The Connecticut Data Analysis Technology Advisory Board convened on September 25, 2025, to discuss the ongoing data sharing initiatives and the roles of various state agencies in these efforts. The meeting highlighted the transition of data administration from the state college system to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and the collaborative efforts with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

The discussion began with a clarification regarding the housing of the data sharing initiative, which was historically managed by the state college system until 2020. At that point, the administration was transferred to OPM through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was later codified into statute under Public Act 25-119. This change was made to leverage OPM's comprehensive oversight of data functions across state government, addressing previous limitations in collaboration with higher education institutions.

A key point of discussion was the role of DAS, traditionally seen as the technological backbone of the state. Board members sought to understand how DAS would interact with OPM in the context of the data sharing initiative. It was noted that while the initiative had previously operated outside the state IT framework, efforts have been made to strengthen the relationship between OPM and DAS since the transition. DAS now has representation on the data governing board, which has facilitated better collaboration.

The meeting also emphasized the development of a secure data enclave, with DAS's Bureau of Information Technology Solutions (BITS) playing a crucial role in building the necessary infrastructure. The work is being conducted in-house, ensuring that the state retains control over the technology and processes involved. The use of the Azure environment for the secure data enclave was highlighted as a significant advancement, allowing the state to utilize existing knowledge and resources from previous implementations across various agencies.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enhancing data sharing capabilities within Connecticut. The partnership between OPM and DAS is expected to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of data management across state government, paving the way for more effective governance and service delivery. Further developments and follow-up actions will be monitored as the initiative progresses.