INTERGOVERNMENTAL DATA SERVICES

Program Description

1. Management of the Intergovernmental Data Services System
In 1993, the Governor and Legislature established the IDSD and assigned it responsibility for managing the statewide, shared computer system that links county governments and state agencies.  The system consists of an IBM AS/400 computer located in each county seat and connected to the state's data communications network and mainframe computers.  The purpose of the system is to improve the quality of data and access to information, streamline agency operations, and reduce costs, especially by avoiding the need for duplicate systems if state agencies installed separate networks.  Specific uses of the system include:

  • Issue and collect taxes and fees for 100% of vehicle titles and registrations in the state, with instantaneous update to a central database for access by law enforcement and other users.
  • Automate county and district courts (93 county courts and 92 district courts).
  • Automate the posting of county payroll data to the State Retirement Board (90 counties).
  • Automate the transfer of data from counties to the Secretary of State's central voter registration database (67 counties).
  • Support applications in use in counties for accounts payable (34), budget preparation (26), drivers license (93), payroll (33), sheriff's access to drivers records (45), voter registration (36) and 9 other business functions.

Several potential projects benefit from the shared computer system.  These include the interactive drivers license program with a digital photo, electronic funds transfers from county governments to the state, public access to court data, electronic filing of court documents, document imaging and retention.

Statutes require IDSD to contract with the Information Management Services Division and the Division of Communications for actual operation of the distributed computer network.  This provision prevents any possible duplication of systems, insures essential coordination with the state's mainframe computer and communications network, and enables IDSD to focus on broader management issues rather than day-to-day operations.

By statute, the AS/400 computer system must be self-supporting.  The division must set rates for access and use of the system that will generate sufficient revenue to pay all costs of the computer network and any additional costs of the division.

 2. Statewide Implementation of VTR and JUSTICE
Over the last five years, IDSD has performed a critical role in assisting the statewide implementation of the vehicle title and registration system (VTR) and court automation system (JUSTICE).  All 93 counties now use VTR, and statewide implementation of JUSTICE is complete.

IDSD facilitated meetings, developed initial training materials for VTR and JUSTICE, coordinated DMV and Revenue requirements, coordinated JUSTICE child support requirements, recruited temporary personnel, assisted with installation schedule, and prepared written agreements between major participants.

3. Data Management Across Political Jurisdictions
IDSD facilitates, coordinates, and assists with implementation of multi-jurisdictional projects.   This function has grown because a major activity of most government agencies is generating, processing and using information that often crosses jurisdictional boundaries.  Optimizing the benefits from automation requires close cooperation among the multiple jurisdictions that create, revise, or use shared data.  When becoming involved in a data-sharing project, IDSD applies a collaborative approach and provides project management skills to identify issues and develop solutions.  Specific activities and projects have included:

  • Chair the Nebraska Intergovernmental Data Communications Advisory Council (NIDCAC) and provide staff support for its activities, including:
    • Facilitate the Voter Registration Subcommittee
    • Facilitate the Local Budget Reporting Subcommittee
    • Prepare draft position paper on imaging standards
  • Staff support for the Geographic Information Systems Steering Committee and its activities
    • Organize the Public Lands Survey System Pilot Project
    • Prepare drafts and coordinate review process for GIS standards
    • Organize GIS conferences and educational  opportunities
  • Membership on the Criminal Justice Information Systems Advisory Committee and assistance with projects, including:
    • Membership on the CJIS planning and oversight committees
    • Membership on VINE implementation committee
    • Project management for Protection Order Central Registry
    • Membership on budget committee and communications committee
    • JUSTICE interface with Patrol Criminal History
  • Membership on the Information Resources Cabinet and assistance with activities, including
    • Legal issues committee
  • Assistance in passage of LB 924 (management) and LB 950 (public records)
    • Assistance with rules and regulation for digital signatures
  • Assistance with integrating local and state systems
  • Assistance with defining business requirements for information technology projects
  • Staff support for organizing the Governor's Information Technology Conference
  • Represent DAS on the Local Government Innovation and Restructuring Commission
  • Governor's Census 2000 liaison