REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

AND AUTOMATION

 

November 2, 2009

 

The Honorable,

The Board of Commissioners of Cook County

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Present:

 Chairman Beavers, Commissioners Daley, Goslin, Peraica, Schneider and Steele (6)

 

Absent:

Vice Chairman Gorman, Commissioners Butler and Moreno (3)

 

Also Present:

Antonio Hylton – Chief Information Officer, Cook County Bureau of Technology

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

        Your Committee on Information Technology and Automation of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County met pursuant to notice on Monday, November 2, 2009 at the hour of 9:30 A.M. in the Board Room, Room 569, County Building, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois.

 

        Your Committee has considered the following items and, upon adoption of this report, the recommendations are as follows:

 

303125

BUREAU OF TECHNOLOGY, by Antonio Hylton, Chief Information Officer, transmitting a Communication, dated October 14, 2009:

 

requesting authorization for the Purchasing Agent to enter into a contract with ELECTRONIC KNOWLEDGE INTERCHANGE, INC., Chicago, Illinois, for professional services in support of the Cook County Program Management Initiative.

 

Reason:      The Bureau of Technology has undertaken a series of studies designed to maximize operating efficiencies and insure long term strategic value regarding the County's investment in technology.  This study will analyze current technology operations at a countywide level, identify gaps within the multiple technology silos and develop an Enterprise Architectural model to effectively maximize future capital investments and reduce future operating costs.

 

Estimated Fiscal Impact:  $1,110,000.00.  Contract period:  November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010.  (009-260 Account).  Requisition No. 90090030.

 

*Referred to the Committee on Information Technology and Automation on 10-20-09.

 

 

Commissioner Goslin inquired whether Mr. Hylton has a consolidation proposal which could lead to efficiencies and on behalf of which the Commissioners could advocate.

 

Mr. Hylton replied that the Enterprise Architectural model under consideration – which most large counties have – is a road map that can lead to efficiencies.  He further stated that it is his recommendation that all the major IT consulting firms be hired in connection with this Item to ensure independence and transparency.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired as to the timeline for this plan.

 

Mr. Hylton replied that the plan would be ready by Spring, depending upon what consolidation recommendations the Enterprise Architectural model yields.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired as to how long this company has been in existence.

 

Mr. Hylton replied ten years; he further stated that this company has met all of the compliance requirements posed by the Purchasing Department.

 

In response to Commissioner Peraica’s request, Mr. Hylton agreed to forward a copy of the Electronic Knowledge Interchange, Inc.’s RFP response to Chairman Beavers.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired whether this study will examine internal enhancements and improvements, consolidation, external outsourcing and privatizing of particular functions.

 

Mr. Hylton replied yes, and added that any ROI and justification for what the final plan is will also be examined.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired as to the target date for the completion of this study.

 

Mr. Hylton replied one year.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired whether the company recommending this plan will also be involved in the implementation of this plan.

 

Mr. Hylton replied it is not the intention at this time that the company be involved in the implementation of the plan; however, common practices do not preclude them from being so involved.

 

Commissioner Peraica inquired whether this company is an IT practitioner as well as a consulting firm.

 

Mr. Hylton replied in the affirmative.

 

Commissioner Schneider stated that it was his understanding that this study would move the County IT operation toward consolidation.

 

Mr. Hylton replied confirmed this, stating further that the directions which this study would yield would then be brought before the Board to be adopted.

 

Commissioner Schneider inquired whether it is possible to access any of the elected officials’ special purpose funds to fund this study.

 

Mr. Hylton stated that would be studied.  He further stated that during his budget hearing, he will outline several such options.

 

Commissioner Steele, seconded by Commissioner Goslin, moved the approval of Communication Nos. 303125.  The motion carried.

 

Commissioner Steele moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Goslin.  The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS

WITH REGARD TO THE MATTERS NAMED HEREIN:

 

Communication Number 303125                     Approved

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Committee on Information Technology and Automation

 

 

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William M. Beavers, Chairman

Attest:

 

 

 

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Matthew B. DeLeon, Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

*The audio recording for this meeting is available from the Office of the Secretary to the Board, 118 North Clark Street, Room 567, Chicago, IL 60602.