DBI says Exela/EBI permit-tracking restart on track; proofs of concept due in November

Henry Bartley of the Department of Technology told the commission that DBI’s restart of the Exela/EBI permit-tracking implementation has completed initial requirements work and is proceeding into fit-gap analysis and proof-of-concept demonstrations. Bartley said requirements discovery ran January–September; five of 10 DBI business units had given approval at that time, and the remaining units were on track to close out their reviews.

He identified three proof‑of‑concept areas that had been prioritized because the Exela platform previously had not handled them well: inspection workflow scheduling (managing inspectors, assignments and reassignment), interfaces with daily business-license and license-classification data, and usability for high-volume counter operations. Those proofs of concept had been delivered to Exela and were scheduled for demonstrations to DBI business users in November.

Bartley described next steps: a fit-gap deliverable to produce projected budget and scope, a Nov. 4 submission packet to initiate union and civil-service review (a 60‑day process if unchallenged), and drafting of contract‑amendment language over November–December so the department can finalize terms and proceed with the work in the new calendar year if approvals go as scheduled. Commissioners asked about union review, the civil‑service timeline and whether the commission could receive the final requirements document and sign‑off; Bartley agreed to publish the full requirements set and a summary for the commission.