A note from Director Cummiskey:

GITA is the coordination point for all IT in the executive branch
of the State. In that capacity, GITA will continue to set
standards and review, approve, and monitor IT projects in the
State. In addition to coordinating State IT, GITA will work to
meet the special needs of the Legislature and will support
Governor Napolitano’s Homeland Security and Efficiency
Review initiatives as outlined in the plan.
This Statewide Strategic Information Technology Plan reflects
Governor Napolitano’s vision for exceptional government in
Arizona. Included in the plan are a set of goals for Arizona that
will carry on the process of breaking down silos and moving the
State forward technologically. These goals will be taken into
account by agencies as they create their own IT plans.
By providing goals and a coordinated vision, the Statewide
Strategic IT Plan helps move Arizona towards a consolidated IT
infrastructure where data sharing between State agencies is
streamlined and easy.

Chris Cummiskey
Director, State CIO
Government Information Technology Agency

-1-

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................. 3
State of Arizona's Information Technology Vision ................................. 4
Best Practices............................................................................................... 5
Goals............................................................................................................. 6
Goal 1: Increased protection for Arizona citizens by securing state
government information, strategic assets, and personnel. ........................ 7
Goal 2: Improved public service by providing expanded access to
information and services by Arizona citizens using e-government
solutions. ................................................................................................. 10
Goal 3: Enhanced economic development for the State through
exploitation of Information Technology. ................................................ 12
Goal 4: Sharpened efficiencies and augmented quality of life for citizens
through leveraged common IT resources and infrastructure. ................. 16
Goal 5: Heightened quality products and services by improving internal
government functions. ............................................................................ 18
Summary.................................................................................................... 20

Appendix A - Statewide Strategic Information Technology
Organizations ............................................................................................. 21
Appendix B - Top Ten Projects Monitored by GITA...................... 22

-2-

Introduction
The State of Arizona is a recognized leader in the field of government information
technology, making Arizona one of the most accessible state governments in the
nation. By using the Internet, Arizona residents can renew their automobile
registration, apply for various permits, and even register to vote. More services are
preparing to move on-line in the near future. This pioneering spirit has resulted in
national recognition, including the Center for Digital Government’s 2002 Digital
State award.
These successes were not serendipitous. They were the result of a concerted effort
by the State of Arizona to make Arizona a leader in information technology (IT).
The Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) was established in 1997
to provide State agencies with the leadership necessary to improve IT in the State.
Prior to the establishment of GITA, the State lacked an organization responsible for
coordinating information technology projects across agencies. Moreover, no single
agency had either responsibility or oversight capabilities to ensure that the State was
deploying current and cost-effective technology solutions to meet its growing needs.

…Successes…were
not serendipitous.
They were the result
of a concerted
effort…

GITA fills this role by acting as the State of Arizona’s information technology
consultant, providing a range of services to agencies and, ultimately, the citizens of
Arizona. From the very beginning, GITA has helped to enable the continued
operation and efficiency of State government through technology. No sooner had
GITA begun operation than it took a lead role in coordinating the state’s Y2K
transition. The result was a nearly seamless transition that maintained the high level
of service from State government that the people of Arizona have come to expect.
Additionally, the State is poised to navigate its budget woes by seizing upon current
opportunities for developing innovative, technology-based solutions to improve
government efficiency and responsiveness.
The State of Arizona plans to build on these successes as it develops strategic
alliances with private sector companies to bring technology and the new economy to
all of Arizona. Technology has been at the core of much of the phenomenal growth
Arizona has experienced over the last two decades; future growth will depend on
technology as well.
Information technology has moved from the sole domain of large firms to an integral
part of almost every business in Arizona. Access to information technology will be
at the heart of economic development throughout rural Arizona, and the State will be
at the center of bringing that technology to rural Arizona.
Information also plays an integral part in keeping Arizona safe from both natural and
man-made disasters. When such disasters do occur, information plays an even
greater role in mitigating the impact of the disasters. The State will be at the heart of
efforts to prevent and respond to threats against Arizona citizens, employees, and

-3-

assets. The challenges facing the State are great, but no greater than the
opportunities.

State of Arizona's Information Technology Vision
The State of Arizona will use optimal processes and technology to deliver exceptional
government services to the citizens of Arizona. Regardless of where Arizonans are
located, they will be able to easily access any information or service State
government has to offer. This ubiquitous access will be made possible through the
creative use of partnerships with federal, state and local government, as well as the
private sector.
The State’s IT Vision is predicated on the role of technology as a tool to improve
processes, share information, and deliver services. State government must do a better
job of leveraging information technology resources. Sharing IT resources enables
agencies with finite time, money, and personnel to deliver services more efficiently.
Technology services and initiatives must be driven by strong business cases that
show citizens maximization of benefits through the resulting economies of scale.

“The State of
Arizona is
committed to
provide better
government to the
people by serving
them more
effectively and
efficiently.”

