Online Workshop This Morning for Vendors, Service Providers

The Secretary of State’s Office is hosting an online project meeting today for software vendors and software providers who may be interested or involved in the replacement for the California Automated Lobby and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System (Cal-ACCESS).

Cal-ACCESS is the online political disclosure system for receiving and accessing information about state candidates, campaign donors, lobbyists, ballot initiatives and other election-related matters. It was started in June 2000, and last January the state chose a vendor to replace the website. 

The Secretary of State's Office chose Perspecta, a tech services firm based in Virginia, for the $12.6 million, 19-month contract. PCC Technology will work with Perspecta on the design and implementation of the website, and PCC will handle the software. The change project is called the Cal-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS).

Today’s meeting runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and can be seen via WebEx or audio conference. Anyone with questions may email them before the webinar to PRDCARS@sos.ca.gov.

The agenda for today’s meeting will include updates on electronic filing specifications, vendor testing and Application Program Interface (API).  

“In the fall of 2011,” says an explainer on a Cal-ACCESS Working Group website, “the Cal-Access system suffered a major outage resulting in loss of service for upwards of two months. Since the outage, many revelations about the system have become public including the antiquated technology and source code as well as how rigid the system has become which has prevented many common-sense changes to political disclosure.”

Those interested in today’s online meeting should either go the WebEx link (event number 663 664 303; password CARS-meet6) or dial into the audio conference call, at either (855) 797-9485 or (415) 655-0002; the access code is also 663 664 303.