Information Resources Cabinet

Minutes of the December 17, 1996 Meeting

Members Present:

Lt. Governor Kim Robak
Al Abramson, Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Dan Dolan, Dept. of Labor
Dick Gettamy, Dept. of Revenue (for Berri Balka)
Jim Fox, Union Pacific (for Joyce Wrenn)
Walter Weir, University of Nebraska (for Dennis Smith)

Others Present:

Rod Armstrong, State Information Technology Coordinator
Bill Miller, DAS Communications/Central Data Processing
Steve Henderson, DAS Central Data Processing
Tim Erickson, DAS Intergovernmental Data Services
Gary Ryken, Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Bob Shanahan, Dept. of Labor
Lyn Heaton, DAS Budget Division
Greg Donovan, Legislative Fiscal Office
Mary Ann Lapham, CTA, Inc.

Century Date Change, Project Director's Report

Project Director Steve Henderson provided an update on the Century Date Change project (see attached handout for details).

Kim Robak asked if a specific amount would be included in the Governor's Executive Budget for CDC work. Lyn Heaton responded that earmarked dollars would be included in individual agency budgets for CDC.

Kim Robak asked if CDC changes meant that no other upgrades would be needed for these applications in the near term. Steve Henderson responded that in some instances, CDC changes were necessary to allow completion and effective operation of upgrades currently in progress. In other cases, no additional upgrades are anticipated in the near term.

Steve Henderson briefly described a presentation made by the Department of Health at the last meeting on a proposed replacement project. Kim Robak asked if other Partnership Project agencies had been consulted regarding CDC. Steve Henderson responded that discussions have taken place with all agencies.

Bill Miller asked if the scope of CDC work for the project had decreased in view of the agency agreements. Steve Henderson responded that the scope now appeared to be in the $12 to $14 million range, down from the original estimate of $22.7 million.

Kim Robak asked why the scope had decreased. Steve Henderson responded that several factors had an impact. First, projects currently underway (such as N-Focus) are bringing some applications into CDC compliance outside the project scope. In other cases, the project has pointed up systems that have already been replaced or are no longer in use, which reduces the CDC project scope.

Thresholds for Technology Project Reviews

Rod Armstrong presented a description of proposed changes in guidelines for technology purchase reviews by DAS (see attached handout for details). Al Abramson commented that the $25,000 threshold seems reasonable, that agency directors should have the flexibility to manage within that amount. Walter Weir pointed out that architecture questions are sometimes more important than cost, i.e. is a proposal consistent with existing architecture.

Bill Miller cautioned that the term "architecture" can be applied to several areas including networks, applications, etc. Kim Robak suggested that an additional point be added to the list requiring compliance with guidelines.

Al Abramson moved, and Jim Fox seconded, that a recommendation be forwarded to the Governor calling for an increase in the statutory threshold for technology project reviews to $25,000, and that the other points on the handout be included as administrative recommendations. The motion carried unanimously.

Implementation Plan for Enterprise Technology Goals

Rod Armstrong presented the report of the Working Group charged with developing an Implementation Plan for Enterprise Technology Goals (see attachment for details). Following the presentation, the Cabinet reviewed each of the six priorities and asked for designation of a lead individual and timeline by the next meeting.

With respect to Priority #2 (Data Sharing/Executive Information), Kim Robak asked for a designation of one or two projects to be addressed, such as the Partnership Project. She also asked for a review of what information is required by statute to be stored for a long period of time under Priority #4 (Security/Business Resumption). Under Priority #6 (Financing Models), the Governor's Office, Policy Research, DAS Budget and Legislative Fiscal should be included in these discussions.

Other Business

Rod Armstrong told the group that the letter from the Governor to Vice President Gore, requested by the IRC at the last meeting, was prepared and awaiting the Governor's signature. Bill Miller indicated that the Acceptable Use Policy, endorsed by the IRC and forwarded to the Governor, was also awaiting final action in the Governor's Office.

Next Meeting

The next IRC meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 1997 at 8:30 a.m. in the Governor's Residence. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

meeting minutes