IT Capital Investment Program

Graphical user interface, text AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Program Overview

The Information Technology (IT) Capital Investment Program provides funding for information state technology initiatives that modernize systems, enhance security, optimize operations and deliver measurable outcomes for Connecticut residents.

Mission

To promote the effective use of information technology by eligible state agencies to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, and service delivery across state agencies, while ensuring strategic alignment of IT expenditures with state IT planning and policy. 

The program activities and funded projects seek to promote the following strategic goals, as detailed in the IT Capital Program Mission Statement (Appendix A):

  • Advancing Digital Innovation in Government
  • Promoting Accountability and Fiscal Stewardship
  • Meeting Public Expectations
  • Supporting Efficiency and Sustainability
  • Reducing Security Risks
  • Advancing Compliance

Who Can Apply:

  • State agencies as defined in Sec. 4d-1(3)
  • State executive branch agencies as defined in Sec. 4-67o
  • Constitutional agencies
  • Judicial agencies

Program Benefits:

  • Access to capital funding
  • Promote collaboration across agencies to maximize resource utilization
  • Governance and oversight
  • Strategic alignment of IT expenditures with state IT policy and statewide priorities

 

Project Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

 

Proposed agency IT projects must demonstrate clear agency value, measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, risk reduction, return on investment (ROI), compliance, improved resident experience), and alignment with state policies and priorities. OPM evaluates proposed technology investments and oversees approved projects throughout their lifecycle.

Projects are evaluated based on multiple factors, including:

  • Appropriate due diligence to ensure a proposal’s fitness for funding and likelihood of successful completion, including an evaluation of the agency’s past track record.
  • Clear demonstration of measurable benefits such as efficiency gains, risk reduction, Return on Investment, compliance, and improved resident experience.
  • Alignment with articulated State IT goals, policies, and priorities including those in published strategic plans or statements, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) IT strategic plan, and those priorities identified in Appendix A.
  • How well a proposal demonstrates efficient and effective project management strategies, consistent with OPM policies.
  • A focus on enterprise-level solutions that address overlapping technological needs and agency missions, avoiding custom or proprietary systems.
  • Accountability on the part of agencies receiving funding, including periodic financial and project status reporting.
  • Clearly defined processes for monitoring project performance, reporting progress, managing risks and resolving timeline or budget issues.

 

IT Investment Lifecycle

 

The outline below provides an overview of the process for requesting funding through the IT Capital investment program and progress through the IT investment lifecycle. This guidance is intended to help agencies understand the major steps, governance checkpoints, and decision criteria associated with IT investment review and approval.

Timeline AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Phase 1: Discovery

  • Agency defines the project and identifies potential funding sources
  • Agency validates alignment with state priorities (e.g., risk reduction, cost saving, ROI, compliance, efficiency gains, customer satisfaction)
  • If applicable, Agency should streamline business processes prior to selecting the proposed technology solution
  • If necessary, Agency secures approvals from DAS-Bureau of Information Technology Solutions (BITS) (Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture, Data Privacy)
  • Agency conducts preliminary discussion of project concept with OPM
  • OPM determines project suitability for the IT Capital Investment Program

Phase 2: Project Funding Request

Phase 3:  Project Evaluation & Prioritization

  • OPM reviews submitted project material
  • OPM schedules a meeting to discuss project details
  • OPM coordinates with OPM budget analysts regarding operating cost impacts
  • OPM provides follow-up questions and/or recommendations
  • Agency submits any requested revised project documentation
  • OPM evaluates and prioritizes the project; OPM may consult with subject matter experts as necessary and appropriate
  • OPM submits project recommendations to senior OPM leadership

Phase 4: Consideration & Approval

  • If project receives approval to proceed, agency finalizes project documentation and business case
  • Agency presents project to program leadership for approval

Phase 5: Bond Commission and Fund Distribution

  • OPM coordinates inclusion of approved projects on the Bond Commission agenda
  • Agency representatives must attend Bond Commission meetings
  • If project funding is approved, agency submits a B-107 to receive funds
  • Multiyear projects may require multiple bond requests
  • OPM releases the allocated funds to agency

Phase 6:  Oversight and Accountability

  • Agency establishes project baseline and submits an updated project schedule and quarterly budget, if necessary.
  • Agency provides regular project and financial status reports. Reporting cadence is based on project risk, scope and complexity.
  • Material changes to project scope, schedule, or budget must be reported to OPM and approved through the change control process.
  • OPM evaluates project performance on an ongoing basis. Continued funding is dependent on satisfactory project performance and milestone achievement.

Phase 7: Project Close-Out

  • Within four months of completion, agency must demonstrate value realization and submit the following documents:
  1. Project close-out report
  2. Final Financial Report
  3. Success Story
  • If the project is cancelled, agency must submit a Project close-out report and Final financial report
  • Agency must return any unspent funds

Estimated Timeline:

  • Discovery and Funding Request: 3 - 4 weeks
  • Evaluation & Prioritization: 4 - 6 weeks
  • Consideration & Approval: 4 Weeks
  • Bond Commission and Fund Distribution: 4 – 20 weeks (timing depends on bond commission schedule)
  • Oversight and Accountability: Project Duration
  • Project closeout: 4 – 16 weeks

Templates & Resources

The following templates and guidance documents are available:

Additionally, we are implementing a new platform for collecting projects status reports as well as project closeout reports.  You may access the system, or request system access, by clicking on the following link: IT Capital Investment

For additional guidance or questions reach out to the IT Capital Investment Program staff at OPM.ITCapital@ct.gov.