The General Assembly's investigative arm is rolling out its latest snapshot of the state's disputed computer contract with Northrop Grumman today, and it's not a pretty picture.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report shows that the giant info-tech program has been blocked by delays, rising costs and political turmoil.
Among the points emerging today: That Northrop Grumman lacked the experience to undertake a project of Virginia's scale. Virginia is apparently the first state to move toward a privately managed information technology system.
Ashley Colvin, a JLARC analyst, said that the state gave "low priority" to Northrop Grumman's lack of experience in the management of state computer and communication systems of this scale. Because no other state had attempted such an enterprise, there was "no roadmap" for Virginia, he said.
Colvin also noted that the state's former computer chief and Virginia's comptroller said in advance of the 10-year, $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman that the contractor offered Virginia "better value" but "more risk."
Northrop Grumman, a California-based defense giant, operates government computer networks for, among others, San Diego County and Indianapolis and surrounding Marion County.
Last week, the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained an advance copy of the JLARC study and reported that it might be too expensive for the state to sever its relationship with Northrop Grumman. Depending on the circumstances, junking the contract could cost cash-strapped Virginia nearly $400 million plus the undetermined price of fashioning an alternative system.
The JLARC report has been a magnet for lobbyists, particularly those representing corporations that want to take over public functions including the possible privatization of the port of Hampton Roads.
The legislative hearing room in which JLARC is meeting is filled to capacity, and at least 15 lobbyists, publicists and executives for Northrop Grumman are there.
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