The Central Data Processing Authority (CDPA) was established in 1968 to serve as a central agency for coordination of the development of electronic data processing (EDP) capability and the use of EDP equipment. CDPA was fulfilling legislative intent as it applied to procurement of computer equipment and services and planning and implementation for equipment acquisition. Although CDPA had placed less emphasis on seeking out areas where automation would be beneficial, the authority recently had undertaken to identify those areas.
The Committee recommended that CDPA continue to work with the Classification Commission to standardize job levels and descriptions and that the authority develop a means of better using personnel cost information in the decision making process. CDPA also should revise its rates for computer services to allow recovery of actual equipment cost plus a predetermined amount for equipment replacement. Finally, the PEER Committee recommended that the information confidentiality program be reviewed two to three years from the time of the report to determine compliance with the statutes and adequacy of controls installed.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.