Brief Summary of Bill

Transfers statewide human resources and small agency human resource and financial services from the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to the Office of Financial Management (OFM).
Requires the DES to consult with the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) regarding information technology (IT) goods and services to ensure consistency with standards and policies to govern IT.
Requires OFM, instead of DES, to conduct space utilization studies, establish standards for use of space by state agencies, and evaluate opportunities for colocation and consolidation of facilities.
Requires all current and prospective employees of and contractors with the state who may access federal tax information are required to have a criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation under rules adopted by OFM.
Directs OFM to develop a state agency contract oversight and management program.

Background: The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The OCIO is responsible for the preparation and implementation of a strategic IT plan and enterprise architecture for the state. The OCIO works toward standardization and consolidation of IT infrastructure, establishes standards and policies for enterprise architecture, educates and informs the state on IT matters, evaluates current IT spending and budget requests, and oversees major IT projects, including procurements. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) directs the OCIO and is appointed by the Governor subject to Senate confirmation.

Consolidated Technology Services (CTS). CTS provides a variety of services to state and local agencies including telecommunications and computing services; procurement of technology equipment through master contracts; and IT support functions such as server hosting and network administration, telephony, security administration, and email. The CIO also serves as director of CTS.

The Department of Enterprise Services. DES, an executive branch agency, is tasked with providing products and services to support state agencies, other governmental entities, and nonprofits. DES services include contracting support, consolidated purchasing and procurement activities, printing, consolidated mail service, fleet service, facilities and leasing management, statewide employee assistance and training programs, and small agency human resource and financial services.

The Office of Financial Management. OFM is an office within the Office of the Governor and provides statewide budget, policy, accounting, forecasting, labor relations and human resources for the executive branch. OFM ensures that state agencies comply with federal rules and regulations regarding the receipt of federal funds, cash management, and governmental accounting principles.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): Part I. Responsibility and personnel engaged in statewide employee assistance, training, and recruitment functions are transferred from DES to OFM. Any classified employees performing these duties are transferred from DES to OFM and retain their rights under chapter 41.06, the state civil service law. The OFM Central Service Account is revised to include policy functions and other functions and services provided by the office. The OFM Central Service Account is funded by central service charges to state agencies according to the statewide cost allocation plan for federal funds.

Part II. DES is required to consult with the OCIO regarding IT goods and services to ensure consistency with standards and policies to govern IT. DES must coordinate with the OCIO on purchasing for IT goods and services and may delegate authority to CTS to enter into master contracts for IT goods and services. Delegation does not exempt the agency from conformance to the policies established by the Director. The OCIO must be notified within three business days of any emergency purchase of IT goods and services; review and provide recommendations for any submittal for a sole source contract for IT goods and services; and approve any designation of mandatory use master contracts or delegation of authority to an agency for purchase of IT goods and services. Training and certification programs for procurement of IT goods and services must be developed and provided in partnership with the OCIO. The non-appropriated Information Technology Investment Account (Account) is created to fund IT projects. Agencies must apply to OFM for funds from the Account. IT projects funded from the Account are subject to additional review and scrutiny by the OCIO and OFM.

Part III. OFM, instead of DES, is required to conduct the space utilization studies, establish the standards for use of space by state agencies, and evaluate opportunities for colocation and consolidation state facilities in the same geographic area. DES is not required to adopt facility efficiency standards, grant exemptions from those standards, or report those exemptions to the OFM and legislative committees. For OFM's inventory system, state agencies are required to report data regarding use of space for office facilities. The state Liquor Control Board liquor stores and warehouses are removed from statutes governing state properties.

Part IV. All current and prospective employees of the state and contractors with the state who are or may be authorized by the agency for which they are employed to access federal tax information, are required to have a criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol criminal identification system and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. OFM may adopt rules to implement this requirement. OFM is directed to develop a state agency contract oversight and management program to conduct or oversee large, complex, or legislatively directed procurements. The program will also conduct compliance review state agency contract management activities and will first concentrate on reviewing managed care, Medicaid, and information technology contracts.