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Information Technology Acquisition, Final Report

NCJ Number
204026
Date Published
August 2002
Length
97 pages
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.

Date Published: August 1, 2002