May 16, 2012

Statutory Mission

The 1997 Legislature created the Technology Review Workgroup (TRW) in s. 216.0446, F.S., to provide analysis and recommendations regarding agency funding requests for information technology projects. The TRW also provides legislative oversight of strategic information technology projects that have been specifically identified in the General Appropriations Act. The TRW reports its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Budget Commission.

Summary of Responsibilities

Information Technology Funding Analysis & Recommendations

In the course of fulfilling its statutory requirements, the TRW provides direct support to the House and Senate appropriations committees in analysis of funding requests for information technology (IT). TRW staff review these requests to:

  • Validate the cost to implement and operate the technology
  • Evaluate the alignment of the technology to the agency business functions
  • Assess the agency’s ability to successfully plan and implement the technology

The TRW performs this analysis and develops subsequent recommendations for (1) legislative budget requests for new IT projects or IT operations, and (2) budget amendments processed after the General Appropriations Act has passed.

Designated information technology projects are required to submit operational work plans and periodic status reports to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Legislature. Agency project teams meet with TRW, House and Senate Appropriations analysts, and staff from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget to review project status reports, provide feedback, and understand the significant risks and issues facing the project. The goals of these meetings are to (1) improve the outcome of each of these technology projects and (2) improve the information available to the Legislature in making funding decisions.

The TRW assists in the development of a consistent set of guidelines for submission of legislative budget requests. Agencies must prepare a business case, risk assessment, and project management plan to accompany funding requests for IT projects that meet a specific fiscal threshold.

Strategic Project Oversight Utilizing Special Project Monitoring

The TRW provides real-time assessment and oversight of high-cost, high-risk, or highly complex IT projects identified by the Legislature in the General Appropriations Act. In the past, this oversight function was performed by Special Project Monitoring contract consultants in accordance with s. 282.322, F.S. Since FY 2003-04, the TRW has performed the oversight function primarily with existing staff, occasionally supplemented with contractor assistance.

Strategic Fiscal & Policy Analysis & Recommendation

The TRW provides analyses and recommendations on certain fiscal and operational policy issues relating to IT. The TRW works with appropriations and substantive committee staff in the House and the Senate to share research and knowledge relating to (1) IT project management, (2) IT Governance and investment management and (3) IT procurement. Additionally, TRW provides feedback and recommendations on policy issues coming before the Legislature in these areas.