What Oversight is
WaTech’s oversight team works with agencies on major IT projects to ensure they align with business goals and stay on track for scope, schedule and budget. The team offers expert advice, monitors project health and can stop projects that do not meet performance expectations.
State law (RCW 43.105.245) directs WaTech to set a standard process for agencies to plan and deliver IT projects and gives WaTech authority to provide oversight.
WaTech is required to:
- Set policies that guide planning, delivery and evaluation of major IT projects.
- Define what qualifies as a major project.
- Provide a statewide process for developing and managing projects.
- Offer expert project management support for complex initiatives.
- Share twice-yearly reports on public and private sector best practices.
- Advise legislative fiscal committees on oversight, accountability and performance metrics.
When Oversight applies
Gated Funding Projects
The Operating and Transportation Budgets place certain IT projects under gated funding oversight by WaTech and the Office of Financial Management (OFM). These projects were assigned to the information technology investment revolving account (IT Pool) or otherwise made subject to the conditions and limitations of Section 701 of the Operating Budget. WaTech, in consultation with OFM, may identify additional projects to be subject to gated funding oversight. The gated funding oversight process is a version of the standard WaTech approval and oversight process with the additional element of gated funding.
Resources for Gated Funding Projects
Non-Gated Funding Projects
Projects reviewed through the IT investment intake process. WaTech usually decides within five business days whether oversight applies.
Oversight process at a glance
- Intake & Oversight Decision – WaTech reviews intake submissions to determine oversight status.
- Budget Planning – Agencies use the Technology Budget Template to plan costs.
- Funding Review – Gated projects go through an additional funding gate review.
- Ongoing Oversight – WaTech monitors project scope, schedule, budget and risks, and reports results publicly via the IT Dashboard.
How Oversight is triggered
Oversight applies when:
- A project uses gated funding under Section 701 of the state budget.
- A project meets criteria for a major project based on statewide IT policy (PM-01).
Related Laws & Policies
WaTech’s oversight is guided by state law and policies that set project approval and reporting rules. These include:
- PM-01 (was 121): IT Investments - Approval and Oversight
- PM-03 (was 132): Project Quality Assurance
- RCW 43.88.092 (Information technology budget detail-Information technology plan)
- RCW 43.105.240 (Evaluation of agency IT spending and budget requests)
- RCW 43.105.255 (Major technology projects and services - Approval)
Decision Package Prioritization
Each year, WaTech evaluates agency IT funding requests and prioritizes them to support state strategy and budget decisions.