Georgia Annual State IT Report FY 2023

From the State Chief Information Officer

IT capabilities aren't something a state builds in a flash and then just steps back to admire. It takes time to establish reliable, resilient, secure systems. It takes discipline and constant renewal to keep them that way. It takes planning and precise execution to modernize aging infrastructure. The technology community's work, like the state's work to serve Georgians, is never done.

Georgia has built impressive IT capabilities. Across state government, we're harnessing technology in so many ways. We're nourishing what we've put in place, and we're innovating to develop new capabilities. FY 2023 illustrates all those things. State agencies and entities worked this past year to capitalize on technology to help deliver a wide range of services, and GTA was proud to collaborate with them.

Cybersecurity is woven into all those efforts. Pervasive cyber threats grow ever more sophisticated and potentially damaging. GTA works to ensure agencies have what they need to address concerns like endpoint protection, security monitoring, specialized training for security professionals, and security awareness training for agency staff. Access via GTA to shared resources helps ensure to entity has to go it alone.

FY 2023 saw meaningful progress with a GTA-led cloud-first campaign, prioritized by Governor Kemp. More than 100 state servers migrated from on-premises server services to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. Cloud training through GTA for agency IT staff, critical to a successful shift to cloud, was expanded. GTA partnered with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to introduce a program of courses in cloud operations and developer skills for agency IT employees, and more cloud platforms, e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, are being made available to agencies.

The past year was also marked by real traction for broadband service expansion and digital connectivity outreach in Georgia. Readiness to use broadband and access to it go hand in hand toward closing the digital divide. Benefits can be life changing as unserved and underserved communities gain high-speed internet access.

With an eye on the present and a look at the future, state government is weighing artificial intelligence (AI). AI is already part of the landscape and expected to stretch out in all directions. GTA has added a Chief AI Officer to its team and published a state policy for acceptable use of generative AI. Near the end of 2023, GTA hosted an AI summit where agencies came together to begin to map an informed approach to AI for Georgia government.

Technology is powering state services today and holds promise for enabling more tomorrow. I hope you'll read about it in this Georgia Annual IT Report, FY 2023.

Shawnzia Thomas

Purpose

When the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) was created in 2000, the General Assembly charged GTA with compiling information from state agencies about their IT expenditures and presenting a report to state leaders every year. This charge was placed in state law (see O.C.G.A. 50-25-7.10). With comprehensive and accurate information, state leaders can make facts-based decisions about the allocation of limited state resources to support technology.

The Georgia Annual State Information Technology Report conveys the current state of technology in Georgia state government as assessed by the State Chief Information Officer (State CIO).

The report represents information technology for the state's executive branch agencies only, i.e., those reporting to the Governor. It does not address information regarding information technology matters related to the legislative branch, judicial branch, statewide constitutionally elected officeholders, or the University System of Georgia. Data used to create the report comes directly from executive branch agencies and enterprise systems of record. The data is compiled by GTA and reflects the efforts of the State CIO to improve the use of technology in supporting state government operations. The report contains the following major sections:

Executive Summary
Cybersecurity
Information Technology Vision and Strategy
Georgia’s Approach to Broadband
Information Technology Investment
Technology Services
Digital Services Georgia
Georgia’s Information Technology Excellence
Appendix

Digital Services and Solutions

FY 2023 saw the Digital Services Georgia team transform into the Office of Digital Services and Solutions (DS&S). The DS&S team is dedicated to enhancing user experiences, streamlining processes, and delivering citizen-centric government services that meet the evolving needs of constituents.

Georgia Pathways Launch on GovHub

In August 2022, the DS&S team successfully launched Georgia Pathways on the GovHub platform. This new addition to GovHub provides a valuable resource for citizens seeking information related to Pathways for the Department of Human Services (DHS).

QnA Maker Chatbot Implementation

DS&S implemented the QnA Maker chatbot on the Department of Revenue (DOR) website enhancing user support and engagement. The chatbot was fine-tuned through extensive testing and collaboration with the DOR team. It now efficiently guides users to the right answers, offering multiple-choice response and a wide array of alternative phrases to ensure accurate and helpful responses.

GovHub Infrastructure Update

In November 2022, GTA initiated a significant infrastructure update for GovHub migrating to PHP 8.1 and commenced development work to upgrade to Drupal 10, ensuring that the platform remains cutting-edge and efficient.

Plain Language Webinar

DS&S hosted a webinar on plain language in November, presented by the Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE) emphasizing GTA's commitment to clear and accessible communication.

DOR Website UX and Re-architecture

DS&S recommendations for the DOR website user experience and re-architecture were completed and warmly received by the agency, marking another achievement in ongoing efforts to improve digital services.

Onboarding of APCD to GovHub

GTA successfully completed the onboarding of the Agency for Public Charter Schools (APCD) to the GovHub platform assisting with their agency-led migration to streamline their digital presence.

Georgia Procurement Conference

DS&S involvement in the Georgia Procurement Conference demonstrates GTA's dedication to supporting state procurement efforts and enhancing collaboration.

DOAS "How to" Content Strategy

DS&S partnered with the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) to strategize and develop "how to" content for their new website, further demonstrating GTA's commitment to enhancing user guidance and support.

GOVTalks Event

DS&S hosted the 15th GOVTalks event fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the state's digital community.

Onboarding of GDC to GovHub

After nearly a year of dedicated effort, GTA successfully completed the onboarding of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) to the GovHub platform improving their digital presence and accessibility.