Top Stories


SHARED IDEAS: CLC Thoughts on Leveraging IT in a Tough Economy

The Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) has been hard at work creating a best practice library for state CIOs and state members. Thee CLC Working Group tapped into the extensive resources within the corporate partners and developed a "checklist" of best practices, ideas, and successes related to budget and cost control. The library - Shared Ideas: CLC Thoughts on Leveraging IT in a Tough Economy - is searchable by keyword, company name, category and functional area. The CLC provided this information to aid new CIOs entering their roles in the next year, as well as for veteran CIOs who may be looking for additional ways to meet their business and service level goals while also dealing with the realities of continued budget constraints and cost controls. The library is now available at www.nascio.org/committees/clc.

Corporate members - Take a look, is your company missing? It's not too late to submit your ideas.

Recognizing Outstanding Individuals in State Government

NASCIO will honor three outstanding individuals who have made contributions to advance their states' technology policy agenda through the promotion of best practices, adoption of new technologies and advancements in service delivery. We will present the State Technology Innovator Award to the following individuals on September 27 during a ceremony at the NASCIO 2010 Annual Conference in Miami, Fla.

  • Senator David Y. Ige, Hawaii State Senate
  • Chris Johnson, vice president of Geospatial Technologies, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, state of Alabama
  • Eric Swanson, director, Center for Shared Solutions and Technology Partnerships, state of Michigan
Nominations were gathered from NASCIO members as well as non-members. NASCIO will present the award on an annual basis to recognize state leaders who steadily promote innovation, excellence and good government. Nominees must be an employee, elected official, appointed official or other appointee representing state government. Learn more about the recipients at www.nascio.org/awards/sti.

DO YOU THINK? OR DO YOU KNOW? PART II - the EA Value Chain, the Strategic Intent Domain, and Principles

This month, NASCIO released the newest issue brief in our analytics series. The brief, "DO YOU THINK? OR DO YOU KNOW? PART II" maintains that investment in business intelligence and business analytics must be driven by enterprise strategic intent. Proper leverage of analytics should start with a clear understanding of the outcomes state government is trying to achieve. This issue brief presents the rationale for analytics using the NASCIO Enterprise Architecture Value Chain as a framework for organizing the thinking and the questions that eventually drive investment in analytics capabilities. It builds on the foundational concepts discussed in NASCIO's first issue brief on this subject, and strongly recommends an enterprise approach. Without an enterprise approach to analytics, investment across the enterprise is un-orchestrated and uncoordinated. That creates redundant investment in tools and training, and creates barriers to cross line of business collaboration.

State government cannot afford redundant and disconnected investment. One of the values of enterprise architecture is the management, optimization and simplification of investment within state government. Proper investment and application of analytics is essential to deploying effective and efficient government services. Finally, the level of complexity of analytical methods and tools depends on the complexity of the decisions and the issues. Visit www.nascio.org/publications to download this publication from the Enterprise Architecture & Governance Committee.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

NASCIO supports October 2010 as National Cyber Security Awareness Month and recognizes the importance of protecting citizen data and raising awareness of the security threats. "Our national surveys and priority rankings consistently put security awareness and education in the top five among critical issues," said Stephen Fletcher, NASCIO president and state CIO of Utah. "The numerous activities states undertake during October bring needed attention to cyber security concerns and threats for citizens, state employees, and policy makers." Visit NASCIO's Cyber Security Awareness resource page to learn more www.nascio.org/advocacy/cybersecurity.

NASCIO and Healthcare IT Connect Partner in the Health Reform Process

NASCIO partnered with Healthcare IT Connect to highlight the role of the state CIO in planning for the HITECH and Affordable Care Acts as part of the Health Reform Process. State CIOs and state health IT leaders will join with federal agencies and private sector organizations from across the country to discuss the role of innovation, interoperability and sustainability in creating a national connected health architecture that will underpin HITECH, the Affordable Care Act and the Health Reform Process. NASCIO members Teri Takai, California CIO, Gopal Khanna, Minnesota CIO, and Lisa Feldner, North Dakota CIO, will lead the state health IT leadership discussions at the 2010 National Healthcare IT Connect Summit. Click here to view the agenda.

Interested in attending? Each state is eligible to receive two complimentary registrations and NASCIO corporate members will receive a 30% discount on summit tickets. Please contact Rob Waters at robw@healthcareitconnect.com if you are interest in participating in this important meeting.

