Ohio Administrative Code Title 123:3 - Office of Information Technology
Ohio Administrative Code Title 123:3 - Office of Information Technology
Title 123:3 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) governs the operations, responsibilities, and regulations related to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) in Ohio. The Office of Information Technology is a state government entity responsible for overseeing the use, management, and coordination of information technology resources across various state agencies and departments. The OIT ensures that the state’s technology infrastructure is efficient, secure, and aligned with broader government goals.
This title outlines the policies and operational guidelines for how Ohio's state government manages and deploys information technology services.
1. Purpose of the Office of Information Technology (OIT)
The Office of Information Technology in Ohio is responsible for providing centralized leadership, planning, and oversight of information technology (IT) resources and services used by state agencies. The key purposes of Title 123:3 include:
Coordination of IT Services: Ensuring that all state agencies follow consistent and effective IT practices and policies.
Centralized IT Management: Centralizing IT services and resources to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations across state government.
Policy Development and Oversight: Developing IT policies, standards, and procedures to guide state agencies in the procurement, management, and use of IT systems.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management: Ensuring that the state’s IT infrastructure is secure from cyber threats and that sensitive data is protected.
Support for Digital Services: Providing support for digital services and technologies used by Ohio residents, businesses, and government entities.
2. Structure and Leadership of the Office of Information Technology
Director of the OIT: The Director of the Office of Information Technology leads the office and is responsible for ensuring that IT strategy aligns with state government objectives. The director works closely with other state agencies, departments, and external stakeholders.
Advisory Boards and Committees: The OIT may rely on advisory boards or committees composed of IT professionals, state agency representatives, and other stakeholders to assist in making informed decisions on technology policies, standards, and initiatives.
Divisions and Departments: The OIT is organized into several divisions or departments responsible for different aspects of IT operations, such as infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and project management.
3. Key Responsibilities and Functions of the OIT
A. IT Policy and Standards Development
Technology Standards: The OIT develops and enforces standards for the use of technology across state agencies, ensuring that all IT systems are interoperable, secure, and adhere to best practices.
Procurement Guidelines: The OIT establishes guidelines for the procurement of IT goods and services by state agencies, ensuring that purchases are cost-effective and meet the state’s long-term IT needs.
B. Infrastructure Management
Data Centers and Network Infrastructure: The OIT is responsible for managing Ohio’s state government data centers, networks, and servers that provide the backbone for all state agency IT operations.
Cloud Services: As part of modernizing IT infrastructure, the OIT may guide the transition to cloud services, ensuring that these services align with state government objectives and are secure.
C. Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Security Framework: The OIT plays a critical role in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that protects the state's IT systems from cyber threats. This includes setting up firewalls, monitoring systems, and regular audits.
Incident Response: The office establishes procedures for responding to data breaches or cyberattacks. This includes coordination with law enforcement and other agencies to handle incidents.
Security Training: The OIT may also be involved in providing cybersecurity training for state employees, ensuring that they are aware of best practices and how to recognize potential threats.
D. IT Service Delivery and Support
Help Desk Support: The OIT may provide technical support services for state employees, ensuring that they have access to help when they experience IT issues, such as system outages or software problems.
User Training and Documentation: Ensuring that state employees are adequately trained to use state-issued software and hardware. This may involve providing training materials, workshops, and user manuals.
E. IT Governance and Compliance
IT Oversight: The OIT oversees IT project implementation across state agencies to ensure that projects meet their goals and are completed within budget and on time.
Compliance with Regulations: The OIT ensures that state agencies comply with local, state, and federal regulations related to technology use, including data protection and privacy laws.
4. IT Services for State Agencies
A. Shared IT Services
The OIT is responsible for providing shared IT services to various state agencies to reduce redundancy, improve efficiency, and lower costs. These services may include:
Data Storage and Backup Services
Email and Communication Services
Database and Application Hosting
Identity and Access Management: Ensuring secure access to state systems for employees and contractors.
B. IT Projects and Innovation
Technology Innovation: The OIT encourages innovation within state agencies by promoting the use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, to improve government operations and services.
Project Management: The OIT plays a key role in managing large-scale IT projects, ensuring that projects are well-planned, executed on schedule, and meet the needs of state agencies.
5. Cybersecurity Framework and Initiatives
Risk Assessment: The OIT regularly conducts assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in state IT systems and recommends measures to mitigate risks.
Compliance with Standards: The OIT ensures that all state agencies comply with established cybersecurity standards, such as those set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other relevant bodies.
Disaster Recovery Plans: The OIT is responsible for creating and implementing disaster recovery plans that ensure the continuity of state services in case of a major IT failure or cyberattack.
6. IT Procurement and Budgeting
Procurement Process: Title 123:3 includes provisions for the procurement of IT goods and services for state agencies, including guidelines for competitive bidding, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
Budget Management: The OIT helps develop the state’s IT budget, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently across various IT projects and initiatives.
7. Collaboration with External Partners
Partnerships with Federal and Local Agencies: The OIT works with federal, local, and private sector partners to implement large-scale technology solutions and improve service delivery.
Vendor Relations: The OIT collaborates with technology vendors to bring in innovative solutions and negotiate contracts for IT hardware, software, and services.
8. Public Access and Transparency
Open Data Initiatives: As part of Ohio’s commitment to transparency, the OIT is involved in initiatives to make government data accessible to the public. This includes the development of online portals that allow Ohio residents to access government data.
Public Service Technologies: The OIT oversees the development and implementation of digital services that improve access to government services for Ohio residents, such as online applications, payment portals, and service tracking systems.
9. Evaluation and Accountability
Performance Metrics: The OIT regularly evaluates its IT operations using performance metrics to assess efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings. This helps ensure that state agencies are receiving value from IT investments.
Reporting: The office may produce reports for the state legislature, Governor’s office, and other stakeholders detailing the performance and progress of IT projects and initiatives.
Conclusion
Title 123:3 - Office of Information Technology outlines the essential role that the OIT plays in overseeing and managing the technology infrastructure and services for Ohio’s state government. It provides a framework for efficient, secure, and innovative IT services across state agencies while ensuring that the state meets its goals of improving service delivery, maintaining cybersecurity, and supporting new technology initiatives.
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