Client Overview and Challenge
The California Department of Technology (CDT), as the state’s Office of the Chief Information Officer,voversees all IT projects within California, ranging from small initiatives to large-scale projects exceeding $1 billion. To improve the quality and consistency of IT project cost estimates, CDT required a standardized cost estimation service that could support better financial analysis and decision-making across these diverse projects.
Actions Taken
CDT engaged Level 4 to develop a comprehensive Cost Estimation service function. We defined the project charter; established standardized policies, procedures, and practices; and configured our ExcelerPlan tool to meet California’s specific needs. Additionally, we conducted customized training sessions for state employees and provided hands-on support during the deployment of the new tools and processes. To ensure long-term success, we performed a Post Implementation Evaluation Review (PIER) to assess the effectiveness of the deployment and identify areas for improvement.
Results and Impact
Our efforts led to the successful creation of a robust Cost Estimation service within CDT, significantly enhancing the accuracy and consistency of IT project cost estimates. This new capability has strengthened CDT’s ability to conduct comprehensive financial analyses and validate cost proposals, ultimately leading to more informed and confident IT investment decisions across the state.