Connecticut Plan to Consolidate Information Technology Goes National

Connecticut’s plan to consolidate and modernize information technology operations is gaining notice nationally, leading coverage in two publications, StateTech and State Scoop, which focus on technology decisions and the latest technology trends in state governments around the country.

“Following in the footsteps of other states, such as Kansas and Illinois,” StateTech’s lead story began, “Connecticut is aiming to create a centralized state IT agency within a year’s time.”  The article highlights on Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement last month of plans aimed as realigning and upgrading state IT services to better utilize modern technology, create efficiencies and improve cybersecurity.

“The process will bring best practices to all state agencies, provide flexibility in the cross-training of employees, and ensure there is a pool of specialized experts at the ready to serve state agencies, rather than requiring a dedicated, smaller group of IT staff to individual agencies,”  a news release from the Governor’s Office pointed out.

StateTech reported that Connecticut sees the new organization providing more opportunities for professional development for state employees, especially in terms of training, cross-training and collaboration on new projects. The new IT agency will also enable the state “to identify gaps in services more quickly, understand what hires need to be made, and what advancements are possible within the current infrastructure,” according to the news release.

Lora Rae Anderson, the Department of Administrative Services communications director, told StateScoop that Connecticut has about 40 statewide agencies. The smallest agencies in government have fewer than 200 employees and often do not have enough in-house IT staff.

“The bottom line for us is we’re always being as efficient as possible in state government,” she explained. The new IT agency will employ about 600 people once the consolidation is complete, according to Anderson.

Connecticut CIO Mark Raymond told StateScoop that the changes are being driven by the rapid pace of technology evolution. Additionally, he says, the consolidation was encouraged by Lamont, DAS Commissioner Josh Geballe and Connecticut Budget Chief Melissa McCaw, who all see “technology as an enabler of efficiency and making government accessible” in an online way.

The process to centralize the coordination of the state’s IT resources by the Department of Administrative Services will progress throughout the year, state officials have explained, and will “establish an organization capable of delivering modern IT solution to support state agencies and the public.”