WO2001020528A1 - Method and apparatus for advertising and software therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, computer program and apparatus for enabling transmission data between one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities is provided. The method, comprises first verifying the identity of each of the one or more public sector entities (110) and one or more private sector entities. Then a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from the plurality of private sector entitites for each of the one or more particular products or services the public sector entity may want to purchase are also collected. A search engine is provided for the one or more public sector entities to search among the collected pricing and related terms for each of the plurality of private sector entities to search among the collected pricing and related terms for each of the plurality of private sector entities for each of the one or more particular products or services. Another search engine is provided for the one or more private sector entities to search among the collected required related terms for each of the plurality of public sector entities for each of the one or more particular products or services the public sector entity may want to purchase. Finally, communication between any one of the public sector entities and any one of the private sector entities is provided.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADVERTISING AND

SOFTWARE THEREFOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/613,853, filed July 11, 2000, currently pending; and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application. Serial No. 60/154,445, filed September 17, 1999, the contents of each being incorporated herein by reference together with all documents cited therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The public sector is the largest market sector of industry in the world. The market opportunity for business-to-government e-commerce is significant considering government spending exceeds $2.3 trillion in the US annually and employs more than 21 million people. Business to government internet-based e- commerce is projected to parallel the growth in business-to-business growth, forecasted to grow substantially over the next five years, primarily through industry- specific websites, communities or portals.

At the present time, there is extensive fragmentation in the public sector market segment, on both the purchasing and provision sides. Thus, local entities, federal agencies, employees, elected and appointed officials all have different functions but all share a common focus. Initial market focus is at the domestic county and local levels. There are nearly 88,000 county and local governments plus thousands of additional entities such as school districts, local and regional authorities. Therefore, the relevant market for business to government transactions will include education, public health care entities, state governments and ultimately the federal level.

The public sector functions in a manner that is significantly different from the private sector. Little motivation or reward for efficiency coupled with the lack of profit motivation instills an environment where risk-taking is nearly absent. A public sector entity generally will wait to try something new until some other entity has already tried it. Public sector professionals place a high value on determining what others are doing and what initiatives are working. In fact, the public sector is very willing to share information, including specific details of how to launch a program for example - an unusual practice not typically found the competitive private sector. Providing efficient access to this type of information is critically valuable - arguably the lifeblood of the business of government.

The enormous diversity and expanse of the public sector creates the foundation for an excellent organizational opportunity. The Public Sector broadly includes governmental units and political jurisdictions, including numerous sub- units such as agencies, districts, and authorities. The Public Sector comprises employees, elected officials and appointed officials. The Public Sector occurs at many levels - local, county, regional, state, multi-state and federal. The common thread is public service - either supported by taxes or user fees. While they differ in many respects they all provide some measure of public service and purchase similar goods, materials and services.

No central medium exists today that encompasses either the entire, or even a substantial portion of the public sector. A daily industry newspaper or even a monthly magazine, in physical form, would be a difficult, cumbersome and expensive undertaking - despite the inherent benefits from advertising. Due to the public sector's diverse nature and size, it would be near impossible - if not impracticable - to have one medium accomplish such a feat. Yet, combined public sector spending is more than $2 trillion annually. A vacuum truly exists today. The public sector is often regarded as the laggard of technology and efficiency. In the private sector, profit motivation drives efficiency, and advances in technology generally fuel the ever-increasing need for efficiency. The public sector is in the business of providing services, basically services that citizens need and the private sector is incapable of performing. These services are distinct and generally do not lend themselves to efficiency. Therefore, unlike the private sector, efficiency has not been of paramount importance. With the exception of the U.S. Department of Defense. NASA and perhaps the IRS. government is usually at the end of the technology line. (An important technology distinction regarding government must be considered. While it is true that many technological marvels emanated from federally sponsored initiatives, including the internet itself, these initiatives evolved for specific strategic program purposes - not necessarily to enhance government operations.)

The vast majority of the employees and public officials are motivated by the right intentions. While nearly all involved would cherish the ability to increase efficiency and execute services more crisply, they simply cannot afford to since costs for emerging technological advancement are usually prohibitive. The public sector was perhaps the last major industry to take advantage of computers. Why? Until recently (the past 10 years) computers, software and systems were too expensive. As the technology advanced and became more affordable, only then was the public sector realistically able to participate.

Those who develop technology applications generally look first to the private sector for exploitation. Even though cutting edge technology is generally expensive, the business community will pay if there is an opportunity to increase business, revenues or ultimately profit. Businesses generally make relatively quick decisions. Government is the opposite. The public sector - with the exception of the federal government - generally can't afford new technology and more importantly takes a tremendous time to analyze and study new initiatives. After consideration that public sector employees personally have no economic incentive to foster and promote efficiency, it is easier for these employees to continue to perform business as usual rather than attempt bold new initiatives. Elected and appointed officials, largely part-timers, focus on policy initiatives. They do not have the time nor resources to second-guess administrators nor to research better methods that increase efficiency. With the evolution of today's Internet, technological participation and advancement opportunities are relatively easy and inexpensive to implement. The new Internet medium is perhaps the first major technological advancement that the public sector may immediately engage. There are currently a number of public sector initiatives either in place or underway to harness the power of the net - however none of these efforts come close to the combined power of The Public Sector Zone as described in this application

The National Association of State Purchasing Officials has recently stated that, "Public procurement by state governments has been a mostly evolutionary, sometimes revolutionary process throughout the 20^th Century. As we move to the 21^st Century, powerful external forces are reshaping government and the marketplace. Simply put, the world is changing. A variety of factors are woven into these changes, including:

The dynamic and rapidly diversifying marketplace.

The new global economy and marketplace.

The continuous pressure to downsize staff and/or operations.

The increase in customer service demands. - The explosion in information technology."