Accomplishing the goals of the State IT Vision will require that effective planning,
process definitions, and related oversight be in place. These activities are the
foundation that GITA has been and will continue to build upon. This Statewide
Strategic Information Technology Plan communicates key goals for guiding Arizona
State government’s future. The State of Arizona is committed to provide better
government to the people by serving them more effectively and efficiently. The
State also strives to provide important information to citizens so that they can make
better decisions.
In today's world, citizens expect on-line access to government. They want to “get out
of line and get on-line.” They are forcing government to move from bricks and
mortar to e-government. E-government enables ubiquitous access to quality
information and government services by citizens, businesses, and state decision
makers.
In alignment with this service commitment, GITA focuses on improving State
business processes and optimizing the delivery of services through the use of
technology. Each agency is encouraged to incorporate the goals of this State IT
Vision into its own business and IT plans.

-4-

GITA will deploy the following core values in accomplishing its statutory mission:
Integrity – We believe in honesty, fairness, and accountability.
Right to privacy – We recognize that State government holds information, which is
private, and that unauthorized release of that data is a violation of the public trust.

GITA Core
Values

Freedom of access – We believe the public has a right to ease of access to public
information within the constraints of privacy and confidentiality.

Integrity
Right to privacy

Cooperation – We believe that cooperation between political entities and with the
private sector is fundamental to effective use of technology.

Freedom of
access

Respect – We believe all individuals are deserving of respect.

Cooperation
Respect

Best Practices
In addition to the above Core Values, the following Best Practices provide guidelines
that enable the State to move forward to accomplish this statewide IT Vision:


Develop strategic alliances to meet objectives.



Leverage State Information Technology resources and information.



Improve business processes to make them more customer-oriented.



Coordinate resources and information among agencies.



Continually improve the planning and oversight processes to make the State’s IT
program more customer-oriented, and accountable.



Emphasize life-cycle analysis in project justifications.



Implement technical, coordination, and security policies and standards based on
commonly accepted best practices and industry standards.



Recruit, retain, and train highly qualified professional personnel.



Remain familiar with emergent technologies in order to assess potential impact on
State systems.



Ensure quality assurance processes are built into agencies’ IT programs.

-5-



Ensure that government will continue to function, through coordinated disaster
recovery plans, after natural or man-made disasters.

Goals
The following goals set a strategic direction for the State of Arizona in achieving its
vision for the future.

1. Increased protection for Arizona citizens by securing state government
information, strategic assets, and personnel.

2. Improved public service by providing expanded access to information and
services by Arizona citizens using e-government solutions.

3. Enhanced economic development for the State of Arizona through
exploitation of information technology.

4. Sharpened efficiencies and augmented quality of life for Arizona citizens
through leveraged common IT resources and infrastructure.

5. Heightened quality products and services by improving internal government
functions.

Working in concert with the Executive Branch agencies and other stakeholders in the
State, GITA is committed to achieving these goals by adhering to the strategies and
initiatives outlined in this strategic plan.

-6-

Goal 1: Increased protection for Arizona citizens by securing state
government information, strategic assets, and personnel.
The tragedy of September 11, 2001 awoke all Americans to the nation’s vulnerability
to terrorist attacks. In her State of the State Address, Governor Napolitano placed
Arizona’s security as a front-and-center priority for the state. Working with other
federal, state, and local agencies as well as the private sector, the State of Arizona
will take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of its residents and the
continued operation of essential services in times of crisis and national emergency.

“…the State of
Arizona will take
every precaution
necessary to ensure
the safety of its
residents…”

Seamless communication is central to any crisis response, whether that crisis is a
terrorist attack or a wildfire. The interoperability of state communication systems
through the vertical integration of video, audio, and data communications systems
would greatly enhance response timeliness and is currently being considered by the
Arizona Department of Public Safety. As the State of Arizona’s information
technology consultant, GITA will provide agencies with the leadership and expertise
necessary to ensure the successful integration of these systems.
Communication with the public in times of crisis is equally important. Recognizing
this, Governor Napolitano called for the creation of a statewide 2-1-1 system to assist
in the dissemination of vital public safety information. The State of Arizona will
draw on GITA’s expertise in technology infrastructure and coordination to make sure
that Arizona’s residents have access to this information in times of crisis.
Arizona is improving homeland security efforts by using technology for sharing
critical information on physical and cyber threats, upgrading communications
interoperability, and improving planning for business continuity planning and
emergency response.
Strategies


Identify alternative service delivery, if a natural or man-made disaster disables
regular service delivery.



Develop security standards related to architecture that align with Homeland
Security initiatives.



Partner with selected entities to ensure secure coverage in a broad range of
areas.

-7-

Benefits


Protection for Arizona citizens, public employees, and state assets.



Secure statewide IT infrastructure to protect privacy and data integrity.



Secure critical infrastructure to protect a variety of citizen interests; e.g. water,
food supplies, telecommunications, etc.

Initiatives
Business Continuity Planning (BCP): In support of Governor’s executive order 20035, “State Coordinated Emergency Response Plans,” all Executive Branch agencies
were required to submit Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) by May 13th, 2003.
GITA worked with the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) and the
Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) to determine agency data
collection requirements and training needs including agencies’ IT disaster recovery
plans and IT security assessments. Once the BCPs were submitted, the tri-agency
team analyzed the information and reported overall readiness scores to the
Governor’s Office. In conjunction with these efforts, GITA Director Chris
Cummiskey participated as a member of the Governor’s Homeland Security Cabinet.
Additionally, GITA created an IT Security Advisory group to identify and
recommend IT security best practices. GITA continues working with the Department
of Homeland Security and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of state
government.
Statewide Infrastructure Protection Center (SIPC): The State has implemented a
Statewide Infrastructure Protection Center to send alerts, collect vulnerability
information for prevention efforts, and provide early warnings to state agency
personnel and other government entities of cyber threats including computer viruses
and network intrusions. As part of the State’s IT security policies, standards, and
procedures, agency Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Information Officers
(CIOs) are responsible for reporting all cyber threats and intrusions to SIPC. Further,
GITA, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the CIO Council and ADOA, will
be developing a statewide incremental cyber security improvement plan, which
includes clarification of roles and responsibilities for a computer emergency response
team (CERT) and the statewide security management function.

