VIII. Contract Personnel Service for Information Technology Work

I. Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to insure the Division of Information Technology is able to fulfill its stewardship role in regards to both data assets and technology infrastructure. The Division of Information Technology hires both individuals and companies to provide software, hardware and technology analysis when demand for service outstrips IT's ability to deliver those services with existing personnel. In addition, other departments in the College may engage the services of consultants to perform Information Technology related activities, such as analysis, and software development.

When IT retains such services, IT directly oversees the work of the service provider, thereby ensuring all work is according to College policy, respects privacy and security concerns, follows the institution's technology architecture, and can be maintained once the service provider is no longer under contract. When other departments retain such services, there is often no guarantee of such monitoring by technically trained personnel.

II. Policy

All purchases of contract and personnel services related to Information Technology consulting, software development, systems analysis, or other IT activity that could impact either the College computer network or its administrative systems, must have prior approval from the Vice President of Information Technology. The work performed by that contractor must be performed in accordance with current practices within the Division of Information Technology. In the event the Vice President of Information Technology disagrees with the planned contract services, the Vice President will inform the MSCD employee within three days with the reasons for disapproval.

Approved December 2001