Awards
highlight state's ongoing efforts to integrate technology to
streamline government services and save resources
[JULY 14, 2005] CHICAGO -- The Department of Central Management
Services and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have received
a CIO Partnership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. The award recognizes both departments' long-standing
achievements in information security and recent leadership on
projects using e-authentication technology between the state and
national governments.
"Every day, Governor Blagojevich tasks CMS with improving the
operations of state government by gaining efficiencies and reducing
costs," said Paul Campbell, acting director of Central Management
Services. "We're succeeding, and I'm pleased that the U.S. EPA
recognizes these great strides we're making to better coordinate
between the state and federal governments to save taxpayer
resources. This award is great recognition of Governor Blagojevich's
commitment to making state government more efficient."
The award
was based on 2004 efforts in which Central Management Services
worked closely with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the General Services
Administration on e-authentication technology between the agencies.
The award highlights the effectiveness of advanced technology to
validate digital identities and save state and federal resources.
The agencies now seamlessly exchange secure information
electronically.
"This is a great example of the benefits to state agencies that
have resulted from Governor Blagojevich's consolidation of services
at CMS," said Doug Scott, director of the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency. "Consistent with the governor's emphasis on
streamlining government to make it more accessible, Illinois EPA
continues to work with CMS to implement Internet and electronic
initiatives such as online permit applications and reporting to make
it easier for business, local government and citizens to comply with
environmental laws and regulations."
In mid-April, Central Management Services was also the recipient
of the E-Gov Institute's 2005 Knowledge Management Award for the
state's innovative knowledge management practices. As part of its
reorganization to become a more effective service agency to state
government, CMS created the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing and
Procurement, which is revolutionizing the way goods and services are
purchased by the state. To support these efforts, the bureau created
the Knowledge Management Division to assist with research,
professional development, administration of procurement systems,
contract compliance and procurement call center.
In its first full year of operation, the knowledge management
system has helped save over $100 million, out of estimated fiscal
2004 procurement spending of about $7 billion. Cost savings were
achieved by leveraging existing state technology -- Lotus Notes --
instead of new technology that could have cost millions of dollars.
About Central Management Services
In 2003, Gov. Rod Blagojevich charged the Illinois Department of
Central Management Services with the task of streamlining the
state's operations and conserving resources to save money for
taxpayers as it manages the business services of state government.
By combining its public sector mission with private sector
discipline, CMS leads the cost-effective administration of real
estate, purchasing, information technology, telecommunications,
personnel, benefits for all state employees and retirees, internal
audit and outside legal services for the state's executive agencies,
and directs the state's employee and vendor diversity programs. The
department continues to achieve savings as it implements new
technologies, reduces waste and rethinks many of the administrative
operations of the state.