“Arizona is
improving homeland
security efforts
by…sharing critical
information…”

“There are
numerous projects
underway…to
protect the citizens
of Arizona.”

Security Assessments: GITA manages a web application, namely Technology
Security Assessment –TESA that monitors agency compliance with the State’s IT
Security policies and standards. This application also prompts agencies to report
specific gap closure plans. The system allows agencies to fill out the assessment online and then “submit” from the application. GITA then obtains “automatic” reports.
As a result of automated collection, security information is consistent and complete.
Finally, GITA aggregates the data and provides a statewide summary.

-8-

Communications: The need to communicate efficiently when preparing and
responding to emergency situations is extremely critical for first responders, state
government, and it citizens. Due to the significance of necessary communications
interoperability to support statewide emergency response, the state is addressing both
long-term microwave (radio and data) infrastructure enhancement requirements and
tactical border radio communications gap closure needs. In collaboration with
Homeland Security, DPS, DEMA, and local safety organizations, GITA is also
providing consulting support services for three-digit N-1-1 “one call” resource
centers; e.g., 2-1-1, 3-1-1, 5-1-1, and E9-1-1. Arizona State government recognizes
that an efficient and interoperable information technology infrastructure is critical for
sustaining viable continuity of government capabilities and improving collaborative
Homeland Security efforts for first responders, emergency management, safety,
welfare, and transportation functions.
Integrated Criminal Justice: GITA is partnering with the Arizona Criminal Justice
Commission to coordinate efforts among State and local courts and law enforcement
agencies. There are numerous projects underway to leverage State assets and
information to protect the citizens of Arizona.
2-1-1: During 2003, GITA participated in stakeholder meetings and provided
research on the envisioned 2-1-1 Project. A consultant was hired by GITA to
determine how the State’s current information technology infrastructure could best
be used to create an in-house 2-1-1 system. This report was released to stakeholders
in January 2004. By Executive order in February 2004, the Governor’s Council on
2-1-1 was established to plan and build a statewide 2-1-1 system, which would
facilitate the public access to community, social service and homeland security
information and referrals. A multi-agency project management team has been
formed including the Department of Homeland Security, GITA, and the Governor’s
Office for Children, Youth and Families to develop a system that will provide
Arizonans with a web-enabled database as phase one of the three-phase project.
Governor Napolitano has designated GITA as the lead State agency for
implementation of the 2-1-1 Project. GITA and its partners are currently writing an
RFP for phase one of this project. Additional information and the 2-1-1 Strategic
Plan can be found at http://www.az222.gov/strategicplan.pdf.

-9-

Goal 2: Improved public service by providing expanded access to
information and services by Arizona citizens using e-government
solutions.
E-government increases the public’s accessibility to government and enables it to run
more efficiently. It makes legacy system data more accessible to state knowledge
workers and citizens. Further, it allows public transactions over the web and
telephones. The State’s goal is to provide accessible, reliable, and cost-effective
government services to Arizona’s citizens electronically. GITA is leading this effort
by:

“Ultimately, the
State will provide
citizens and
businesses with ‘one
face’ to Arizona
government.”

1. Assessing State agency e-services requirements;
2. Architecting the framework to support both enterprise and distributed eservices delivery;
3. Developing standards for web-related initiatives;
4. Obtaining, developing, and implementing an e-services framework; and
5.

Promoting collaboration and communication among agencies and
municipalities.

Ultimately, the State will provide citizens and businesses with “one face” to
Arizona government. The centerpiece of this initiative is the Arizona @ Your
Service (AAYS) Web Portal. GITA is working closely with agencies to review
their business functions and determine the feasibility of migrating selected
functions to the Internet. The objective is to promote efficiency through the
practical application of technology—this is in support of the Governor’s
directives to reduce costs and improve service delivery to the public.
Strategies


Encourage agency use of the State Web Portal.



Provide a sound business model for on-line service delivery.



Improve the look and feel of the navigation and search capabilities of state
websites.

“Any e-government
initiative should be
based upon
principles of
convenience,
efficiency, security,
accessibility...”

Benefits


Enable intra-governmental delivery of services.



Provide service 24 hours/day, 365 days/year for citizens.

-10-



Deliver a common entry point for a positive experience with online services for
citizens.



Improve access for citizens to government.

