The state has contracted the firm to assess the state government’s IT infrastructure, services and costs for all executive branch agencies, including the state’s Office of Information Technology Services.
Last month Gov. Bev Perdue announced that she is backing privatized IT for at least some government services. Her proposal would move the Office of Information Technology Services within a newly formed and expanded Department of Management and Administration. About 100 computer service units would be closed by moving the office into the new department, according to the governor’s office.
“In the current fiscal environment, government entities must approach IT services in a totally new way,” said Don Flores, TPI partner and director of state and local government services. “The transformation being undertaken by the state of North Carolina will be a model for others in the public sector, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
North Carolina spends about $1 billion annually on IT, according to the governor’s office.
Source: TPI
E-mail Controversy Erupts in Charlotte
The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina reportedly is using the state’s public records law to acquire private citizens’ e-mail addresses from the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and other municipalities.The newspaper has said it’s making the city and county release 20,000 e-mail addresses so the newspaper can use that information for journalism purposes such as asking residents for tips and improvements on the paper, as reported Jan. 20. But according to Charlotte government spokeswoman Kim McMillan, the request for the e-mails was submitted by an Observer staff member who has marketing responsibilities.
The paper’s editor said the newspaper guarantees not to send spam to the e-mail list.
In response to the request, the city of Charlotte sent a message Wednesday, Jan. 19, to every user on the city’s e-mail distribution list warning the subscribers that their addresses would be made available to the newspaper.
Source: WFAE
IRS Launches Smartphone App
The IRS launched its new smartphone app Monday, Jan. 24, that allows taxpayers to check their tax refund status and other tax information.The new IRS2Go app allows users to check on their federal refund from the IRS. So far, the free app is available for the iPhone and Android, according to the IRS website.
To use the app, users must first enter their Social Security number, which is masked and encrypted, then choose the filing status used on their tax return. Once chosen, users enter the refund amount they expect from last year’s tax return.
Users who file taxes online can check the status of their refund about 72 hours after users receive e-mail confirmation from the IRS that their return has been received. Those filing paper tax returns can check the status of their return on the app about three to four weeks after filing.
Source: IRS