According the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council, "the largest sea change in the history of commerce since the development of national banks and currency is underway. Electronic commerce, although still in its formative stage, has begun to reshape the way business is conducted across the globe, including the way government to business is conducted. The Internet allows any governmental entity, regardless of size or location, the ability to participate easily and quickly in the Information Revolution. Convergence of Internet commerce in the $1 trillion State and Local Government arena will intensify." Much is being talked about, written and even emerging business enterprise in portal development. Emphasis is being placed on development of vertical portals, which are specialized sites devoted specifically for providing products and services for specific industries or interest groups. Vertical portals are often seen as structurally defining the next generation of Internet commerce. Content aggregation is the magnet for creating thriving buying and selling communities. That's why portal and hub sites are so highly valued by major corporations wanting a place at the e-commerce table.

From a suppliers perspective, it is most advantageous when governments (state, local or federal) use the same means (e.g. linked web sites) and formats for making their selling opportunities available. Unfortunately today that is far from the case. Suppliers interested in selling more and at their best prices to governments must use many electronic means to find such opportunities and respond The Internet and the World Wide Web are creating unprecedented opportunities for the public sector to be at the forefront of cutting edge technology. There is now significant activity at all levels of government and through their professional associations to take advantage of transformation into the electronic age. There are many reasons, unfortunately, that the public sectors' initiatives will face difficulty to endure (as will be discussed later).

There are numerous initiatives in place or underway in the public sector to take advantage of online opportunities. Though access to the Internet is relatively easy and inexpensive, it is not without problems. First of all, the overwhelming initiatives are borne from governmental entities and/or through their respective professional associations. While this is admirable that public sector entities are pioneering at the forefront of activity, there are many obstacles and challenges.

Other challenges faced so far by the public sector include:

1. Insufficient and inconsistent funding

2. Reluctance to change by management

3. Need to change legacy systems

4. Statutory conflicts

5. Differing state and federal laws 6. Privacy and security issues

7. The earliest adapters are now faced with outdated systems & technology

8. Developing or using a particular technology that cannot be assimilated with others 9. Systems integration capabilities

10. Infrastructure requirements

11. Constantly changing and evolving technology and developments adds to the complexities of decisions governments must make

12. The up-front and on-going costs have exceeded expected gains in savings

13. No clear industry leaders For the public sector to truly transform itself to take advantage of electronic commerce and electronic data interchange, significant change will have to evolve in the way its business is currently conducted. Consider public sector purchasing where current systems and procedures are implements of extensive laws and regulations - public bidding, price quotes, and requests for proposals, etc. These laws and regulations were put in place to eliminate abuses with a byproduct that instills fairness and equal opportunity. The laws and regulations were not put into effect for the primary purpose of receiving 'value' - which turns out to be the unintended consequence. These laws and regulations do not lend themselves well into today's technological environment. However, once a sustainable pattern evolves that demonstrates adapting to digital technology is achieved (arguably with greater ease) the platforms of fairness and open opportunity - while continuing to eliminate abuses - these necessary changes will come quickly. Indeed, these laws and regulations affecting purchasing are perhaps the single largest barrier to entry for competition.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to adapt and redefine existing resources, information, tools and create an all-encompassing environment that is useful, purposeful and beneficial for transactions between the private and public sectors.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical portal for the exchange of product and other information between the public and private sectors. A further object of the invention is to provide a vertical portal including features for procurement of products and services from the private sector by the public sector;

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a vertical portal in which the public sector can post requirements, and receive bids during its procurement of goods and services. A still further object of the invention is to provide an information exchange in which all aspects of information that is to flow between the public and private sector can be easily housed and accessed.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, Public Sector Zone of the invention creates an unparalleled web site and information exchange for business-to- government and business to business electronic commerce. Its uniqueness is in part derived from an exclusive public sector orientation. This $2 trillion annual market in the public sector presents a challenging opportunity to provide seamless informational resources with a focused platform for enormous e-commerce potential. Public Sector Zone of the invention will enhance government efficiency. In accordance with the invention, an inclusive/exclusive zone will be established around this incredibly large business to government sector that currently includes a very high degree of fragmentation (horizontally and vertically) and represents nearly 13% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to the many agencies and departments at the federal and state levels, there are more than 87,500 different local and county governments - employing more than 21 million (not counting appointed/volunteer officials and retirees).

The zone concept is to provide a macro service. The characteristics of a zone include a combination of today's communities, portals and infomediaries. It is intended to be multi-dimensional with both vertical and horizontal integration, whereas the majority of today's 'vertical portals' are mono-dimensional. The zone of the invention is not just another electronic catalog portal - it is much more substantive. The full array of services and information will create a magnetic power that will promote regular visits and build a loyal-recurring user base. The key lies in the integration of the many parochial and indigenous services and how they are cumulatively adapted for enormous exploitation. Individuals, officials and professionals who work within the zone generated in accordance with the invention have access to a wide variety of resource tools, such as:

• a "Bulk Purchasing Cooperative" that will allow users to purchase common items at significant discounts

• a "Price Quote Wizard" that efficiently seeks the best pricing for goods and services

• a "Public Sector Auction Gallery" to sell surplus equipment and confiscated or recovered goods as well as marketing discontinued items and surplus inventory from vendors

• post requests for public bids as well as access to a comprehensive library for bid specifications

• a daily e-newspaper and monthly e-magazine providing a wealth of valuable public sector information • the ability to identify multiple vendor sources for their commercial needs with the capability for interaction and online execution

• online conferences and seminars for professional education

• custom e-mail service and bulletin boards for sharing information and fostering collaboration with peers • electronic catalogs and malls including products and services showcases

• extensive databases and numerous other features specifically designed to meet public sector needs

Providing easy-to-access - easy-to-use resources covering a broad spectrum of public sector interest, at no cost to the user, creates a powerful platform that will facilitate multiple revenue generating sources such as: direct e-commerce sales commissions from referrals advertisements • sponsorships listings & links The Public Sector Zone in accordance with the invention provides a medium for its users in which they do not have to be concerned with adapting to technology by purchasing software or complex systems integration. Rather, they will have the ability to passively interact by taking advantage of the advanced technological nature of the Public Sector Zone. Access requires only a basic system configuration and in Internet connection. Benefits from use will be limited only by their imagination without any further technological requirement on their behalf.