Initiatives
Notice of Intent (NOI): At the April 2nd, 2003, Governor's Cabinet meeting of
executive agency directors, Governor Janet Napolitano directed all agencies to
coordinate all web development initiatives through GITA. The process of informing
GITA of the web development or maintenance effort is done through the NOI. This
directive is intended to ensure that agencies are:
1. Employing cost efficient means in deploying all web-related services,
2. Evaluating the services offered through the AAYS Portal,
3. Adhering to statewide standards as published,
4. Maintaining a consistent look and feel in their website designs.
Business Case: Any e-government initiative should be based upon principles of
convenience, efficiency, security, accessibility, and innovative investment. An
assessment tool has been developed to help agencies prioritize and objectively
compare transactions based on anticipated benefits and the agency’s readiness to
deliver such services. An assessment of each agency’s readiness involves
interviewing key personnel, gathering information on mission-critical functions, and
evaluating the adequacy of agency resources.
Web Portal: The State of Arizona implemented an e-government portal to help
agencies reach their e-government goals. Through a competitive procurement
process, the State of Arizona selected a business partner to assist in developing the
Web Portal. The Web Portal assists citizens by improving their access to webenabled services. Additional benefit will be derived from the process of enabling
transactions for e-government as web enabling leads to reengineering and
streamlining of the business processes behind the transactions. Often, a project that
began to merely place a paper form on-line yields a full-scale rethinking of the
requirements behind the form and results in a far more efficient, cost-effective
process.

“The Web Portal
assists citizens by
improving their
access to webenabled services.”

Intra-Government Efficiencies: In addition to increasing citizens’ access, egovernment initiatives will enable on-line transactions between and among agencies.
When intra-governmental functions are administered on-line, the provision of
governmental services will become even more integrated and efficient in Arizona.
Such intra-governmental functions can include one agency passing data to another

-11-

electronically instead of by paper, travel claims, time sheets, motor pool reservations,
on-line benefits enrollment, etc.
Targeted Services: During 2003, GITA proposed three government services to be
placed on-line including the Department of Real Estate’s license renewals, virtual
State Park permit shop, and an electronic forum for citizen comment.

Goal 3: Enhanced economic development for the State through
exploitation of Information Technology.
Governor Janet Napolitano has identified economic development, especially rural
economic development, as one of her top priorities. Governor Napolitano signaled
her intent to make GITA an integral part of this process by appointing GITA Director
and State Chief Information Officer Chris Cummiskey to the Governor’s Council on
Innovation and Technology.
Information technology infrastructure is critical for economic development in Greater
Arizona. Broadband capabilities help to break down time and distance barriers in
conducting business and are essential for job creation outside the metropolitan areas.
GITA has expert staff in the area of communications infrastructure development
available to support the Governor’s Council in its efforts to expand broadband
infrastructure throughout the State and foster job growth in Arizona’s rural
communities. GITA has already taken the lead in this area through such ventures as
the Telecommunication Open Partnership of Arizona (TOPAZ) project, which has
more than tripled the number of Arizona communities with broadband access in just
two years without any cost to the State or burdensome government mandates.
Beyond the critical infrastructure necessary for economic development across
Arizona, GITA will assist agencies in their efforts to make the State of Arizona more
accessible to business across the state and beyond its borders. Arizona is a national
leader in e-government services. The Arizona @ Your Service Web Portal is a prime
example of this innovation, saving countless hours for Arizona businesses and
residents alike. Arizona has led so well, in fact, that other states have adopted many
of its innovations.

“Governor Janet
Napolitano has
identified economic
development,
especially rural
economic
development, as
one of her top
priorities.”

“Arizona has led so
well, in fact, that
other states have
adopted many of its
innovations.”

Arizona must continue to innovate in the area of e-government services if it is to
maintain its competitive advantage in this area and continue to lure businesses to our
state through them. This, of course, translates into improved access and service for
all users of e-government services. As the State of Arizona’s information technology
consultant, GITA will be a key player in this innovation.

-12-

Strategies


Share telecommunication networks.



Partner with vendors to leverage State of Arizona buying power.



Aggregate cross-jurisdictional government needs for broadband services.



Solicit demand through community activism to speed broadband deployment.



Foster competition to encourage better services at lower prices to under-served
areas of Arizona.



Increase State’s use of E-rate subsidies to fund both Internet connectivity and
Network infrastructure within Arizona’s schools.

“The State of
Arizona is currently
marshalling groups
into action to obtain
the desired benefits
of broadband
access to all Arizona
citizens.”

Benefits


Enhance economic development in rural areas.



Reduce disparities across the State for access to the Internet and on-line
services.

Initiatives
Strategic Leadership: The importance of effective leadership along with continuous
effort and cooperation between vested interests cannot be overstated. Without these
ingredients, timely and beneficial outcomes will not be possible. The State of
Arizona is currently marshalling groups into action to obtain the desired benefits of
broadband access to all Arizona citizens. Some of the key groups are identified
below:
1. The Arizona Telecommunications Planning Council to be appointed from
within branches of government and from the public including the Governor’s
Strategic Partnership for Economic Development, foundational telecommunications organizations, and to be housed in the Arizona Department
of Commerce;

“TOPAZ continues
to be a primary
guideline in defining
public/private
efforts to provision
rural Arizona with
broadband
infrastructure.”

2. The State Telecommunications Taskforce to be made up of eight to ten
individuals with telecommunications expertise and from agencies with
Statewide telecommunications interests, and to be directed out of GITA;
3. Regional planning councils, each made up of experts and leaders from local
government agencies, public interest groups, and the commercial sector.

