Client Overview and Challenge
The California Secretary of State (SOS) oversees the California Automated Lobbyist and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System (CAL-ACCESS), which is crucial for public transparency in campaign finance and lobbying activities. The Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) project aimed to replace this mission-critical legacy system with a scalable, modern, secure solution that would give better visibility into these political activities. The project required careful planning and analysis to ensure that the new system could handle complex business rules, data workflows, and evolving requirements.
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.