Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Doit Oversight topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DoIT presents new oversight, cybersecurity and AI initiatives as DLS flags IT project risks
Summary
Department of Information Technology leaders told lawmakers they have expanded in-house capability, launched a responsible-AI policy and an oversight division for major IT projects, while DLS urged tighter cost projections, delayed cybersecurity assessments, and removed uncertain expedited-project funding from the FY27 allowance.
DoIT officials told the subcommittee that the department is building in-house technical capacity and an IT project-oversight function intended to reduce procurement delays and improve outcomes for major state IT projects. Secretary Katie Savage described cost savings from converting contractors to state contractual employees, the launch of a responsible-AI use policy, and a Maryland Data Academy to train state staff on data and AI use.
DLS analyst Yashoda Arai recommended deleting $3 million in general funds for expedited projects where eligibility criteria and project lists remain unfinished, and she called for stronger out-year ITIF projections and clearer accounting for a backlog of unspent cybersecurity funds. DoIT said the new MITDP oversight division includes discovery and intervention teams, and that the department will assign teams to projects that need additional oversight.
Committee members asked about delayed cybersecurity assessments required under Chapter 242 of 2022 and whether the $17 million balance in cybersecurity funds will be obligated; DoIT said procurement had to be reissued but that a solicitation is active and funds will be spent on biannual assessments. Members also pressed DoIT on the statewide permitting platform, the rollout of Maryland Benefits as an operator, and planned support for the State Board of Elections's major IT projects; DoIT described increased sharing of security information with SBE and tighter collaboration to review RFPs and security requirements.
DLS recommended several narrative requests and deletions of funding for projects that lack full scope or matching documentation; DoIT committed to providing the requested project lists, oversight staffing detail, and updated projections in forthcoming reports.