-13-

TOPAZ: Telecommunication Open Partnership of Arizona continues to be a primary
guideline in defining public/private efforts to provision rural Arizona with broadband
infrastructure. As the State acts on behalf its own interests and in concert with other
communities of interest in deploying broadband infrastructure, its agents will be
mindful of local community needs as well as its own. Where possible, the principle
of aggregating government and private sector demand for carrier services will be
applied regionally and by project.
Economic Development Areas: There will be a high regard for Arizona’s regions and
various economic interests as the State acts to support deployment of broadband
telecommunications. The Department of Commerce has defined eleven large
economic development areas for the State of Arizona. They take advantage of key
economic, political and geographic realities in the State. These economic
development areas will be a primary focus to more easily aggregate demand and
minimize conflicts of interest as regional telecommunication projects are defined.
GITA expects that smaller communities of interest will come together within these
regions to define telecommunication requirements, craft regional solutions and find
funding mechanisms for those solutions.
Right of Way: State of Arizona laws and Executive Orders regarding rights of way
issues will be the primary source of policy. Where there are voids or conflicts, the
various councils will provide leadership in defining solutions. Rights of way issues
affecting and/or hindering broadband deployment will be mitigated as expeditiously
as possible, with the goal of favorable outcomes for deployment. Every effort will be
made to see that State-owned rights of way will be made available for broadband
deployment. Other governmental organizations and political subdivisions are to be
encouraged to allow rights of way under their jurisdictions.
Prioritizing Federal Funds and Resources: Broadband deployment is a national,
state, and local community issue. Increased effort should be expended to secure all
dollars earmarked for infrastructure deployment. Arizona lags far behind other states
in the acquisition of federal grants, subsidies, and loans directed at broadband
deployment. Currently, about $8 billion is earmarked nationally for telecommunications subsidy and infrastructure deployment. Arizona’s annual fair share, based on
population alone, should be in the $200 to $250 million range. Over the last 5 years,
Arizona’s actual receipt from these programs is in the range of $80 to $120 million
annually. In the future, the State of Arizona will identify, qualify, and help
communities of interest apply for these grants, subsidies, and loans. The Arizona
Telecommunication Planning Council as well as regional councils will be key players
in this effort.

“Broadband
deployment is a
national, state, and
local community
issue.”

Statewide and Community Broadband Assessments: Geographically identified
telecommunication assessments, sourced from and directed by Greater Arizona
Development Authority, should continue as needed, with effective reporting of these
assessments to State and local decision makers. The Legislature appropriated $500K

-14-

for community and regional telecommunication assessments. Continuing appropriations need to be obtained and assessment activities funded. Most importantly,
findings from previous assessments need to be acted upon in a coordinated and
prioritized manner. Outcomes of these assessments should be reported to the
Department of Commerce, GITA, Arizona Telecommunication Planning Council,
regional telecommunication councils, the State Telecommunications Task Team, and
representatives of the geographic entities surveyed and assessed.
Telemedicine: Currently, the University of Arizona Medical Center is managing a
separate network of leased and owned physical infrastructure for telemedicine. It has
been successfully deployed to the State prison system, many Native American tribes,
some schools, and many rural medical facilities. Much of its funding comes from
federal grants (Rural Utilities Services, Universal Service Administrative Company,
et al) with some appropriations coming from the Arizona State legislature. It is a
very mature and growing network.

“Telemedicine... is
successfully
deployed to the
State prison
system, many
Native American
tribes, some
schools, and many
rural medical
facilities.”

SACCNET: Southern Arizona Consortium of Counties Network (SACCNET) is an
effort headed by the County Supervisors Association (CSA), which currently plans
on extending Graham County’s successes in aggregating government telecommunications needs into six other southern Arizona counties. The plan envisions the
creation of a private government network, using dark fiber leased or purchased from
willing carriers in Arizona’s seven southern counties. CSA will host the provisioning of the dark fiber into various light spectrums, and then manage its use. The
county seats of the respective counties will become hubs on the network. Within the
SACCNET area, any Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) eligible entity (i.e., local
governments, school districts, county governments, universities and colleges, remote
State offices) is a candidate to participate on this private network.
CANAMEX: CANAMEX was identified in 1997 as a strategic trade corridor
connecting Mexico, the United States and Canada as a western nexus. The
CANAMEX corridor traverses Arizona, starting at Nogales, passing through
Wickenburg, and leaving the State at Hoover Dam. An integral part of infrastructure
enhancement will be developing the corridor’s broadband connectivity.
Telecommunication plans include deploying a simple wireless fixed (WIFI) matrix
targeted at the trucking industry, with access points at truck stops and rest stops along
the corridor. The infrastructure will then grow to include law enforcement, tourism
and other commercial interests. Finally, it will incorporate broadband (WIFI) for
schools, towns, and population areas. The model for the project is a successful
implementation for county government and law enforcement along a 60-mile
highway corridor in Graham County.

“New technologies
enable people who
are less technical to
spend more time
analyzing
information and
less time gathering
data.”

Prescott Valley Project: The Arizona Department of Commerce, Prescott Valley,
and a telecommunications aggregator have combined needs and expertise to
provision a community in the Prescott area with a publicly owned, last-mile
network. The project epitomizes a new reality in today’s telecommunications

-15-

environment, that telecom transport and telecom content are separate and distinct
functions. By providing a la carte purchasing of content applications, all running on
the same network, aggregated costs to the consumer are greatly reduced. Such
applications include high-speed video, voice, and Internet connectivity. It could also
include movie rentals, music, or any other application that has been digitized. This
project will act as a proof of concept for other similar-sized population areas, which
have waited a long time for broadband infrastructure reaching into the last-mile or to
the residential consumer in any kind of volume.