NASCIO Annual Conference Updates

Innovation and Opportunity: Transforming Government through IT

In less than one week, representatives from 48 states and territories and corporate members from all over the country will flock to Miami for the 2010 NASCIO Annual Conference. We are expecting record attendance with more than 530 attendees already slated to participate. We are extremely excited about the expert speakers on the agenda representing federal, state and local governments as well as the private sector. Sessions will explore topics such as smart government, service transformation, and transition. For complete details, check out the conference agenda at www.nascio.org/events/2010Annual/agenda.cfm.

Last Chance! Today, September 22 is the cut-off for online registration. Rates go up onsite, so if you are planning to join us in Miami, submit your registration today at www.nascio.org/events/2010Annual/register.cfm.

Unfortunately, our conference hotel, the Loews Miami Beach, has sold out. Other hotel options in the area are listed on the conference website at www.nascio.org/events/2010Annual/hotel.cfm.

Don't forget - NASCIO has negotiated a discount on Super Shuttle service between the Miami International Airport and the Loews Hotel. Make your advance reservations by calling (305) 871-2000. You must print this special coupon to take advantage of the discounted NASCIO group pricing. Print two copies - one for each leg of your roundtrip service.

Whether you are joining us in Miami or not, follow the conference on twitter by using the conference hashtag #NASCIO10A.

Watch on Washington

On Capitol Hill

With elections only seven weeks away, House and Senate Democratic leaders are allowing members to spend more time back home campaigning, working no more than three legislative days each week. Therefore, leaders are punting a long list of legislative issues - including fiscal 2011 appropriations, food safety legislation, expiring tax policy extension and defense authorization, which contain cyber language - until after the elections for a lame duck session. Lawmakers are expected to pass a short-term continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating until lawmakers return in mid-November. The House and Senate Democratic leadership are considering adjourning before October 8.

Telecommunication Carriers Support USF Overhaul

On September 16, big carriers voiced support for overhauling the Universal Service Fund (USF) at a House Energy and Commerce Communications subcommittee hearing. A majority of carriers feel that the legislation takes a comprehensive approach to address the underlying financial structure. The bill would require the FCC to implement a mechanism for reducing or eliminating high-cost support to incumbent carriers in areas where at least 75 percent of households can receive voice and high-speed broadband service from a competitive provider that does not receive USF support. The bill would also expand support for broadband service. Some lawmakers, as well as the FCC, have express concerned about the cost of the bill. Congress has not updated the USF since 1996. With little time remaining before Congress adjourns, the bill is expected to be considered next year with the new Congress.

Net Neutrality Agreement Reached

The Washington Post reported that the House Energy and Commerce Committee will introduce net neutrality legislation this week. The proposed legislation would provide the FCC with authority to enforce its four open-Internet principles for two years. The bill does not address issues such as nondiscrimination language and wireless providers. The FCC's principles are that network operators can't prevent users from accessing the lawful Internet content, applications and services of their choice, nor can they prohibit users from attaching nonharmful devices to the network. Without dealing with nondiscrimination, the bill will not address the FCC's fifth principle of paid prioritization. It is unclear if the bill can be passed this session until providers and public interest groups review the legislation. NASCIO will continue to follow this issue.

PASS ID Legislation Stuck

With the 111th Congress about to conclude, PASS ID (S 1261), the alternate to replace REAL ID that was enacted into law in 2005, is in limbo. PASS ID is expected to cost the states less money to implement and provides more flexibility. However, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano authorizing another extension this year to push the REAL ID compliance back until May 2011, lawmakers do not feel the urgency to do anything with PASS ID. To ease the burden, DHS has given the states more than $140 million in grants for security measures, with another $50 million available in fiscal 2010. More than a dozen states have told DHS that they will meet REAL ID milestones by the end of the year. States are beginning to wonder if DHS will enforce the deadline or if they should wait to see if Congress passes an alternative next year.

Bill Could Freeze New Cell Phone Taxes

On September 15, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved a bill (HR 1521) that would restrict the ability of state and local governments to impose taxes on cell phone services, providers or property for five years. On average, more than 15 percent of a wireless devices total is for local, state and federal sales taxes. The Cell Tax Fairness Act would not affect current state or local taxes on cell phones or other wireless devices. The five-year moratorium is supposed to stabilize taxes on the devices.