The website of the invention will contain at least five high valued-added content and transaction capabilities:

Other features will include a price quote service, bulk purchasing aggregation, educational seminars and conferences, and online bidding.

The website in accordance with the invention will foster a high level of outsourcing for a vast majority of services. Many features are included that will allow third party updating and automatic purging of dated information. This allows the community to rapidly craft and modify content it considers valuable. The invention will be able to deliver high-value market segments to the specialized advertisers that market to the public sector. The same technology that enables user- driven communities will allow efficient outsourcing of directory maintenance to various sponsors.

Hundreds of thousands of public sector users, including elected and appointed officials, employees and retirees will be able to use the zone constructed in accordance with the invention as a one-stop source to fulfill nearly all of their informational and product resource needs. Thousands of businesses will gain enormous benefit from a focused platform facilitating direct target marketing and e- commerce opportunities with the public sector.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features of construction, combination(s) of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a diagram depicting the relationship of various portions of a website constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the exchange zone shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the news zone shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the grants zone shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the resource zone shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the links shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the B2G Yellow Pages shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the log-in and registration section shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the about public sector zone section shown in Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 10 is a diagram depicting in greater detail the structure of the research centers section shown in Fig. 1 ;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, a detailed description of the invention will be given, making reference to the figures noted above.

The public sector encompasses a large number of entities and individuals. A representative sample of these includes:

Entities

Local governments Local authorities Local districts County governments

County authorities Local school districts Regional school districts Regional authorities Community colleges

State colleges and universities Community hospitals and medical centers State governments State authorities Bi-state authorities & agencies

Federal government Federal agencies Non-Profit Corporations

Individuals

Public employees Elected officials Appointed officials Retirees

Former elected and appointed officials

Interested citizens

Providers

Service providers Equipment providers Supply providers Consultants & Professionals Financial institutions

Extreme care and thoughtful planning have been employed in defining the invention to ensure ease of operation and the highest degree of user friendliness. User experiences must be effective and efficient. Users must be able to navigate and surf a website constructed in accordance with the invention to easily find desired information or resources. This is critically important in order to build a loyal- recurring user base. The ultimate objective is to create an addictive environment for all involved. A full array of other services - including non-public sector related - are also included in such a website constructed in accordance with the invention in order to entice users

A Public Sector Zone website constructed in accordance with the invention provides a wide array of information and resources that appeals to a broad and diverse population within the public sector. These services are primarily intended as the magnet to draw participants on a regular basis to visit the site for either research or informational opportunities. Including features that change and/or updated daily, such as the newspaper, will help toward building a loyal and regular base of viewers who will enjoy extended visits to the website. Some of the services and information may include:

Communications Center - including e-mail; interactive directory of public officials; chat rooms and information sharing bulletin boards; instant messaging; speak with a rotating group of public sector experts; and private meeting rooms. Resource Center - calendar of events; public notice center; libraries; guides on how to do business with the public sector; summaries of purchasing laws and regulations; grants center; budget manuals and tools; personnel policies and procedures; and database of famous quotes.

Auction Gallery - for surplus equipment and confiscated property; used equipment; surplus or excess inventory from vendors; tax title liens; foreclosed property; and a 'dutch style' or reverse auction center for procurement.

Daily Newspaper - including variety of articles; editorials; profiles; personnel notes; novelty; job search and classifieds; and advertisements.

Magazine - published monthly (or semi-monthly) including in-depth stories; white papers; interviews; guest articles; corporate profiles; and the Annual Awards Show.

Products and Services Center - including databases for bid specifications; bid solicitation bulletin boards; request for proposals solicitation bulletin boards; several directories for businesses and products and services; search engine for products and services; Price Quote Wizard; capability for online vendor conferences; infomercial library; online electronic bidding; and special features areas for products and services.

Purchasing Central - including a variety of electronic catalogs; e-mails; book store and software center; and the general store.

Conferences & Conventions - virtual seminars and conferences with the ability to confer Continuing Education Units (CEU^'s); and virtual conventions with real-time exhibit areas.

Financial Services - including a variety of municipal bond and note market information, bid wanted bulletin board, directories of firms and professionals; information on financial investments for the public sector including directories; small equipment leasing programs; and the Bulk Purchasing Cooperative. The Zone Club - affinity group program for registered users providing discounted products and services including e-commerce gift certificates.

Links - to professional associations and unions; public sector entities; political think tanks; and other search engines and resource centers.

Elected Officials Corner - including different types of election information; election officials and agencies; political parties; and directory of lobbyists and political consultants.

Directories - in each of the following directories, sub-listings will also include categories by: individual products or service groupings (paying to have multiple listings); by geographic region (paying to have multiple listings); and as certified minority and women owned business enterprises. The following directories will be included:

listings in the section of businesses interested in public bidding listings in the general search by products and services category - listing from participating vendors in the Price Quote Wizard program listings for lobbyists, political consultants and political supply vendors listing for firms interested in bidding on municipal bond transactions - listing for firms interested in submitting proposals on municipal note transactions listing for public financial advisory firms listing of municipal bond attorneys listing for banks and financial institutions offering investment instruments (treasuries, certificates of deposits, etc.) Public sector book store & software center -either a special department in Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or outsourced to another e-vendor, or directly by the website.

Public Sector General Store - featuring staple goods and items such as office supplies, small office equipment, office furniture, pagers, wireless phones, (personal computers?) etc.

