Government Claims Program Feasibility Study
The Opportunity
VCGCB required assistance conducting a Feasibility Study involving the replacement of a new system for the Government Claims Program (GCP). The new system would replace the current Government Claims Automated Tracking System (GCATS), which was adversely impacting the operations and delivery of services due to incomplete functionalities that required manual workarounds outside of the system. The use of outdated technology increased support and maintenance costs and prevented extensibility and scalability. The goal was to develop a Feasibility Study Report that defined VCGCB’s business needs, identified a target solution, and analyzed the business case and technical feasibility of the proposed solution.
Our Approach
Conduct Operational Assessment
During this phase, our team sought to obtain a clear understanding of the current business and technical environment as well as the future business needs. Using a collaborative approach, information was gathered through the review of existing documentation and interviews with selected key stakeholders. Functional requirements were identified, categorized, and prioritized. We documented current operations, defined functional requirements, identified operational improvements, and established justification for the project. Our checklist included:
- Define and document the current operational environment
- Identify current and future business needs
- Establish a compelling business case for the project
- Conduct business needs assessment
- Conduct surveys, interviews and focus sessions with key representatives, including internal and external stakeholders to define and validate current operations and issues
- Review current processes, data flows, and system characteristics based on documentation provided by the VCGCB
- Conduct focus sessions to define business needs and functional requirements
- Determine areas for business improvement and automation
Identify the Preferred Future State
During this second phase, our team performed gap analysis between the current and preferred future state and identified potential solutions. Using the project scope and requirements defined, market research was conducted to determine potential providers and solutions (e.g., commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products or previously developed systems for other states). Each technical solution considered, analysis was performed to determine feasibility, alignment with the customer’s environment, availability, and cost. The potential solutions were presented to the customer based on the market survey, with one being the recommended proposed solution. Our checklist included:
- Conduct market research to identify potential solutions
- Perform financial analysis and fiscal justification for the solution selected
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each potential solution
Define Project Environment
During this phase, the focus was on defining the project’s approach to procurement and project management. The project’s overall procurement and IT acquisition approach was defined. In addition, the project management environment was defined and Risk Management Plan for VCGCB’s staff was developed.
Finalize Feasibility Study Report
During this phase, the FSR documents were prepared for submission to the Department of Finance (DOF) and the California Technology Agency.
The Results
- Continuity delivered the Feasibility Study Report on time and on budget.
- VCGCB elected not to move forward and fund the project due to the cost to replace the system. The analysis determined that the return on investment was too far in the future to justifiy the project.
The client was pleased with the quality of work and our attentiveness to their constraints.
“The GCATS FSR is going well. The Continuity Team is great to work with and I’m appreciative of the high-quality service we’ve received.” (VCGCB Contract Manger)
“We continue to be pleased with the work the team is doing and look forward to a successful wrap up of the project. We value our partnership with Continuity Consulting and appreciate your sensitivity to our budget constraints.” (VCGCB Project Sponsor)