Goal 4: Sharpened efficiencies and augmented quality of life for citizens
through leveraged common IT resources and infrastructure.
The State needs to improve the process of information generation to support better,
fact-based decisions. Legacy systems do not provide the flexibility and functionality
demanded by today’s fast-paced business world. Further, relevant information is
often not available because technical expertise is required to access and compile the
information from incompatible computer systems and manually manipulate the
information for analysis and presentation. New technologies enable people who are
less technical to spend less time gathering data and more time analyzing information.
Strategies


Open standards for hardware, software, and associated infrastructure.



Encourage agencies to buy target technologies when upgrading infrastructure.



Ensure all IT organizations follow the Enterprise Architecture through the
Project Investment Justification (PIJ) process.



Establish project-based communities of interest for cross-agency collaboration.

“Arizona’s
Enterprise
Architecture
provides the
“technology
building code”
necessary for
interoperable,
enterprise
information
technology
solutions.”

Benefits


Leverage IT resources.



Enable interagency deployment of customer services.



Decrease complexity in the State’s IT environment.

-16-

Initiatives
Technology Building Code: Arizona’s Enterprise Architecture provides the
“technology building code” necessary for interoperable, enterprise information
technology solutions. GITA, in partnership with the Arizona CIO Council, completed
the initial development of white papers, policies, and standards that enable disparate
systems to communicate and interoperate; thus providing more efficient, responsive
government. Policy documents have also been published to define the overall
architecture program and its approach to the five domains of activity. In addition,
detailed requirements for software applications, productivity tools, database access,
and data modeling have been produced.
Policies, Standards and Procedures (PSPs): PSPs are designed to improve the
timeliness, quality, and efficiency of State government IT systems. PSPs provide
direction on IT architectures, infrastructure, strategies, and operations. The State’s
strategic perspectives are reflected in the policies and standards that, in turn, provide
a framework for individual agencies to establish their own policies, standards, and
procedures. GITA will continue to actively develop statewide policies, standards,
and procedures through its PSP program, with immediate emphasis on those
standards that support the goals in the State IT Vision.
Statewide Telecommunications Outsource Request for Proposal (RFP): During
2003, State legislature passed HB 2533 which charged GITA, in consultation with
the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), to develop an actionable RFP
for the privatization of State telecommunication services. GITA hired the Burton
Group, an experienced telecommunication-consulting firm, to aid in the development
of the RFP and a related statewide roadmap. Both GITA and the Burton Group
sought extensive input from stakeholders including Information Technology
Authorization Committee (ITAC), Telecommunications Executive Governance
Committee, CIOs, ADOA, the private sector, and many other sources. On October
30th, 2003 GITA delivered the RFP to the Joint Committee on Capital Review
(JCCR). The JCCR gave the RFP a favorable review. However, the JCCR attached
ten stipulations to the RFP to be acted on by ADOA. ADOA has recently released a
rewritten RFP and will be responsible for the management of the resulting contract.

“The State’s
strategic
perspectives are
reflected in the
policies and
standards which, in
turn, provide a
framework for
individual agencies
to establish their
own policies,
standards, and
procedures.”

Children's Cabinet: The drive to accomplish more with fewer resources has led
Governor Napolitano to appoint GITA to the Children’s Cabinet, where it will help
children’s services providers to communicate across e-government agencies to
improve service delivery. This venture represents the ultimate goal for services: a
single point of entry for all of a customer’s needs. Gains made on behalf of the
Children’s Cabinet will serve as a model for cross-agency cooperation, and will
ultimately benefit services to businesses as well. When the current budget crisis
ultimately passes, the lasting legacy will be a more responsive, customer-oriented,
service structure supported by innovative technology solutions.

-17-

Governor’s Council on Innovation and Technology: During 2003, GITA Director
Cummiskey actively participated in the Governor’s Council on Innovation and
Technology. The Council was tasked with identifying economic development
strategies that focused on Arizona's knowledge-based economy. In December 2003,
the council published recommendations for future actions. The report is available at
http://www.gcit.az.gov/presentations/gcitdraft9123003.pdf.

Goal 5: Heightened quality products and services by improving internal
government functions.
The State’s current budget crisis has become an all-consuming issue throughout the
State. Preserving state services during this crisis requires innovative approaches to
existing practices that will allow the State to achieve savings without sacrificing the
services that Arizona’s businesses and residents have come to expect. As business
processes are reengineered to create the efficiencies necessary to preserve quality of
service in the face of limited budgets, technology should play a major role in their
implementation.

“Preserving state
services during this
crisis requires
innovative
approaches to
existing practices
that will allow the
State to achieve
savings without
sacrificing the
services that
Arizona’s
businesses and
residents have
come to expect.”

