Information Technologies: Investigate

A definitive judgment regarding the state's information technology program must await the completion of a thorough report. We have confidence in the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

When Lemuel Stewart was ousted as head of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), we endorsed an investigation to clear the air. Stewart had raised questions regarding Northrop Grumman, the private company contracted to operate the state government's information system. If the circumstances of Stewart's departure did not necessarily flunk the smell test, then they did not necessarily pass it, either. A test is warranted.

A great deal of money is at stake. The 10-year deal with Northrop Grumman runs to $2.3 billion. The state's oversight responsibilities clearly are immense. The taxpayers need to know whether the terms are being fulfilled. And if certain stipulations are going undone, then the citizenry needs to know why. Perhaps there are good reasons for apparent delays. Perhaps there are no excuses.

Everything involving state government has political implications. The troubles at VITA are playing out in an election year. The privatization program was initiated during Gov. Mark Warner's administration and has continued during Gov. Tim Kaine's tenure. Although neither governor is likely to bear direct personal responsibility for any problems, VITA's performance will rate as a plus or a minus for their records. Virginia has a reputation for sound management, regardless of the partisan affections of the chief executive. This does not help.

The VITA story makes a broader point. Government at all levels takes its share of lumps. Citizen critics, ambitious politicians, muckraking scriveners (ahem), and others enjoy deploring inept and inefficient bureaucracies. Everyone has heard the joke about "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you." Well now. Sometimes those bureaucratic incompetencies may not be the public sector's fault. Private companies perform many of government's functions, and in specific instances they may be the ones to blame.