Bulk Purchasing Cooperative -negotiates massive bulk purchasing arrangements on behalf of public sector entities featuring WHOLESALE NET PRICING. This section will harness the purchasing clout for bulk buying of police cars or long distance telephone service (land & wireless) or stationery & supplies or personal computers. The opportunities that will be created by the coming deregulation of electric and gas becomes a major factor. Governments spend billions of dollars on insurance premiums. These premiums could be reduced. This section of the website may be established as or work with a MGA (Managing General Agent).

Virtual continuing education seminars and conferences - Public sector professionals have been astute at securing state-licensing requirements as a prerequisite for certain appointments and subsequently receive some form of tenure. The requirement to maintain license status (and of course tenure) is continuing education. From municipal engineers to finance directors to tax assessors to municipal clerks, nearly every licensed professional must secure a requisite minimum of continuing education units. CEU's are earned by attending seminars, conferences, special classes and special courses. The opportunity exists to offer sanctioned internet- based training and education programs through virtual conferences and seminars that are co-sponsored by respective professional associations. The costs for these could be underwritten by corporate sponsorship.

Online conventions including a real-time e-exhibit center - free convention registration for the public sector. Panel discussions - each panelist submits a slide show of his/her presentation. Convention registrants may download each slide show. Or perhaps each panelist provides a 5 or 10-minute speech - the audio could also then be downloaded. For example, a topic for a panel might be "Upgrading your bond rating". Panelists could encompass representatives from: a big six accounting firm; a principal from a public finance financial advisory firm; a municipal bond attorney; a rating officer from either Moody's or S&P; and a public sector representative that successfully achieved a rating upgrade. On the date and time of that particular panel session, a special time is allotted for a "chat room" type forum with the panelists inviting questions at large. And/or convention registrants may e-mail either a single panelist or the entire panel with questions. Perhaps a sampling of questions and their answers may then be posted and left on the site during the entire time of the convention (say 5 days). Conventions may be scheduled regularly: for different levels of government in general; segmented by types of governments, i.e. local, county, etc.; along professional disciplinary areas, i.e. environmental, finance and administration, public safety, public works, education, social, legal, etc. Conventions are co- sponsored by respective professional trade associations. The convention business may be expanded internationally. Panel discussions may be translated - both text and audio. For other than public sector users, attendees are charged registration fees.

Just as in typical conventions, special display rooms or e-exhibition centers are arranged to provide vendors a special opportunity to display their goods and services. In one embodiment, one has to 'electronically walk through' the exhibit center (similar to video game technology) in order to get to a particular panel discussion room. The e-exhibition center contains display booths leased to vendors to highlight a limited amount of their goods and services. Booths are connected to a direct chat link from registrants e-browsing. The exhibitor automatically receives full information (name, address, title, etc.) from any e-browser visiting their e-booth. Conversely, a mechanism is established to automatically send brochures and literature to e-browsers.

In addition to charging e-exhibitors fees for the display, fees are charged for "building or designing" their e-booth at the convention. Corporate sponsorships for the convention could provide additional revenue sources. Exhibitors and corporate sponsors would be provided with complete lists of all registrants. Obviously, exhibitors and sponsors would be given the first opportunity to purchase the advertising banners and advertising links on each of the convention WebPages. Price Quote Wizard - most public sector entities, purchasing goods and services between an established minimum dollar amount up to the public bidding threshold, are required to obtain competitive price quotes. Most often, these quotes must be in writing. Public sector entities obtain e-quotes by providing PQW with details of their requirements. PQW will search its base of participating businesses for the best price and report back with the required number of written quotes. Fees are charged to those vendors wishing to participate in the PQW program. Consideration will be given to charge a commission on all sales.

Small equipment leasing program - is established as a direct operation or in partnership with an existing financial institution. The leases may be aggregated and securitized in the tax-exempt market. This feature is especially attractive for items such as police cars that do not qualify for bond financing.

Public Sector Zone Club - an affinity group for all registered users to market goods & services including special catalog items, personal financial services, travel discounts, merchandise discounts, promotional goods & services, a virtual credit union, possibly a private label credit card and e-commerce gift certificates.

Smart Cards or Purchasing Cards - either as a private label in partnership with a financial institution. The Smart Cards facilitate direct and spontaneous e-commerce capabilities within and outside the Zone. Though several institutions currently offer Smart Cards, their development continues to evolve. The Public Sector Zone leads the development & application. The public sector may use the Smart Cards for other goods & services (outside of the zone) as well as process charges for other vendors. Since government cash flows are cyclical, provision will be made for limited installment payments (i.e. police cars); balances are securitized at tax-exempt rates. By having a limited universe of users, a near fraudless system may be achievable.

Examples of the types of programs that may be offered in accordance with each of the features noted above includes: Communications Center:

- e-mail system

- interactive directory of public officials chat rooms/information sharing bulletin boards for topics including - privatization initiatives regionalization initiatives sharing initiatives unique applications & services public sector experts from a variety disciplines - success stories of innovative initiatives products and services on-line ability to host board meetings in private rooms for the officers of various national trade associations and unions online private meeting rooms for vendors to deliver customized- interactive sales presentations

Resource Center:

- auction gallery for surplus equipment and confiscated property calendar of different events, conventions, conferences, etc. - public notice center for publishing legal ads & notices, i.e.

Federal Register state registers local and county ordinances library for sample ordinances, codes, forms, etc. - information guides - how to do business with the federal government and federal agencies state governments and state agencies county and local governments

- summary of purchasing laws and regulations for - federal government and federal agencies state, county and local governments, and agencies database of famous quotes

- legal library grants information center including links to various grant programs

Daily Newspaper:

The paper, issued Mondays through Fridays (except holidays) may contain brief capsule articles that are easy reading (similar to NY Post). Highlights will be posted on the zone's opening page.

