By Jaimi Dowdell, IRE training director

While oil is gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, the government is pouring resources into the cleanup effort. Track how much is being spent, which agencies are awarding it, and where it's going with data from the Federal Procurement Data System. The FPDS's Gulf Oil Spill Report, updated regularly, is downloadable in spreadsheet format. It contains contract information the FPDS has received. (The FPDS warns that there can be a lag in some reporting: "We believe it represents a portion of the work that has been awarded to date.")

Use this data ...

Read more ...

IRE members have access to a Web-based data exploration application to quickly and easily analyze demographic data while on deadline. ESRI is offering an online seminar on using this tool for economic development Thursday, June 17, 2-3 p.m. EDT. Register for "How Greater New Orleans is Stimulating the Economy with Geospatial Apps" here . ESRI and IRE made a special agreement to offer ESRI data to IRE members at no cost. This program will save journalists time and money by making ESRI data available in an easy-to-view format. A complimentary Business Analyst Online (BAO) Basic subscription through Dec. 31, 2010 ... Read more ...