Information Technology Acquisition, Final Report

• NCJ Number: 204026
• Author(s): Tom McEwen; Randall Guynes; Julie Wartell; Steve Pendleton
• Date Published: August 2002
• Length: 97 pages
• Grant Number(s): 98-LB-VX-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)

Annotation

This document presents an overview of the Information Technology Acquisition Project, which aids law enforcement agencies in acquiring up-to-date information technology.

Abstract

The project’s objectives include developing guidelines in information technology (IT) acquisition; identifying organizational constraints and needs; compiling a list of resources; and raising law enforcement awareness of IT acquisition issues. Chapter 1 offers an overview of the technologies selected for in-depth study; the methodology for the project; and the state of IT acquisition in law enforcement. Chapter 2 presents a four-phase process that law enforcement agencies can follow in acquiring information technology. Those phases are assessment and decisionmaking, procurement, implementation, and impact assessment. Chapter 3 describes assessment and decisionmaking, the first two phases of technology acquisition. The chapter also presents findings on why an agency decides to purchase a new technology and what it decides to buy. Chapter 4 describes the procurement phase, where agencies select a procurement method, develop the requirements for that procurement method, select the vendor with the best value for the procurement, and negotiate a contract. Chapter 5 provides information on implementation methods, support structure, risk analysis and management, and training. In chapter 6, the impact assessment is discussed, along with measures of success and unintended consequences. Chapter 7 describes the process of managing the technology process, which includes institutionalizing change and acceptance, establishing an organizational structure, using technology effectively, and recognizing problems. Chapter 8 provides the conclusions of the survey of police agencies and policy implications regarding acquisition of IT.