HB1380
To Transfer The Review Of Planning And Technical Requirements For Information Technology Contracts From The Office Of Intergovernmental Services To The Division Of Information Systems.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to transfer the responsibility for reviewing the planning and technical requirements of information technology (IT) contracts within the state of Arkansas. Currently, this review is conducted by the Office of Intergovernmental Services. The proposed legislation would shift this duty to the Division of Information Systems. This change would apply to IT contracts with a total projected amount of at least $100,000, including amendments and extensions. It also covers IT products or services purchased under cooperative agreements. The amendment specifically targets Arkansas Code § 19-11-269, altering the designated agency for this review process. The overall goal appears to be a reorganization of IT contract oversight within state government. The bill aims to consolidate or reassign these review functions to a different division.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the Division of Information Systems, as it would assume new responsibilities and potentially gain more direct oversight of state IT procurement. State agencies and departments seeking to enter into IT contracts valued at $100,000 or more would also benefit by having a single, designated entity for review, potentially streamlining the process if the Division of Information Systems can perform this function more efficiently. The public might indirectly benefit if the consolidation of review functions leads to improved IT infrastructure or more cost-effective technology investments.
Who Might Suffer?
The Office of Intergovernmental Services would be negatively impacted as it would lose a specific review function. This could lead to a reduction in its operational scope or a need to reallocate staff and resources. If the Office of Intergovernmental Services currently possesses specialized expertise in reviewing IT contracts that is not fully transferable or replicated within the Division of Information Systems, there could be a temporary or ongoing dip in the quality or thoroughness of contract reviews during the transition period. This might also necessitate a learning curve for the Division of Information Systems to develop or maintain the necessary expertise for this new responsibility.