HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 114

(By Delegates Espinosa and Howell)

[March 10, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct an interim study on the best practices in technology procurement.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia follows procurement statutes to efficiently and economically purchase goods and services; and

Whereas, The state’s procurement statutes were written to purchase goods and services for the state, yet are also a strategic function that can be used to control bottom-line costs, improve services to consumers, and effectively streamline tasks; and

Whereas, State procurement rules are constantly challenged by the evolving types of goods and services available to the State, some of which have become increasingly complex, particularly in the area of technology purchases and services; and

Whereas, Acquiring new technology products and services and leveraging technology the state already owns requires complex considerations for offerings which are quickly deemed obsolete and are continually evolving; and

Whereas, “Best practices” for technology purchasing are being utilized by other states and should be reviewed for possible incorporation into West Virginia’s procurement statutes; and

Whereas, Security of customer data is crucial and privacy solutions are often a basic part of licensing purchases and should be updated to protect all users from data and security breaches; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia has had purchasing challenges in the past with significant technology upgrades such as MMIS and OASIS; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct an interim study on the best practices in technology procurement; and, be it

Further Resolved, That a report of the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate the recommendations be reported to the Legislature at its 2017 Regular Session; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.