Office of Systems Integrations (OSI)

Modified on 2008/08/19 14:17 by Carlos Ramos Categorized as Links, Project Management, state office
The State of California, Office of Systems Integration (OSI) was established to manage a portfolio of large, complex health and human services information technology projects for other State and local agencies. OSI manages the procurement, contract negotiations and contract management aspects of the acquisition of technology systems and services. OSI has developed a unique Best Practices framework for project management and procurement services that provides a structured methodology using standardized and repeatable processes throughout the project life cycle. OSI makes its Best Practices available to all interested parties at it's best practices website [http://www.bestpractices.osi.ca.gov/|OSI Best Practices]. The following are projects that followed OSI Best Practices framework and resulted in a successful outcome:  

•	Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
•	Case Management Information and Payroll System (CMIPS) 
•	Child Welfare System/Case Management System (CWS/CMS)
•	Unemployment Insurance Modernization (UIMOD)
•	Interim State Automated Welfare System (ISAWS)


'''Background/History'''

California had experienced first-hand the consequences of not having a professional project management capacity for managing large, complex projects and as a consequence, had suffered a number of large and visible project failures. Recognizing the value of establishing an organization solely focused on professionally managing the risk and complexity involved in large IT projects, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) acted to create OSI. Before the establishment of OSI, the lack of a structured standardized approach to managing a number of large IT projects often resulted in greater costs and higher risks of failure for the portfolio of projects.

OSI has been innovative in its approach to meeting the needs of the IT projects that define its portfolio.  OSI has developed and implemented a Best Practices framework for project management and procurement services.  OSI Best Practices provide direction and guidance capturing and communicating experience in management and communication, development of policies and procedures, project evaluation, performance measurement, the development and delivery of training, and project planning in the management of OSI's large-scale Information Technology projects. These best practices provide a repository of policies, standards, and repeatable processes that have enabled the OSI to successfully implement and continuously improve these large IT projects.

'''Resources'''

OSI' Best Practices Website [http://www.bestpractices.osi.ca.gov/|OSI Best Practices]was built with the end user in mind.  Customer feedback reflected a need for the data to be easy to access and use.  The information on the Best Practices Website is accessible from any computer connected to the internet and the data within the site can be displayed in multiple ways.  A user can view the data by project life cycle phase, by a function within a life cycle phase, or by a person’s role within a life cycle phase.  Further, a user can easily link to topics, documents, definitions and acronyms, and policies.  The Best Practices framework and Best Practices Website are an ever evolving set of standards which mature based on ongoing lessons learned.

OSI's Best Practices website serves as a vehicle for sharing its Best Practices framework. The Best Practices Website is currently used by all OSI Projects, departments within the CHHS Agency, and other state departments, agencies and local governments.   OSI often receives inquiries from other States interested in OSI's Best Practices.  OSI continuously updates and refines its Best Practices based on lessons learned from the management and operation of its portfolio of large, complex technology projects.
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