Prioritize Project Funding Requests
WaTech helps the state identify high-value technology projects and supports efforts to get those projects funded. This work happens in Phase 2, when project funding requests are reviewed and prioritized.
How State IT Projects Can Be Funded
State technology projects may receive funding in several ways:
1. State Funding
Agencies can request new money through the biennial or supplemental budget process. Funding may come from the General Fund, Transportation Fund or, in rare cases, the Capital Budget.
2. Other Funding Sources
Some projects may be supported through bonds, Certificates of Participation (COPs), dedicated fees, central service charges, grants or federal funds. Many of these still require legislative approval before spending.
3. Existing Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Funds
Smaller projects may be paid for with the agency’s current operating budget. These do not require legislative approval.
No matter the source, all major IT projects must receive WaTech approval before work begins as described in Phase 3 – Project Approval.
How Funding Prioritization Works
The state formally prioritizes project funding requests every year as part of the biennial and supplemental budget processes. The governor and Legislature rely on WaTech to:
- Assess whether proposed technical approaches are sound and aligned with statewide IT strategy
- Provide a ranked list of project funding requests to guide budget decisions
How WaTech Evaluates Funding Requests
WaTech sets prioritization criteria each year based on statewide business needs and changing technology trends. These criteria are shared in the Office of Financial Management (OFM) budget instructions so agencies know how their Decision Packages will be evaluated.
WaTech reviews each agency’s funding request and creates a priority ranking of all proposed projects. This list is sent to both the governor’s office and the Legislature to support budget planning.
Updated criteria are released early in the budget cycle so agencies can use them when shaping project proposals and preparing Decision Packages.
View Phase 3: Project Approval