DOJ Issues Several ANPRMs on State and Local ADA Compliance

The Department of Justice issued three Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking regarding extending Title II and III of ADA to state and local governments. All comments on each ANPRM are due January 24, 2011. NASCIO is planning to file comments. Please send a copy of your comments to pwalker@amrms.com by December 13, 2010. DOJ is considering revising the following items:

  • The regulation implementing Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in order to establish requirements for making the goods, services, facilities, privileges, accommodations, or advantages offered by public accommodations via the web accessible to individuals with disabilities. The agency is also considering revising the ADA's Title II regulation to establish requirements for making any services, programs or activities offered by state and local government to the public via the web accessible. The department is requesting responses to several questions. To view the ANPRM, visit edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-18334.pdf.
  • Requirements under Titles II and III of the ADA to ensure that equipment and furniture used in programs and services provided by public entities and public accommodation are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This ANPRM is seeking comments on whether state and local government are meeting the requirements by ensuring the accessibility of buildings, equipment and furniture by those with disabilities. To view the ANPRM, visit edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-18331.htm.
  • The regulation implementing Title II of the ADA to address in what manner public entities that operate 9-1-1 call-taking centers implement Next Generation 9-1-1. This ANPRM seeks information on possible revisions to the agency's regulation to ensure direct access to NG 9-1-1 services for individuals with disabilities. To view, visit edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-18336.pdf.

Newly Released Reports

Hearings of Interest

Listen to Senate hearings at www.capitolhearings.org or by visiting the committee website at www.senate.gov. For House hearings, go to the committee's website at www.house.gov.

Electronic Communications Privacy

The Senate Judiciary Committee (Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-VT) will hold a hearing titled "The Electronic Communications Privacy Act: Promoting Security and Protecting Privacy in the Digital Age" on September 22 at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Bruce Cohen, Democratic chief counsel, at 202-224-7703.

"Waste, Fraud and Abuse" in Medicare and Medicaid

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health (Chairman Frank Pallone, D-NJ) will hold a hearing titled "Cutting Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Medicare and Medicaid" on September 23 at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Karen Nelson, deputy staff director for health, at 202-225-2927.

Need for a Public Safety Network

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-WV) will hold a hearing titled "Keeping Us Safe: The Need for a Nationwide Public Safety Network" on September 23 at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Ellen Doneski, Democratic chief of staff, at 202-224-0411.

Electronic Communications Privacy and Cloud Computing

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties (Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-NY) will hold a hearing titled "ECPA [Electronic Communications Privacy Act] Reform and the Revolution in Cloud Computing" on September 23 at 11:00 a.m. For more information contact David Lachmann, Democratic chief counsel, at 202-225-2825.

Public Safety Radio Issues

The House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation (Chairman David Wu, D-OR.) will hold a hearing titled "Progress on P25: Furthering Interoperability and Competition for Public Safety Radio Equipment" on September 23 at 2:00 p.m. For more information contact Mike Quear, Democratic staff director, at 202-225-9662.

Data Security and Breach Notification Act

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance (Chairman Mark Pryor, D-AR) will hold a hearing on the Data Security and Breach Notification Act on September 22 at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Alex Hoehn-Saric, Democratic senior counsel, at 202-224-1270. (Agenda S 3742 - Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010)

Health Information Technology Policy Workgroups/Committee
Advisory Committee Meeting

The Health Information Technology Policy Committee will hold workgroup meetings. For more information contact: Judy Sparrow at 202-205-4528, judy.sparrow@hhs.gov or visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-20826.htm.

Topic: Meaningful Use Workgroup
Date: September 22, 9:00 a.m.

Topic: Enrollment Workgroup
Date: September 24, 10:00 a.m.

Topic: Governance Workgroup
Date: September 28, 10:00 a.m.

Visit www.healthit.hhs.gov for more information on the workgroups.

NASCIO In The News

CIO Transitions

Ken Theis announced his resignation as the state CIO and director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget effective October 1. Visit the following link to learn more about Ken's departure.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that Gopal Khanna will leave his post as CIO for the Office of Enterprise Technology on December 15. Visit the following link to read the official press release from the governor's office.

Tony Tortorice announced his resignation as CIO for the Washington State Department of Information Services effective mid-October. Visit the following link to read more.

Members In The News

ARKANSAS

The website for the state of Arkansas has been named one of the best state government sites in the nation. Claire Bailey, Arkansas CTO, is pleased to be ahead of the demand for services via a mobile device and will continue to offer government access through all available channels.

CALIFORNIA

Teri Takai, California CIO, spoke about the state's successes but also realizes there is work remaining.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Bryan Sivak, District of Columbia CTO, has assembled a three-pronged strategy that addresses the major challenges of providing and sustaining universal broadband to citizens: cost, public education and access to technology.

MICHIGAN

Ken Theis, Michigan CIO, discussed the implementation of the Einstein 2 intrusion detection system that was created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ken also spoke about five critical elements of a cloud framework. Ken discussed the benefits of cloud computing in this GovInfo Security article.

NEW JERSEY

Adel Ebeid, New Jersey CTO, successfully secured a grant that will enable the state to improve its radio interoperability posture.

