Get systems approval
Are you planning a new financial or administrative system? Updating an existing system?
With the current budget situation, all of us have less money to invest in Information Technology, so we must work together to leverage systems investments to benefit as many agencies as possible. To accomplish this, the following key objectives have been established:
- Streamlined business processes
- Economies of scale
- Enhanced data integrity and value
- Improved core management systems
- Enhanced adaptability of systems
Objectives
To meet these objectives, state agencies should give priority to satisfying their systems needs by way of enterprise financial and administrative systems. Please remember that approval by both OFM and the Information Services Board (ISB) is required for investments in certain agency systems, as referenced below:
- The following RCW Chapters grant authority to the ISB and OFM to establish policies for agency investments in information systems and services: 42.16.017, 43.88.160, 43.105.032, 43.105.041.
- Section 80.30.88 of the State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM) requires written approval from the OFM Accounting Division's Senior Assistant Director before significant investments are made to design, develop and implement new systems or substantially change existing agency financial systems.
- The ISB Technology Investment Policy and Standards exempt investments in systems that compete with or might be used in place of systems that serve a statewide function from agencies' delegated authority. These investments require DIS and/or ISB review and approval.
For purposes of these requirements, "significant investments" are defined as requiring six or more staff-months of effort (per SAAM as of 6/01/04).
Approval process
You must have approval before beginning any significant financial or administrative system development, enhancement, or acquisition, regardless of funding source. Written approval is required for all projects in process or still in the planning phase, even if you have been in contact with OFM or DIS, or feel you have already received an informal approval.
Please complete the approval request form and submit to: Systems.Approval@ofm.wa.gov, Attn: Senior Assistant Director, Accounting Division.
