Information Resources Cabinet
Minutes of the October 8, 1996 Meeting
Members Present:
Larry Primeau, Admin. Svcs. Director
Alvin Abramson, Motor Vehicles Director
Berri Balka, Tax Commissioner
Carroll Krause, State College Board
Dan Dolan, Labor Commissioner
Jim Van Horn, University of Nebraska
Joyce Wrenn, Union Pacific
Deb Thomas (for Don Leuenberger), Social Services
Others Present:
Rod Armstrong, I.T. Coordinator
Bob Shanahan, Labor
Bill Miller, Data Processing/Comm.
Mary Ann Lapham, CTA Inc.
Gerry Oligmueller, Budget Administrator
Steve Henderson, Data Processing
Tim Erickson, Intergovernmental Data Services.
Lyn Heaton, Budget Division
Jim Pritchard, Data Processing
Jerry Van Ackern, Liquor Control Comm.
Steve Schafer, Intergovernmental Data Services.
Greg Donovan, Legislative Fiscal Office
Bob Beecham, Education
Enterprise Goals
Rod Armstrong presented a report on behalf of the IRC Subcommittee on Enterprise Goals. A chart was discussed outlining proposed enterprise goals, objectives and strategies and their relationship to technology strategies developed by DAS. The Subcommittee recommended adoption of the chart as a starting point for development of an implementation plan, and also recommended establishing a working group to develop the implementation plan by November 27, 1996.
A motion was made by Berri Balka, seconded by Dan Dolan to adopt the Subcommittee recommendations. The motion carried unanimously.
CDC Project Director Report
CDC Project Director Steve Henderson provided an update on project activities, including the status of the pending court case, status of the pilot project, and near-term CDC priorities. In response to a question, Steve pointed out that the Enterprise Planning currently underway will yield recommendations for CDC priorities from a technical standpoint. These recommendations will be forwarded to the IRC for application of the criteria for setting priorities and determining whether replacement is a cost-effective option for certain applications.
1909 Review Process
Bill Miller described proposed changes to the 1909 review process in response to a request made at the last IRC meeting (the 1909 process is used by DAS to evaluate and approve requests for technology purchases). Bill pointed out that current law requires a review of any proposed purchases over $1,500. Al Abramson commented that this amount was very low, and consideration should be given to raising it. Carroll Krause questioned the need for any type of dollar threshhold, but indicated that some limit was necessary to address accountability concerns of policy makers. Berri Balka asked if a higher dollar limit could be implemented with some authority reserved by DAS to review and raise questions.
Joyce Wrenn indicated that Union Pacific has no set dollar limits, but that the Information Technology division of the company must be involved and standards adhered to if integration into the enterprise-wide system is necessary. She also described a process by which a team of Vice Presidents analyzes and sets priorities on large projects in view of the company's business plan.
Bill Miller indicated that the revised 1909 form and process will rely on the technology planning process currently being implemented. Technology plans that have gone through the budget process will serve to meet the basic requirements and streamline the review process. Larger projects will be reviewed in more detail and recommendations on priorities made to the Budget Division for consideration during development of the Executive Budget.
Bill also indicated the intent to automate the review forms and reduce the paper flow required as part of the review process. Joyce Wrenn said that Union Pacific has moved in this direction, but that the audit and legal staff raised questions (which have been addressed) about digital signatures.
Gerry Oligmueller said that the technology planning process and the enterprise goals established by the IRC will address Budget Division perspectives on technology purchases, which will further streamline the review process.
A subcommittee was established to consider an appropriate dollar limit for review of technology purchases. Berri Balka, Deb Thomas and Carroll Krause agreed to serve on the subcommittee, and the suggestion was made to invite Alan Abbott from the Department of Roads to participate. The subcommittee is to report at the next IRC meeting.
CDC Funding and Agency Agreement Issues
Gerry Oligmueller described the CDC financing package contained in LB 1190 and a memorandum he distributed concerning treatment of CDC funding in agency budget requests. He introduced Lyn Heaton as the primary contact point for technology issues in the Budget Division, and indicated their commitment to a 24-hour turnaround on funding questions raised by Central Data Processing regarding agency CDC projects.
Larry Primeau pointed out that the process described operationalizes decisions concerning agency agreements and funding within DAS. Gerry Oligmueller indicated that the IRC would be looked to for guidance on goals and priorities, and that agency-by-agency financing issues would be handled among the agency, Central Data Processing and the Budget Division.
Jim Van Horn asked if any agencies had indicated an intent to seek funding for replacement of applications as opposed to repairing existing applications. Bill Miller responded that there have been a few, and that the proposals involve moving to PC-based applications that are appropriate for the small size of the applications involved. Jim Van Horn indicated that the University is working on a similar proposal.
Acceptable Use Policy
Larry Primeau briefly described an issue that arose last week concerning acceptable use of state technology equipment and networks. He indicated that the Governor has requested an enterprise-wide acceptable use policy endorsed by the IRC.
Bill Miller circulated copies of the DAS Acceptable Use Policy that was employed during the incident in question. He offered it as a model to be used by the IRC in responding to the Governor's request.
Bob Beecham indicated that the Department of Education has adopted the DAS model, and has raised concerns with the LB 1375 Task Force concerning acceptable use. This is a particular concern in education, given that over 21,000 teachers now have Internet accounts and access for students is growing. Bob also indicated that the National Security Agency is prepared to offer solutions that protect privacy.
Joyce Wrenn commented that the DAS policy is very thorough, and that Union Pacific has a shorter version. Larry Primeau said that the Governor has clearly expressed his desire for a strong standard.
Berri Balka asked if agencies would be permitted to adopt more stringent standards. Larry Primeau suggested that the IRC endorse a policy as a baseline, with agencies given the option to adopt more rigorous standards if they so desire.
Bob Beecham noted that the Nebraska School for the Deaf requires users to sign a contract indicating their agreement to comply with the acceptable use standard. Carroll Krause indicated that student access was the biggest concern for the State Colleges, and asked if language in the DAS policy describing the contents as "guidelines" was strong enough.
Larry Primeau suggested that IRC members review the DAS policy and submit comments and suggestions to Rod Armstrong within two weeks. If circumstances warrant, a special conference call of the IRC will be scheduled to consider and endorse a policy to be forwarded to the Governor.
Task Force on Electronic Access to State Government Information
Rod Armstrong briefed the IRC on the activities of the LB 1375 Task Force. While there is nothing currently pending before the IRC on this issue, members were alerted to the fact that there may be agenda items related to electronic access on future agendas.
Next Meeting
The next IRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the Governor's Residence. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.
meeting minutes