Arthur Andersen Aims to Cut Government Red Tape

International consulting firm Arthur Andersen announced Tuesday that it is working with govWorks, Inc., a U.S. government Web portal, to create a suite of tools that will reduce bureaucratic delays in business-to-government (B2G) transactions.

The new system will handle tax payments, environmental impact and other regulatory filings, permitting and sales of products, and services across multiple jurisdictions.

GovWorks Chairman and CEO Kaleil D. Isaza Tuzman described the alliance as a “critical and decisive step” in using the Internet to help governments become more responsive to citizens and other stakeholders.

“GovWorks is already collaborating with governments to make government-to-consumer interactions simple, secure and convenient,” he said. “This alliance will allow us to do the same for businesses.”

Cutting Down on Red Tape

The new tool kit is designed to make it easier for businesses that deal with government agencies by simplifying transactions. Some transactions can require businesses to interact with independent agencies at the local, regional, state and federal level, with each agency having unique rules, communications requirements and buying practices.

Additionally, the agreement is set to complement govWorks’ partnership with American Management Systems (Nasdaq: AMSY), which facilitates the transfer of information and funds from consumers and businesses to government agencies.

The deal with govWorks also calls for Arthur Andersen to make its shared services center capablities available to govWorks’ government customers. The companies will work with other firms to develop solutions that will help smaller cities and counties benefit from Internet technology at a lower cost.

Information Made Easy

Another recently launched initiative, InsiderAdvantage.com, provides subscribers with information about the $1.6 trillion (US$) government contract market. During its first day of operation, the company reportedly revealed previously undisclosed information about $3 billion in government bond issues and $1 billion in requests for proposals in such areas as telecommunications, construction, insurance, privatization, waste disposal and health care.

According to co-founder and former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard, “We are simplifying the process of dealing with government exponentially. Subscribers will have information before it becomes news.”

Targeting Schools

Local school boards and administrators are also finding themselves the beneficiaries of Web entrepreneurs who want to make their jobs easier.

Last month, San Francisco, California-based Simplexis.com launched what it claims to be the first electronic marketplace designed to simplify purchases by schools. Deployed in partnership with Corio, Inc. on a customized version of Commerce One’s BuySite, Simplexis.com is aiming to save U.S. schools $10 billion by 2005.

Additionally, Appleton, Wisconsin-based School Specialty, Inc. announced that it will expand its JuneBox.com site, which currently offers educational supplies, to include textbooks, technology, janitorial products and office supplies.