Natural Resources
A Review of Expenses Related to the Department of Agriculture's Contract for
Services
with the Austin Data Center through the Department of Information Resources
December 2000
Report Number 01-008
Overall Conclusion
In response to a request from the Department of Agriculture (Department), the State Auditor's Office has reviewed the expenses related to the contract between the Department and the Austin Data Center (Data Center). The Department uses the Data Center's hardware to run its licensing system and other software applications. Based on the scope of our review, we believe the Data Center charges a reasonable amount for its use. As part of our review, we developed three recommendations for the Department and the Department of Information Resources.
Key Facts and Findings
- We recommend that the Department perform a cost-based analysis prior to
making any decisions to move the operations from the Data Center.
- The Department, in conjunction with the Department of Information Resources
(DIR), who arranged the contract, should regularly review the contract with
the Data Center. The contract has been in place for five years without any
documented review. Regular monitoring will help ensure the Department receives
the best value for the services the State receives.
- We recommend that DIR and the Department improve communications to other agencies and the Data Center regarding the intentions and implications of proposed actions effecting the Data Center.
Contact the SAO about this report.
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