Tong: 'No Surprises' in New CDT Strategic Plan

The wait is almost over for the release of the California Technology Department’s strategic plan, a document that sets out the department’s vision and strategy for achieving its goals.

“Vision 2020” is expected to be posted on the CDT’s website as early as Thursday, the culmination of many months of work by as many as 100 people, including state employees and even some vendors.

But those expecting a manifesto calling for dramatic changes will be the only ones surprised, state CIO Amy Tong indicated Tuesday in an exclusive interview with Techwire.

“The (CDT’s) direction is nothing new,” she said. “The ‘no surprise’ element is very consistent with our course.”

The document is expected to emphasize two key points:

— Performance in all areas will be measured and quantified going forward. This is a point state Deputy CIO Chris Cruz has also emphasized in recent discussions: Gains must be measurable in order for government to work at maximum efficiency.

— More responsibility is being delegated from the top to the departments and agencies.

The strategic plan overall, Tong said, calls for “more concrete focus on how people would bring those visions to reality.”

She described the drafting of the plan as “very collaborative and inclusive,” while “trying to be concise” when scores of people are contributing to the effort.

“It’s a challenge to distill down,” Tong said. “The North Star is people all heading in the same direction.”

She described the theme of the new plan as “steadfast and consistent” with what the CDT has been trying to accomplish during her tenure.

In January, the CDT is expected to release its annual report, which Tong said will include a recap of initiatives and a look ahead.