OHIO

Sam Orth, Ohio CIO, spoke with Government Technology on how the state is reducing the amount of money spent on IT infrastructure support, allowing the state to invest more in innovative and cost-effective services.

TENNESSEE

Mark Bengel, Tennessee CIO, discussed Tennessee's consolidation efforts with Government Technology.

New Members

NASCIO would like to welcome T4G and Thomson Reuters as new corporate members.

Committee & Work Group Updates

The Enterprise Architecture and Governance Committee distributed a questionnaire to measure the level of awareness and adoption of the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). A compilation of the results will be published soon.

SAVE THE DATE - the Enterprise Architecture and Governance Committee will present its next Innovations Forum on October 20 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET. This webinar will feature the use of GIS and business analytics by the state of Oregon to trace and report on ARRA funding. Stay tuned for further information.

The Health IT Working Group continues to analyze the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). Examination and analysis of the PPACA and Health Care Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 have identified numerous IT implications that will impact states. A summary and analysis will be provided to the state CIOs and state members upon completion of the collaborative effort by the working group.

The State Digital Identity Working Group is planning for a state CIO and state member briefing that will be held prior to the NASCIO Annual Conference. The workshop is scheduled for September 26 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and will focus on the imperative of digital identity in the states. Members of the State Identity, Credentialing, and Access Management (SICAM) Subgroup continue to meet as part of document development sessions for a SICAM Roadmap. The working group anticipates that a draft of the SICAM Roadmap will be available for state members to review at the briefing in September.

NASCIO: Making Connections

Doug Robinson, NASCIO executive director, spoke at the August 25 Interagency Advisory Board meeting in Washington, D.C. The presentation, "Digital Identity in the States: Advancing an Interoperable Framework" explored harmonizing state efforts with federal agencies.

Doug Robinson spoke on an INPUT webinar, "State and Local MarketView," which took place August 26.

Stephen Fletcher, NASCIO president and Utah CIO, provided the opening keynote at the NASTD Annual Conference and Technology Showcase in Portland, August 29 - September 1. Doug Robinson was also in attendance.

Chad Grant, NASCIO policy analyst, spoke September 15 to Educause about NASCIO's digital identity initiatives and goals for advancing a federated type solution.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Committee Calls

  • Executive Committee - Thursday, October 14, at 2:00 pm ET
  • Security and Privacy Committee - Tuesday, October 19, at 1:00 pm ET
  • Corporate Leadership Council - Wednesday, October 20, at 3:00 pm ET
  • Enterprise Architecture and Governance Committee - Thursday, October 21, at 2:00 pm ET

Corporate Member Partner Profiles

Each month, NASCIO will randomly draw three corporate members to be featured in the monthly newsletter. To view a complete list of NASCIO's corporate partners, click here.

Revenue Solutions, Inc.

Contact: Jeff Huber
Title: Marketing Specialist
Address: 2000 Opportunity Drive
Suite 100
Roseville, CA 95678
  Phone: (916) 780-8741 Ext. 366
Email: jhuber@rsimail.com
Web address: www.revenuesolutionsinc.com


Tata Consultancy Services

Contact: Timothy Hennessey
Title: Government Sales North America
  Phone: (513) 405-9622
Email: t.hennessey@tcs.com
Web address: www.tcs.com

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization that delivers real results, ensuring a level of certainty for global business. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model. For more information: www.tcs.com.


Zanett

Contact: Kelly Hewitt
Title: Administration
Address: 631 US Highway 1
Suite 412
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
  Phone: (561) 935-6012
Email: kelly.hewitt@zanett.com
Web address: www.zanett.com

Zanett helps organizations align business objectives with technology-enabled services to create Real Enterprise Value. We serve the Fortune 500 and mid-market organizations in Healthcare, Life Sciences, Manufacturing & Distribution, Retail, Gaming & Hospitality, and State & Local Government with solutions ranging from business consulting to custom business solutions. Zanett employs over 225 professionals in North America and Asia with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New York City, North Palm Beach, and Manila. For more information please visit http://www.zanett.com.







Save The Date

National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) Fall Meeting
October 14-16, 2010 - Alexandria, VA

ACT/IAC Executive Leadership Conference
October 24-26, 2010 - Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

National Healthcare IT Connect Summit
October 26-28, 2010 - Washington, D.C.

Council of State Governments (CSG) Annual Conference
December 3-6, 2010 - Providence, R.I.

National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Fall Forum
December 8-10, 2010 - Phoenix, Ariz.

Governing Outlook in the States and Localities
February 2-3, 2011 - Washington, D.C.