1. Articles - A) topical articles of interest to the public sector; B) information technology column; C) special feature articles including success stories in the public sector that either increased efficiency, increased revenues, decreased costs or provide better constituent services; D) guest articles by public sector officials and employees, by trade associations and unions and others; E) what's new in The Public Sector Zone; and F) news capsules from all 50 states (similar to USA TODAY). 2. Editorial Page - including letters to the editor; editorials, and a satirical/spoof cartoon

3. Profiles - of individuals from the public sector; on public sector entities; and on products and services

4. Novelty Section - including a blue law corner; exclusive comic strip (public sector spoof similar to the PBS show "Mr. Minister"); and a public sector crossword puzzle contest (winners notified in magazine)

5. Personnel Notes - listing promotions; retirements; and obituaries

6. Classified ad listings including job search and career opportunities

7. ADVERTISEMENTS 8. Archive service

Links: professional trade associations trade unions - links to public sector entities local, county, regional, state and federal agencies and departments public policy think tanks (i.e. Brookings Institute) other relevant resources other search engines

Magazine: The magazine will be published monthly (or possibly semi-monthly). The magazine will contain detailed stories with a strong theme of public interest. in-depth topical stories white papers on important issues interviews with (from the President to local council reps) - point/counterpoint including prominent authorities addressing current events/programs guest articles corporate profile (from a premium package advertiser) crossword puzzle contest winners - The Best Of series annual awards show archives

Products and Services Center: Public Bidding - database of sample and model bid specifications bid solicitation bulletin board and gallery by product or service category by geographic region - directory of businesses interested in public bidding by product or service category by geographic region certified minority and women-owned business enterprises - bulletin board of bid awards listing of vendors banned from bidding in various jurisdictions General Purchasing - products and services search engine by product and service category by geographic region vendor search engine by product and service category - by geographic region certified minority and women-owned business enterprises electronic price quote service - Price Quote Wizard product and service category listing - participating vendors

On Sale Now - highlighting products or services featuring sales or special promotions The Showcase - - highlighting special feature products and services (unique products or services or new products or services)

Elected Officials Corner:

Directory of public sector officials - regulations and laws on requirements for different types of elective office directory of lobbyists, political consultants & supply providers directories and links to political organizations federal, state, county, local - political parties election agencies and officials whitepapers and manuals on how to conduct a campaign

Purchasing Central: - goods and services catalogs by function (i.e. Public Safety, Public Works, etc.) malls by function (i.e. Public Safety, Public Works, etc.) Public Sector Book Store & Software Center

Public Sector General Store

Use of 'smart' cards or 'purchasing' cards

Conferences and Conventions: virtual Continuing Education seminars and conferences (co- sponsored by professional associations and underwritten by corporate sponsors) ability to grant Continuing Education Units (CEU's) - virtual conventions including real-time exhibit areas

The Zone Club: affinity group program for registered users all registered users automatically enrolled as members - market goods and services catalogs financial services travel discounts merchandise discounts - promotional goods and services credit union private label credit card e-commerce gift certificates

Financial Services: municipal bond market bulletin board reports of recent bond sales calendar of upcoming bids bid solicitation bulletin board - directory of firms interested in bidding all firms by geographic region certified minority and women- owned business enterprises solicitations for proposals for note sales directory of firms interested in quoting on municipal note sales all firms by geographic region certified minority and women- owned business enterprises - links to the credit rating agencies and/or credit reports directory of public financial advisory firms all firms by geographic region - certified minority and women- owned business enterprises directory of municipal bond attorneys all firms by geographic region - certified minority and women- owned business enterprises comparative interest rates for investment vehicles certificates of deposits repurchase agreements - US treasury securities

- CMA funds small equipment leasing - 401 (k) plans payroll service - insurance products

Bulk Purchasing Cooperative use of 'smart^" cards or 'purchasing' cards Referring next to Fig. 1, a more detailed description of a preferred embodiment will now be described. As is shown in Fig. 1, a website constructed in accordance with the invention has a home page structure including various information about the website, links to certain featured sectors, and a hierarchical structure for access of additional, more detailed information on the website. Thus, an opening page 1 10 refers to the hierarchical structure, featured sectors and advertisements and sponsors. A site navigation element 120 is included on each and every page of the website that is visited. This allows a user to navigate to any topic page on the website from any other location on the website. In addition to providing this information, opening page 110 may be customized by each user. Thus, a user may select to display weather, stock prices, news, or any other personalized information. A user's selections are associated with his or her password, computer ID, or saved cookie, and each time a user logs onto the site, this personalized information is displayed. Furthermore, opening page 110 includes a tutorial and website demo program so that a user may receive instruction regarding the various featured of the website.

Finally, a plurality of links 120 are provided for accessing various lower level functions and information on the website. These links include access to an Exchange Zone 200, an news zone 300, a grants zone 400, a links section 500, a resource zone/research center 600, a B2G yellow pages 700 a log-in and registration section 800, an information about the website section 900, and a devoted research centers section 1000. While these particular links are shown, inclusion of links to any information noted above may be provided.

Referring next to Fig. 2, a more detailed view of exchange zone 200 is shown. Exchange zone 200 includes a general presentation page 210, and further links to a plurality of associated features. General presentation page 210 provides access to each of the further links, and also includes information for selecting various sector views, advertisements and sponsors as on page 1 10. Link 220 provides access to an "ask your peers" section of the website. A user can ask other users of the website various types of question, request information, or answer questions posed by other users of the site. In this manner, information is easily shared between many individuals. Also, access to some of the most knowledgeable individuals in particular areas is allowed. Link 225 provides access to a "featured forums" section of the website. This section houses scheduled discussions of various topics. Thus, if a user wishes to engage a number of people in a single discussion, allowing any other people to also join the discussion, a predetermined time can be selected. This discussion is posted on the website, and others may join the discussion at the allotted time. Also, various more formal sponsored conventions may be housed in this section. The details of such a convention are noted above.

