EXECUTIVE ORDER  75-09

While many states have recognized the efficiencies and cost benefits which accrue through centralized management of state government telecommunications, the State of Washington has neither the organizational structure nor authority to achieve such result. Progress has been made in certain areas such as the state telephone system (SCAN), public safety communications, and emergency medical communications; however, there is no focal point for coordinating use of the many telecommunications systems.

Experts predict that within the next ten years, telecommunications users in business and government will be offered a wealth of alternatives in new services, service options and flexibility, much wider choice of suppliers and significantly revamped rate structures. Technological advances may soon enable reduction in the volume of mail arising from business and government operations as well as the amount of required business and governmental travel.

I am concerned that there is no activity in state government today directed at integrating, consolidating and managing the state government's telecommunications systems, or planning for future needs. The increased demand for information exchange in this era has also increased the requirements for supporting telecommunications systems. The costs for these supporting systems will be excessive and an unnecessary expense to the taxpayers of the state unless centralized management of state government telecommunications is effected.

I am also increasingly concerned that the people of the State of Washington have easy access to state agencies for needed information. A properly planned state government telecommunications system will promote understanding and exchange of information between the people and state offices. Further, I recognize the need of the people to obtain better educational, vocational and cultural information through the telecommunications media. A planned statewide telecommunications network would provide for distribution of varied programs in these areas.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, do by virtue of the power vested in me, direct that the Director of the Department of General Administration conduct a study of state government telecommunications requirements and resources. The study will contain specific recommendations and identify areas of: (1) cost savings; (2) reorganization, consolidation or elimination of telecommunications systems; and, (3) recommendations for legislation to implement effective management of state government telecommunications.

The scope of the study will include the following:

1. Identify telecommunications networks used by major agencies of state government, and types and quantities of major items of equipment and facilities.

2. Identify current usage of these networks, potential for expanded use by consolidation or sharing with other agencies on a common user basis.

3. Identify current point-to-point telecommunications requirements which are not being met, mid-range requirements which agencies anticipate for 1980 and projections for long-range requirements beyond 1985.

4. The study will encompass current and anticipated point-to-point transmission media, i.e., voice grade circuitry, high-speed data circuitry, radio and broad band transmission requirements.

Results of the study together with recommendations of the Director will be submitted to me by January 5, 1976.

All state agencies are urged to cooperate and assist, to the maximum extent possible, in carrying out the purpose and intent of this order.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the seal of the State of
Washington to be affixed at Olympia this
10th day of September A.D., Nineteen hundred and seventy-five.

Daniel J. Evans
Governor of Washington

BY THE GOVERNOR:



Secretary of State

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