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CASE STUDY
Managing Strategic PMO and System Requirements for Ohio's UI Modernization Initiative
Established rigorous project governance standards and authored end-to-end technical requirements to successfully guide the complex conversion of Ohio's split mainframe infrastructure into a modern, integrated benefits and appeals system.
01. Challenge
Converting Fragmented Mainframe Systems Under an Accelerated Administrative Deadline
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) faced a pressing operational need to replace its aging, mainframe-dependent Unemployment Insurance infrastructure. The legacy architecture was split into two distinct systems for benefits and appeals, which limited inter-departmental workflows and slowed down responses. Compounding this technical challenge, leadership set a strict 18-month timeline to complete development before a major shift in the state administration.
02. Solution
Rigorous RFP Authoring, PMO Architecture, and Cross-Agency Interface Planning
Operating within a fast-moving project environment, our transformation experts drafted exhaustive business specifications to seamlessly combine benefits and appeals workflows into one unified software platform. We authored the core scope of work and vendor selection guidelines for the state's multi-million dollar procurement effort, covering system integration, customer experience, training, and verification services. Furthermore, our team set up the PMO infrastructure, managed risk frameworks, and ran structured interface workshops to guarantee technical interoperability across multiple outside state agency partners.
03. Impact
Shielding Complex IT Deployments Against Scope Creep and Operational Delays
Our structured requirements gathering and strict RFP drafting successfully insulated the state from high-risk scope creep, ensuring incoming vendors were held to clear performance metrics. By standing up a central PMO and designing real-time progress reports, we gave agency executives the clear data-tracking needed to confidently steer the project through intense, high-pressure development phases. This comprehensive governance work effectively positioned the state to successfully complete its shift toward a modern, customer-first service architecture.
2
Legacy Mainframe Systems Combined
18
Months Target Development Timeline
30+
Vendors, Agencies, and Interface Partners
90+
System Interface Points Integrated
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