Link 230 provides access to an "innovative solutions" section of the website. This section houses information about new products for solving appropriate problems. Thus, a user of the site looking for alternative way of performing typical services, for example, could visit this section to view cutting edge technology for use.

Link 235 provides access to a "discussion boards" section of the website. This section includes standard format discussion boards on topics related to private and public sector business interactions, as well as any other information that may be of interest to users of the site.

Finally, links 240 and 245 provide access to "private rooms" sections of the website. Link 240 allows for private rooms for public sector officials, and link 245 allows for private rooms for vendors. In these private rooms, an official or vendor can set up online chats, displays, or the like, and monitor the attendees of such a chat. Thus, buyers and sellers, or various individuals can come together in private to discuss matters.

Link 300 of Fig. 1 provides access to a news zone, shown in greater detail in Fig. 3. News zone 300 provides news items of interest to users of the website, organized by topic, and other pertinent information. Therefore, a main news screen 310 provides links to the plurality of more specific topics, as shown. These include general topical articles 320 and topical articles by sector 325. Also provided is a job search 330, a personnel information section 335 and various classified ads 340. An information technology column 345 provides insight into some of the newest technology available in pertinent fields, and success stories in the public sector 350 tells of various intriguing stories in the relevant group. Guest articles 355 are provided from well known or other importantly situated writers, and what^'s new in the PSZ includes information about the newest features on the website. Also provided are a number of more traditional news service features. These include news capsules from the 50 states 365, presented by state, for relaying appropriate news by location. An editorial page 370 allows for the website supporters to voice their opinions, and profiles 375 allows for descriptions of certain important people in the industry. A novelty section 380 allows for the discussion of new technology and information in the industry. Finally, advertisements 385 are provided, and an archive service 390 includes old articles and other material that were previously presented on the website. Thus, a fully operational news service is enabled, allowing for exchange of news and other information between the public and private sectors.

Grants zone link 400 of Fig. 1 brings a user to a grants zone page 410, such as that shown in Fig. 4. Grants zone page 410 includes listings of the top 5 grants and a grants search engine for searching and finding grants meeting particular criteria out of all of the listed grants. The page also allows for searching by funding availability and award criteria. Furthermore, the page provides links to a number of additional sections. These include listing pages regarding applicant eligibility 420, previously awarded grants 430, and notice of funding availability 440. Links are also provided to grant consulting services 450 for help in applying for various grants. Application templates 460 for assisting in applying for grants are also provided. Finally, a help section 470 provides assistance to users of the website. The links link 500 of Fig. 1 brings a user to a links page 510, such as that shown in Fig. 5. Links page 510 includes access to groups of further links to websites outside of the public sector zone site. These links are grouped together by topic, and preferably include detailed descriptions of each of the groups, and of each website included in the groups. The link groups shown in Fig. 5 include professional associations group 520, trade unions group 530, public sector entities 540, local, county, regional, state, or federal agencies and departments 550 and public policy think tanks 560. Also included are a listing of other relevant resources 570, and a link to various other search engines 580 that might be of interest to users of the site.

Referring once again to Fig. 1, a resource zone/research centers link 600 directs a user to a resource center zone page 610. as shown in Fig. 6. This page 610 includes information regarding research sources, reference materials and authoritative sources. Also included are links to various other sections of the website of interest to the user. These links include an event calendar 620 listing various association sponsored conferences, and a public notice center 625 listing information from federal and state registers and local and county ordinances, and other governmental notices that might be of interest to those using the website. A samples library 630 provides samples of various documents of use, and how to do business guides 635 are available to help users of the website to conduct business in an environment alongside governmental entities. Links 640, 645 and 650 provide access to purchasing regulations, a famous quotes database and a legal library, respectively. Policy and procedures manuals 655 are provided as reference guides, and budget manuals 660 and personnel policies 665 are provided as summaries, or samples and tools for use by visitors to the website.

Link 700 of Fig. 1 allows access to a B2G yellow pages page 710, as shown in Fig. 7. B2G yellow pages page 710 includes various information, including applications and notifications of information, a library of various specification requirements, vendor directories, either by product category or any other organizational scheme, and various product catalogues indicating available products. Page 710 also includes links to a plurality of subsidiary pages. These include a vendor directory yellow pages 720 providing a standard yellow page directory of registered entities. An on-line storefronts page 725 allows for particular vendors to present a more e-commerce oriented presentation of their goods and services. These on-line storefronts may be linked for online payment or the like.

A price quote and bid wizard 730 is provided, allowing for assistance for a public sector entity to receive a price quote for required goods or services. As noted above, most public sector entities purchasing goods and services between an established minimum dollar amount up to the public bidding threshold, are required to obtain competitive price quotes. Most often, these quotes must be in writing. This price quote and bid wizard allows public sector entities to obtain e-quotes by providing details of their requirements. This price quote and bid wizard searches its database of participating businesses for the best price and reports back with the required number of written quotes, preferably as a formal bid. Fees are charged to those vendors wishing to participate in the price quote and bid wizard program. Thus, an automated pricing and bidding system, meeting the requirements of obtaining competitive price quotes and bidding out projects is provided.

Various product catalogues 735 are presented. These product catalogues may comprise the information searched for by the price quote wizard, or may also include additional products

Surplus asset exchange 740 and surplus asset auction 745 present forums for the exchange and auctioning of surplus goods and services. These links provide two methods for getting rid of this excess inventory. The exchange operates similarly to classified advertisements, while the auction operates in a well-known manner. A bid notification section 750 notifies potential bidders of a request for bids they might be interested. This section can also be formatted to notify a bidder if a bid including one or more if its products or services was automatically submitted via the price quote wizard. In this manner, a vendor can monitor all of its outstanding bids to insure the ability to meet all output requirements. An electronic authorization section 755 insures that users of the system are authorized vendors and public sector purchasers. This aids in insuring the integrity of the system, thereby cutting down on fraud, and bids from entities no intending to, or not authorized to buy or sell goods or services in this environment.

