After the LAO (Legislative Analysts Office) raised concerns about the ECOS project for being over budget and behind schedule, the effort to update the online system that processes state job applications will receive a boost of $821,000 in next year’s budget to get the project moving forward, according to Pat McConahay, spokesperson for the Department of Human Resources. The executive branch will also be required to send quarterly reports to the legislature.
Last month, the LAO cautioned the legislature about the Examination and Certification Online System (ECOS) that was originally estimated to cost $4.7 million and be completed by August 2015, but when the project transferred from the State Personnel Board (SPB) to the Department of Human Resources (CalHR), they determined the project wouldn’t actually be completed until May 2017 with a cost of $10 million.
The LAO recommended that the legislature require the California Technology Agency (CTA) and the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to jointly submit quarterly reports on the project’s progress. The reports would include whether there will be any changes to the project’s scope, schedule or budget, and whether there have been any significant problems with the project, according to the LAO’s report.
The ECOS project will integrate seven legacy systems involved in the state’s hiring examination and certification processes.
"Ultimately it will save the state money and offer better service to the public by simplifying the exam and hiring processes for both current and prospective state employees&hellip We essentially agree with the LAO’s recommendations for enhanced oversight and a better reporting process," said McConahay when the LAO report came out on May 6.
