To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Philip Savino, Director & CIO, Department of Technology; Cheryl Ternes, Director, Department of Human Services
Prepared By:
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Philip Savino, Director, Department of Technology
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presenter
Presenter: Philip Savino, Director & CIO; Cheryl Ternes, Human Services Director
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Subject:
Title
2:15 PM *Update on HS Connects Modernization and Next Steps
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this report is to provide the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with an update on the ongoing collaboration between IT and Human Services to modernize, secure, and enhance the HS Connects product. Additionally, we are requesting BOCC approval for the IT Director and Human Services Director to negotiate with the state of Colorado to accept HS connects as a unified auxiliary system. These efforts are focused on ensuring the continued effectiveness, compliance, and security of HS Connects, while also exploring opportunities to expand revenue and improve service delivery for Arapahoe County residents.
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Background and Discussion: In February 2024, we presented a capability assessment of HS Connects to the Board of County Commissioners. This assessment, conducted by Gardner Consulting, highlighted several gaps in the system, including issues related to cybersecurity, digital accessibility compliance, and the need for program code modernization. HS Connects, developed by the County in 2015 and implemented in multiple counties across the state, requires these enhancements to remain viable.
To address these gaps, we have engaged a private contractor, Open Arc, who will handle code development for digital accessibility compliance and cybersecurity improvements. Strengthening cybersecurity is critical to protect sensitive data from potential breaches and ensure the system remains secure against evolving threats. Digital accessibility enhancements, on the other hand, are essential to ensure the platform is compliant with legal standards and accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities, thereby improving service delivery and inclusivity.
The project’s one-time costs include $190,000 for cybersecurity enhancements and $394,000 for code modernization to meet accessibility standards, with a $116,000 contingency for potential project overages. The proposed funding for this project will come from the Medicaid Incentive fund. We are seeking authorization for the Human Services or IT Director to sign off on the contract to initiate the work. In collaboration with County IT, Human Services has also developed a comprehensive plan to address operational modernization, ensuring effective management of the product. This plan will help maintain HS Connects as a reliable tool for delivering services more efficiently to county residents. Additionally, efforts are underway to roadmap future enhancements and expand the system’s use across the state as a key resource for Human Services delivery. Lastly, we are seeking the BOCC’s authorization to respond to the state’s intent to negotiate for a statewide unified auxiliary system. This request is based on the improvements we are currently undergoing with HS Connects, positioning it as a strong candidate for broader statewide adoption in Human Services.
Fiscal Impact: Human Services received $1,093,505 in Medicaid Incentive Funds for SFY 2023/2024. The total of the three contracts including contingency is $700,000. The Medicaid Incentive funds can be used for this purpose. Should the BOCC approve the contracts and contingency, a third quarter budget supplemental would be necessary.
Alternatives: N/A
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: No Staff recommendation
Concurrence: HS and IT are both in agreement to move forward with this initiative.