Vendor surety /Document register 760 maintains various documents relating to each vendor or purchasing entity. Thus, users of the system can find out various stored information about one or more of the other entities of a transaction taking place on the site. These documents might include various approvals, prior recommendations and reviews, or any other information. Additionally, documents relating to a transaction between two parties, generated on the website, might be stored here, available for either party in case of a dispute. While the public sector zone maintains these documents, no dispute resolution function is preferably provided, although such a function could easily be incorporated into the system.

A vendor certification program 765 would allow certain vendors to be further certified by the website. These vendors will typically have to meet any number of criteria that might be important to public sector entities purchasing goods or services from them. This additional level of certification would imply that the listed vendors have met these predetermined criteria. However, this certification would be no guarantee of the quality of the vendor by the website. A fraud prevention and investigation section 770 is provided including information of reducing fraud, and also for reporting potential fraud encountered during the system. This type of fraud would be investigated and appropriate action taken. Vendor profiles 775 and women and minority owned data 780 are also provided. These vendor profiles include short introductory remarks about each of the vendors included on the website. Women and minority owned data is maintained because many public sector entities have preferential programs for these types of entities. Any other preferred entity data could also be presented in this section.

An auction pricing exchange 785 is also provided. The Auction Pricing Exchange is a single screen matrix that shows side-by-side comparisons of specifications, prices and delivery terms for similar, commodity products. Vendors list their products on the Auction Pricing Exchange to highlight their interest in doing business with government. Government can use the exchange for budget planning, vendor identification and to initiate a formal price quote or bid process. By utilizing the Auction Pricing Exchange the government is be able to launch the PSZ Quote and Bid Wizard product to further embed the public sector zone e- commerce solutions in their processes. The Auction Price Exchange is provided because government purchasers require quick and simple access to comparative product pricing from several vendors. Ordinarily, the purchaser would call several vendors on the telephone, assuming that he/she could find several vendors. This problem would be well served by the many listings in the B2G Yellow Pages. With the Auction Pricing Exchange, a public works manager who is purchasing, for example, road salt will be able to see 5 to 10 different road salt vendors' offerings on one screen. This will make comparisons simple and straightforward. If one vendor is quoting a price much lower than the other vendors and the delivery terms and conditions are suitable, the government purchaser can begin the next step of securing a formal quote or bid from that vendor. The prices posted on the Auction Pricing Exchange can also reflect different quantities and quantity discounts.

This full and open disclosure and comparison between vendors will mean a better awareness among vendors of the pricing strategies of their competitors. This pricing pressure will benefit government as the vendors ensure that their prices are close to or lower than the other vendors in the Auction Pricing Exchange. Vendors will also be able to use the Auction Pricing Exchange to post product specification documents that public sector professionals can use for developing bid packages. The Auction Pricing Exchange is be a secure channel that vendors can use to constantly monitor and modify their prices based on market and competitive demands.

Additional opportunities for integrating public sector zone e-commerce products with the Auction Pricing Exchange include; links to vendor product catalogs and virtual storefronts, as described above.

Public sector zone identifies categories from the B2G Yellow Pages and consults with key product vendors to select the initial products to be included in the Auction Pricing Exchange. For example, public sector zone may select; road salt, park benches, police ammunition, fire extinguishers and photocopier paper as the initial commodity products. Vendors of those products are be contacted or alerted via advertisements in the B2G Yellow Pages and asked if they would like to participate in the Auction Pricing Exchange. In a preferred embodiment, the number of vendors for any given product will be limited to 10, thus providing a feature of exclusivity, and easier, limited access to governmental purchasers. In a preferred embodiment, separate Auction Pricing Exchanges are generated for different geographic areas. The Auction Pricing Exchange will be designed as a series of regional market exchanges. This acknowledges the different requirements between different parts of the US where seasonal products or delivery conditions may vary, and where transportation of products may be difficult. Therefore, for example, there could be any number of different Road Salt Exchanges, each listing no more than 10 road salt vendors in their respective geographic area.

Finally, showcases and vendor forums 790 allow for the more complete display of offerings from the various vendors. This ability could be allowed for all vendors, or on a pay for service basis.

Referring once again back to FIG. 1 , login and registration link 800 forwards a user to a login and registration page 810, shown in Fig. 8. This feature allows a user to sign into the website to gain access to additional features, and for the website to authenticate the user. Thus, various settings might be saved. This login procedure might be required if a user is to submit bids, etc.. rather than simply view information. Thus, at a step ST850a standard password protected login is performed. If the user is registered, the user is given access to all of the features shown in Fig. 1 , but with the added feature that the user is able to submit bids, accept bids and the like. Also, a user can perform maintenance on their registered user profile at 820. If login in unsuccessful, a user is either sent to new visitor signup 840 to register, or to user problems section 830to attempt to remedy any login problems. Link 900 directs a user to an about public sector zone informational page 910 including general information. These include a mission summary and various testimonials. Also are included links to various standard information pages, including an about us page 920,including press releases and other corporate statements, and a description of services 930 providing information of services partners, etc. Frequently asked questions 940 are provided and can be searched or browsed. Privacy and security issues are discussed at page 950, and instructions for contacting public sector zone are provided at page 960.

Finally, link 1000 brings a user to a research center home page 1010, as shown in Fig. 10. This page provides links to various organizations, or links to information across the World Wide Web related to a particular topic. Thus, access to various government entities, to a particular research institute, or to any number of links related to, for example West Nile Virus, are provided. Examples of these links are shown in Fig. 10.

