Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Information Technology Governance

Report #208, September 2011
Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Information Technology Governance

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Speaks Out on Corrections Realignment, Information Technology

The Little Hoover Commission has completed work on two ongoing projects. The Commission on Tuesday sent two letters to Governor Brown and the Legislature, one on the realignment of some state corrections operations to local governments, and another on the progress of the recently created California Technology Agency.

In its letter to the Governor and the Legislature on corrections, the Commission provides an update on its two decades of work on public safety issues. On October 1, 2011, California enters a new era of criminal justice policy as supervision for the majority of low-level felony offenders begins an historic shift from state to local control. This Commission and others have recommended expanding community corrections and alternative sanctions for low-level offenders for decades.

In its letter, the Commission expresses concerns regarding adequate and reliable funding, state oversight and program integration at the local level. In its letter on the progress of the California Technology Agency and major statewide information technology initiatives, the Commission recommends policy-makers protect and leverage California’s investment in technology projects by reinforcing support for the newly established agency. The Commission recommends that as the agency moves forward, it strengthen its communication with policy-makers, expand its pool of project managers, streamline the procurement and project life-cycle process and give managers more tools to use data to improve decision-making.

The letters to the Governor and the Legislature and documents from public hearings held as part of these two reviews, including agendas and written testimony submitted by witnesses, are available on the Commission’s Web site at www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed progress made on the Governor’s Reorganization Proposal to consolidate information technology functions to speed successful IT projects. State leaders in 2009 consolidated IT functions under the Office of the State Chief Information Officer, now called the California Technology Agency. The Commission scheduled an oversight hearing to learn how the reorganization had achieved cost savings and improvements to contracting, management and oversight of IT projects. The Commission also reviewed the status of five key technology projects:

  1. Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal);
     
  2. Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project;
     
  3. California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS);
     
  4. Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD);
     
  5. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).

Previous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission urges the state to continue its commitments to information technology investments.

During its review, the Commission found that California needs to maintain its investment in modernizing information technology across state government.

The Commission recommends continuing the momentum gained through the creation of the California Technology Agency, and urges the Legislature to monitor five areas: communication, oversight, systems integration, procurement and performance management.

Print Agenda
  • August 25
    2011
    Information Technology Governance - Progress Update
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Information Technology Governance
    Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Governance Update

    1. Carlos Ramos, Secretary, California Technology Agency (Written Testimony)
       

    Project Updates: Question and Answer Session with Department Sponsor, CTA and LAO

    The Commission will hear from representatives of the following projects:

    1. Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal) (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD) (Written Testimony)
       
    4. California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS) (Written Testimony)
       
    5. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) (Written Testimony)


    Information Technology as a High-Risk Issue

    1. Elaine M. Howle, State Auditor (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 11, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a public hearing on information technology governance. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

    The hearing will serve as an update for the Commission following studies it conducted in 2008 and 2009 on the state’s coordination of information technology services. The earlier studies helped establish the Office of State Chief Information Office, known today as the California Technology Agency.

    At the August 25, 2011, hearing, the Commission will hear an update on the governance changes from the secretary of the California Technology Agency. Next, the Commission will hear updates on major IT initiatives from representatives of the following five projects:

    • Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal);
       
    • Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project;
       
    • Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD);
       
    • California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS);
       
    • California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
       

    Representatives of the Legislative Analyst’s Office and California Technology Agency also will participate in the discussion. Finally, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle will discuss how information technology remains a high-risk issue in state government.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 18, 2011.

August 25
2011
Information Technology Governance - Progress Update
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Information Technology Governance
Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Governance Update

  1. Carlos Ramos, Secretary, California Technology Agency (Written Testimony)
     

Project Updates: Question and Answer Session with Department Sponsor, CTA and LAO

The Commission will hear from representatives of the following projects:

  1. Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal) (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD) (Written Testimony)
     
  4. California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS) (Written Testimony)
     
  5. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) (Written Testimony)


Information Technology as a High-Risk Issue

  1. Elaine M. Howle, State Auditor (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a public hearing on information technology governance. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

The hearing will serve as an update for the Commission following studies it conducted in 2008 and 2009 on the state’s coordination of information technology services. The earlier studies helped establish the Office of State Chief Information Office, known today as the California Technology Agency.

At the August 25, 2011, hearing, the Commission will hear an update on the governance changes from the secretary of the California Technology Agency. Next, the Commission will hear updates on major IT initiatives from representatives of the following five projects:

  • Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal);
     
  • Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project;
     
  • Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD);
     
  • California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS);
     
  • California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
     

Representatives of the Legislative Analyst’s Office and California Technology Agency also will participate in the discussion. Finally, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle will discuss how information technology remains a high-risk issue in state government.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Print Agenda
  • August 25
    2011
    Information Technology Governance - Progress Update
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Information Technology Governance
    Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Governance Update

    1. Carlos Ramos, Secretary, California Technology Agency (Written Testimony)
       

    Project Updates: Question and Answer Session with Department Sponsor, CTA and LAO

    The Commission will hear from representatives of the following projects:

    1. Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal) (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD) (Written Testimony)
       
    4. California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS) (Written Testimony)
       
    5. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) (Written Testimony)


    Information Technology as a High-Risk Issue

    1. Elaine M. Howle, State Auditor (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 11, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a public hearing on information technology governance. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

    The hearing will serve as an update for the Commission following studies it conducted in 2008 and 2009 on the state’s coordination of information technology services. The earlier studies helped establish the Office of State Chief Information Office, known today as the California Technology Agency.

    At the August 25, 2011, hearing, the Commission will hear an update on the governance changes from the secretary of the California Technology Agency. Next, the Commission will hear updates on major IT initiatives from representatives of the following five projects:

    • Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal);
       
    • Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project;
       
    • Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD);
       
    • California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS);
       
    • California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
       

    Representatives of the Legislative Analyst’s Office and California Technology Agency also will participate in the discussion. Finally, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle will discuss how information technology remains a high-risk issue in state government.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 18, 2011.

August 25
2011
Information Technology Governance - Progress Update
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Information Technology Governance
Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Governance Update

  1. Carlos Ramos, Secretary, California Technology Agency (Written Testimony)
     

Project Updates: Question and Answer Session with Department Sponsor, CTA and LAO

The Commission will hear from representatives of the following projects:

  1. Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal) (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD) (Written Testimony)
     
  4. California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS) (Written Testimony)
     
  5. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) (Written Testimony)


Information Technology as a High-Risk Issue

  1. Elaine M. Howle, State Auditor (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a public hearing on information technology governance. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

The hearing will serve as an update for the Commission following studies it conducted in 2008 and 2009 on the state’s coordination of information technology services. The earlier studies helped establish the Office of State Chief Information Office, known today as the California Technology Agency.

At the August 25, 2011, hearing, the Commission will hear an update on the governance changes from the secretary of the California Technology Agency. Next, the Commission will hear updates on major IT initiatives from representatives of the following five projects:

  • Financial Information System for California (Fi$Cal);
     
  • Human Resources Management System (21st Century) Project;
     
  • Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UI MOD);
     
  • California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS);
     
  • California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
     

Representatives of the Legislative Analyst’s Office and California Technology Agency also will participate in the discussion. Finally, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle will discuss how information technology remains a high-risk issue in state government.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, August 18, 2011.