Chapter 4 – Information Technology

43020.3.1 PAL Stages and Deliverables

• The Project Approval Lifecycle (PALParolee-At-Large) is a process that will be used by the department to manage and assess the full implications of any project proposals. The PALParolee-At-Large is a means of linking ITInformation Technology projects to the department’s strategic business and ITInformation Technology plans. The PALParolee-At-Large is divided into the following four stages which include the following types of analysis: Stage1 business analysis, Stage 2 alternatives analysis, Stage 3 procurement analysis and Stage 4 solution analysis. Refer to the CDT Reportable Project Decision Tree Reference Guide. Per the guidelines outlined in SAMState Administrative Manual, section 4928, the PALParolee-At-Large Stage/Gate deliverables, here and after referred to as “deliverables”, must provide an accurate summary of the results from all four stages of PALParolee-At-Large. The deliverables include a complete summary of the four stages of a proposed project to establish the business case for investment of state resources by setting out the reasons for undertaking the project and analyzing its costs and benefits.

• PALParolee-At-Large deliverables must be submitted to CDT, the Office of Legislation (OOLOffice Of Legislation) Analyst, and to the Department of Finance’s Information Technology Consulting Unit for review. CDT publishes detailed instructions and guidelines for preparing deliverables, which are available in the Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM), section 19. The deliverables must use the format specified by CDT and signed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or their designee. The department must maintain documentation of each analysis to ensure that project participants, management, and the CDT personnel can resolve any questions about the intent, justification, nature, and scope of the project.

• If during the PALParolee-At-Large process the technology solution incorporates or utilizes Generative Intelligence (GenAI), per SIMM section 5305-F, the project team is required to complete the GenAI risk assessment.