
EDUCAUSE, Anaheim, CA, Nov. 4-7, 2003

State Government

E-Government Strategic Plan
In March, the State Government Council adopted a revised E-Government Strategic Plan for state government. Click here to see the plan.

External Intrusion Security Assessment
The Office of the CIO has signed an agreement with Omni Tech Corporation to perform an "external intrusion security assessment" for state government. For more information, or if you have questions about how this may affect your agency, contact Steve Schafer at (402) 471-4385 or slschafe@notes.state.ne.us.

Nebrask@ Online for State Employees
NOL has been working with the State Government Council to develop a Web portal to serve state government employees. Click here to visit the site. Use the "Feedback Form" link at the top to offer comments and suggestions.

IT Related Legislation
Click here to see a list of bills related to information technology.

Best of the Web - Call for Entries
The "Best of the Web" Awards are given annually by the Center for Digital Government, Government Technology, and the Center for Digital Education. Entries are now being accepted for this year's awards. Click here for an overview of the contest or to enter your Website. The application deadline is July 1, 2003. The contest criteria are: Innovation and use of Web-based technology; Functionality and improved access; Efficiency or time saved; and Economy or money saved.

NITC.news

Monday, April 7, 2003