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Legislators question ADS's centralized role and timing of project approvals; JFO consultant outlines review process
Summary
Committee members pressed Lisa Goggan on how the Agency of Digital Services (ADS) centralization has changed who authors IT projects and when requirements should be developed. Goggan explained JFO's project-review role, the ABC form and that requests for her advisory services go through JFO staff Emily Byrne or Catherine Benham.
Committee members asked whether the Agency of Digital Services (ADS) is now originating projects in place of individual agencies and whether that change affects legislative oversight and the timing of appropriations. Lisa Goggan, a JFO contracted IT consultant, described the intent of centralization and how JFO's review process operates.
Goggan said centralization aimed to bring technical staff and standards together so projects follow common approaches and enterprise standards. "The intention of ADS was to have the technical staff at a central level all working to a desired standard that they would enforce," she said. She cautioned that the practical balance between agency-originated projects and ADS-led initiatives may vary and recommended the committee ask ADS for its perspective.
Goggan outlined the categories she reviews in JFO project assessments: project justification, organizational readiness, project leadership, project management, financial considerations, technical approach and risk management. She emphasized the importance of a clear definition of success and of documenting business requirements before awarding large appropriations.
Committee members raised the ABC form (agency budget/project initiation form) and recent auditor recommendations; Goggan said the ABC form has been revised in some projects and that JFO requests updated documentation when available. She also told legislators that requests to engage her work should be routed through JFO staffers "Emily Byrne or Catherine Benham," so her limited contracted hours can be managed.
Goggan recommended additional resources for oversight, including input from the State Auditor (Linda Lambert) and outside experts for cybersecurity or specialized technical reviews where needed. The committee did not take formal action but discussed next steps for deeper review of selected projects.