In this spirit, Governor Napolitano has created the Governor’s Efficiency Review
Initiative to identify areas where improved efficiency and potential budget savings
can be found without sacrificing vital services. She has called on GITA to join this
effort. While there may be costs associated with efficiency-enhancing technology
improvements, GITA will search for opportunities to create public-private
partnerships, such as gain-sharing agreements, that will allow these efforts to move
forward without turning to the State’s coffers in these difficult financial times.
Although the challenges of the current budget pressures are great, there is also
opportunity to find new and better ways for the State to do business. Despite all of
the pain caused by the budget crisis, its one benefit is the attention it places on
rethinking existing business practices. GITA, through its information technology and
management consulting capacity, will seize this opportunity to help agencies work
more efficiently.
Strategies


Integrate the IT and business planning processes to ensure better alignment of
IT with business goals.



Ensure IT project success by providing increased project oversight for high-risk
projects.



Improve PIJ process by including Enterprise Architecture compliance review.

“Project
management
training increases
professionalism,
ensures that
benefits are
realized, and that
projects are
delivered on time
and on budget.”

-18-

Benefits


IT supporting business needs.



Projects completed on time and within budget.



IT projects that help agencies serve the public.

Initiatives
Quality Assurance: In an effort to improve government services provided by
information technology, GITA is requiring agencies to submit information about
their Quality Assurance (QA) programs in their annual information technology plans.
GITA will use the information to further explore how quality assurance may be
enhanced within the State of Arizona.

“...GITA monitors
large-scale and
high-risk projects
toward successful
implementation
using life cycle
analysis.”

Project Investment Justifications: Agencies are required to submit a Project
Investment Justification (PIJ) for all IT projects expending over $25,000. Projects
under $1 million dollars are reviewed by the GITA director, while those $1 million
and over are approved by ITAC. Enterprise architecture compliance is a key part of
the PIJ.
Project Oversight: GITA endeavors to monitor IT projects toward successful
implementation. Additionally, GITA monitors large-scale and high-risk projects
toward successful implementation using life-cycle analysis. GITA reviews
outstanding issues and makes recommendations for improvements or corrections.
Focal points of the review include project scope, management, roles, responsibilities,
reasonable schedules, change control, cost containment, and effective utilization of
resources. These reviews help ensure the projects are managed in an appropriate
manner and that sound business practices are being followed from both IT and
financial perspectives. Finally, GITA encourages agencies to integrate quality
assurance into project development either by designating qualified staff or
contracting for third party QA services.
Project Management: Project management training increases professionalism,
ensures that benefits are realized, and improves the likelihood that projects are
delivered on time and on budget. To that end, GITA will be educating State agencies
about the benefits of modern project management methods and techniques, including
those developed by the Project Management Institute. Many of these projects cost
millions of dollars and have great strategic importance. Having a project miss its
intended purpose or cost more than planned creates large financial and potential
political problems for an agency.

As of December 31,
2003, GITA was
monitoring 112
projects that
contained
$375,000,000 of
total development
costs. Additionally,
GITA closely
monitored projects
that had a high
degree of risk,
which was
determined by
project size,
complexity and
total dollar amount.

-19-

Summary
The State of Arizona is a national leader in information technology. As one of the
first states to create a state chief information officer, Arizona set a gold standard for
best practices in government information technology planning. The State’s practices
have become a model of efficiency and accountability. The benefits of these efforts
have been felt in the State in the form of improved customer service, increased
accessibility to State government, and greater access to information technology.
Today’s challenges will be met with the same innovation and resolve that have
defined Arizona, and information technology will continue to be a key enabler of
this innovation. Appendix A identifies some of the primary statewide strategic IT
organizations while Appendix B enumerates the top ten projects currently being
monitored by GITA. We will build on the foundation of planning and oversight
that have made Arizona a leader in government information technology to
streamline and improve government efficiency through e-government initiatives.
IT planning and coordination will serve as the cornerstone of Arizona’s homeland
security and business continuity efforts. In facing our budget crisis, IT planning
will help the state meet its immediate needs through strategic alliances and its longterm needs by fostering economic development within the State.

“As one of the first
states to create a
state chief
information officer,
Arizona set the gold
standard for best
practices in
government
information
technology
planning.”

Agencies will be asked to incorporate the goals and objectives set forth in this
Statewide Strategic IT Plan into the development of their business and IT plans.
These collaborative efforts will ensure that Arizona sets the standard for excellence
in the delivery of government services to its people, enabled by optimal processes
and technology.

-20-

Appendix A - Statewide Strategic
Information Technology Organizations

Government Information Technology Agency
The Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) is the State CIO’s
Office and is responsible for Arizona’s IT planning, oversight, coordination
and consulting activities.

Information Technology Authorization Committee
The Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC) has
jurisdiction to approve or reject IT projects having development costs
exceeding $1 million for all three branches of government. ITAC also
provides important advice on IT issues within the State of Arizona.

Chief Information Officer Council
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council is a working technical advisory
committee that serves as a communication vehicle on statewide IT subjects
and provides opportunities to share information that has common or universal
interest for State agencies.

-21-

Appendix B - Top Ten Projects Monitored by
GITA
This report reflects the ten most expensive projects actively being monitored by the
Oversight Analysts at GITA.