Thus, the website in accordance with the invention allows for the more efficient meeting of public and private sector entities for sharing information, resources, and for providing an overall more efficient system.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and. because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A method for selecting by a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising the steps of: collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; receiving a request for a price quote for a particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; determining one or more of said plurality of products or services matching said product for which said price quote was requested; further determining, from said one or more determined products or services, one or more products or services including at least said at least one required related term; and listing said further determined one or more products or services.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said further determined one or more products are listed according to price.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said at least on related term comprises delivery information.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one related term comprises availability information

5. A method for utilization of an auction pricing quote sheet for a public sector entity from among a plurality of private sector entities, comprising the steps of: collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; displaying all of said collected pricing and related terms data for one of said one or more particular products or services; receiving a selection of one of said one or more particular products or services; and automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of receiving a manually prepared bid in response to said automatic request.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of receiving an automatically prepared bid in response to said automatic request.

8. A method of generating a price quote for a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising the steps of: collecting a pricing and related terms data for a particular product or service from said plurality of private sector entities; receiving a request for a price quote for said particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; determining one or more of said pricing and related terms data collected from said plurality of private sector entities for said particular product or service matching said product and including said at least one required related term; listing said determined one or pricing and related terms data; receiving a selection of one of said listed one or more of said pricing and related terms data; automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services; and automatically receiving an automatically prepared bid in response to said automatic request.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of ordering said selected one or more particular products or services from said automatically prepared bid.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said collecting step is performed by collecting pricing and related terms data for a plurality of particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities.

11. A method for enabling transmission of various data between one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities, comprising the steps of: verifying the identity of each of said one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities; collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; collecting required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; providing a search engine for said one or more public sector entities to search among said collected pricing and related terms for each of said plurality of private sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services; providing a search engine for said one or more private sector entities to search among said collected required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; and providing means for communication between any one of said public sector entities and any one of said private sector entities.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of certifying one or more of said private sector entities meeting one or more predetermined criteria.

13. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising the step of listing identifying information of each of said private and public sector entities in a single directory.

14. The method of claim 1 1, further comprising the steps of: listing one or more available public sector grants, said listing including at least one qualification requirement; receiving from a private sector entity various grant qualification information; determining one or more of said available public sector grants for which said private sector entity qualifies, said determination being made based upon at least a comparison of said at least one qualification requirement for each listed available public sector grant with said qualification information.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of automatically generating an application for one or more of said determined public sector grants.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: selecting one or more of said determined public sector grants; and automatically assisting in the generation of an application for said selected public sector grant.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of maintaining data regarding special status of any of said private sector entities.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said special status comprises a governmental designated status to be given preferential treatment.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said governmental designated status comprises a minority owned business.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said governmental designated status comprises a female owned business.

21. A computer program for selecting by a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising instructions for: collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; receiving a request for a price quote for a particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; determining one or more of said plurality of products or services matching said product for which said price quote was requested; further determining, from said one or more determined products or services, one or more products or services including at least said at least one required related term; and listing said further determined one or more products or services.

22. A computer program for utilization of an auction pricing quote sheet for a public sector entity from among a plurality of private sector entities, comprising instructions for: collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; displaying all of said collected pricing and related terms data for one of said one or more particular products or services; receiving a selection of one of said one or more particular products or services; and automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services.

23. A computer program for generating a price quote for a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising instructions for: collecting a pricing and related terms data for a particular product or service from said plurality of private sector entities; receiving a request for a price quote for said particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; determining one or more of said pricing and related terms data collected from said plurality of private sector entities for said particular product or service matching said product and including said at least one required related term; listing said determined one or pricing and related terms data; receiving a selection of one of said listed one or more of said pricing and related terms data; automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services; and automatically receiving an automatically prepared bid in response to said automatic request.

24. A computer program for enabling transmission of various data between one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities, comprising instructions for: verifying the identity of each of said one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities; collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; collecting required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; providing a search engine for said one or more public sector entities to search among said collected pricing and related terms for each of said plurality of private sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services; providing a search engine for said one or more private sector entities to search among said collected required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; and providing means for communication between any one of said public sector entities and any one of said private sector entities.

25. A system for selecting by a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising: a first data input for collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; a second data input for receiving a request for a price quote for a particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; a first matching engine for determining one or more of said plurality of products or services matching said product for which said price quote was requested; a second matching engine for further determining, from said one or more determined products or services, one or more products or services including at least said at least one required related term; and a display for listing said further determined one or more products or services.

26. A system for utilization of an auction pricing quote sheet for a public sector entity from among a plurality of private sector entities, comprising: a first data input for collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; a display for displaying all of said collected pricing and related terms data for one of said one or more particular products or services; a second data input for receiving a selection of one of said one or more particular products or services; and a bid requesting apparatus for automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services.

27. A system for generating a price quote for a public sector entity from among a plurality of products and services provided by a plurality of private sector entities, comprising: a first data input for collecting a pricing and related terms data for a particular product or service from said plurality of private sector entities; a second data input for receiving a request for a price quote for said particular product or service from said public sector entity; said request for said price quote including at least one required related term; a matching engine for determining one or more of said pricing and related terms data collected from said plurality of private sector entities for said particular product or service matching said product and including said at least one required related term; a display for listing said determined one or pricing and related terms data; a third data input for receiving a selection of one of said listed one or more of said pricing and related terms data; a bid requesting apparatus for automatically requesting submission of a formal bid in accordance with said selected one or more particular products or services; and a bid receiver for automatically receiving an automatically prepared bid in response to said automatic request.

28. A system for enabling transmission of various data between one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities, comprising: a verifying apparatus for verifying the identity of each of said one or more public sector entities and one or more private sector entities; a first data input for collecting a pricing and related terms data for one or more particular products or services from said plurality of private sector entities; a second data input for collecting required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; a first search engine for said one or more public sector entities to search among said collected pricing and related terms for each of said plurality of private sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services; a second search engine for said one or more private sector entities to search among said collected required related terms for each of said plurality of public sector entities for each of said one or more particular products or services said public sector entity may want to purchase; and a communicating apparatus for communication between any one of said public sector entities and any one of said private sector entities.