Establishing an Information Technology Division within the Department of Administration

WHEREAS, the information technology (IT) resources of the Executive Branch are numerous and complex, involving over 8,000 desktop computers, 250 servers, 280 employees, dozens of consultants and hundreds of computer applications and systems in the Executive Branch Departments; and

WHEREAS, the management of IT resources is critical to the ability of the State to serve the citizens of Rhode Island in a cost effective manner; and

WHEREAS, many of the IT systems have been found to be out-of-date, inadequate to meet the needs of departments and agencies, inflexible and expensive to support; and

WHEREAS, the dispersed management of information systems throughout the State has lead to inconsistent policies, standards, procedures and redundant efforts; and

WHEREAS, the operation of the computers, servers and networks has been managed without sufficient emphasis on the efficiencies and economies of scale; and

WHEREAS, improving the IT systems will require substantial effort, management and leadership.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD L. CARCIERI, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order as follows:

1. There shall be established a Division of Information Technology ("ITD") within the Department of Administration to be headed by the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") to be designated from time to time by, and to serve at the pleasure of, the Director ("Director") of the Department of Administration.


2. To improve the efficiency, effectiveness and security of IT operations and management, the CIO is hereby authorized and directed to develop a plan to consolidate, integrate and coordinate IT resources, and shall report to the Director and Governor not less than quarterly as to the progress of this plan.


3. The CIO shall be responsible for oversight, coordination and development of all IT resources within the executive branch.


4. Upon execution of this Order, each department's or agency's IT management professional(s) shall report functionally to the CIO and shall assist and coordinate such department or agency IT functions and activities through the CIO.


5. All hiring and spending decisions involving IT may only be made with the advice and approval of the CIO or his/her designee.


6. The ITD will define and maintain architectural standards for hardware, software, networks and services that will guide state investments in IT.


7. The ITD will define and enforce statewide policies and procedures pertaining to project management, operations and the effective use and security of IT resources.


8. The ITD will create and maintain a plan for IT investments for all executive branch departments and agencies.


9. The CIO will present an annual report to the Governor on the state of IT projects and infrastructure with the executive branch.


10. All departments and agencies shall cooperate, assist and shall make available reasonable and appropriate resources to the CIO for the performance of his or her responsibilities pursuant to this Order.


11. Nothing in this Executive Order shall change the statutory roles or duties of the Rhode Island Information Resources Management Board ("IRMB"), or the responsibilities of the CIO with respect to the IRMB, pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 29-8.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon the date hereof.

So Ordered:

Donald L. Carcieri

Dated: April 29, 2004