1. RV01016 – BRITS, Business Reengineering/Integrated Tax Systems $124M
Overview - The Department of Revenue has contracted with Accenture to replace
legacy systems with comprehensive, integrated revenue processing, collection,
accounting and reporting systems. The development and operation cost of the project
will be funded via increased tax collections. Accenture will finance system
development and implementation estimated at $124M plus interest. Payment for the
system will come in the form of allocating a percentage of increased tax collections
which will be split 85% to Accenture / 15% to State until complete system is paid
for.
Status - The first tax application was successfully implemented January 4, 2004.
Implementation of Withholding tax is now scheduled for May 31, 2004. All
activities associated with Release 2 are on schedule. Project costs to date $47M are
40% of total plan.

2. AD01005 – HRIS, Humans Resources Information Solution - $35M
Overview - The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) is replacing the
existing Human Resources Management System (HRMS) with a new software
package. DOA hired the META Group to develop the RFP for the HRMS
replacement to include Application Software Packages (ASPs) and outsourcing
solutions as required by ITAC.
Status – HRIS went into production mode on December 29, 2003 and has produced
six payrolls to date. Issues are being worked on with agencies and IBM/Lawson to
adjust the software to meet the many needs of the agencies.

-22-

3. RT01001 – PERIS, Public Employees Retirement Information System $25M
Overview - The Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) proposes to upgrade
legacy software making it fully compatible with ORACLE-based applications.
ASRS currently operates in a UNIX/COBOL environment and uses ORACLE
applications. This project enables ASRS to rewrite and convert legacy code to
accommodate new operations and business systems not currently supported. Current
legacy systems contain severe restraints in terms of data content and structure.
Status - The agency has instituted a cost/benefit analysis as part of the project scope
to ensure that delivered solutions will be cost effective with demonstrable business
benefits. These benefits will then be validated upon project delivery. The project
continues to be on track.

4. DC99007 – LAN/WAN Infrastructure for ADC prisons - $19M
Overview - The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) will upgrade or
install LAN/WAN connectivity to all of their prison sites.
Status – To date, only 18.6% of the estimated costs have been spent, as funding
is slow to come for this project. ADC personnel work on equipment upgrades as
funding becomes available.

5. DE01012 – HIPAA, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act – $19M
Overview - Federal HIPAA regulations impose administrative simplification
provisions for transactions and code sets as well as rigorous new privacy and
security standards on the handling of Protected Health Information (PHI).
AHCCCS has planned and is executing this multi-year project to conform its
operations to the requirements of HIPAA. The project includes development and
implementation of new policies and procedures for receiving, processing, storing,
and transmitting PHI; modifications to automated systems; and training in the new
policies, procedures, and systems modifications.
Status - Implementation of the Transactions and Code Sets for electronic
transmissions of PHI is lagging behind schedule but is expected to be completed by
the end of April 2004.

-23-

6. HC01005 – HIPAA, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act – $15M
Overview – See HIPAA overview above.
Status – Overall status of this project is on schedule and within budget. The privacy
requirements have been implemented as well as a majority of the Transactions and
Code Sets. The Security requirements are on schedule for April 2005. The agency
has requested an amendment to the PIJ, realigning their project end date with the
compliance date of the new Security requirements including a three-month
contingency. This request is a direct result of obtaining a final approval of the
Security mandates from the Federal Government.

7. RT01002 – ASRS Imaging System - $13M
Overview - ASRS engaged the consulting company of Raymond T. Clarke and
Associates to study the use of Electronic Document Imaging Management System
(EDIMS). Pursuant to the study and cost/benefit analysis, ASRS determined that an
EDIMS would provide benefits and cost savings that could not be delivered without
expansion of the workforce and office facilities.
Status – Detailed implementation analysis of document categorization is underway.
Imaging is now being integrated into new application development. The first
application to utilize the new imaging system will go live by the end of May 2004.
Overall the project is on track to be completed by October 2006.

8. HC01003 – AHCCCS Three Year Equipment Refresh - $12M
Overview – Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) proposes to
replace computer and telecommunications equipment during the next four fiscal
years. Equipment to be replaced includes desktop computers, laptops, printers, file
servers, and communications hubs, switches, and routers.
AHCCCS has developed an equipment replacement schedule so that machines and
peripheral are replaced every three years. This policy ensures that all equipment
remains on warranty, reducing labor for maintenance and total cost of ownership.
Status – Project was activated in July 2001. Procurement has occurred as funding
permits. Project status review was originally set for annual reporting, but was
changed to quarterly to maintain continuity with other projects of this type.

-24-

9. HS03001 – Computer Hardware Strategic Replacement Plan - $9.2M
Overview – Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is replacing aging
personal computers (PCs), notebooks, printers, and file servers which are three or
more years old, consistent with the agency’s PC replacement policy. The project
calls for equipment replacements from State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2003 through SFY
2007. The PIJ includes over three thousand desktop PCs and notebooks to be
purchased over five years.
Status – The project was activated in June 2003. Procurement will occur as funding
permits. Project status review was originally set for annual reporting, but was
changed to semi-annual to maintain continuity with other projects of this type.

10. DT01006 – Intelligent Transportation System - $7M
Overview – This Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) project
includes closed circuit TV cameras, electronic variable message signs, ramp
meters, Traffic Operation Center (TOC) software upgrades, upgrade or
replacement of hardware and software to accommodate new locations as well as
revised policies and procedures.
Status – The project is on track with the installation of hardware and software at
various freeway locations throughout the state and is scheduled for completion in
June 2005.

-25-