[Updated: 12-8-11 10:56 a.m.]
Accenture today announced a partnership with CGI Group, Inc. for a project that will renovate the technology systems of the California Franchise Tax Board, company officials said.
The FTB awarded a $399 million, 5.5-year contract in April to CGI Group Inc. for the Enterprise Data to Revenue project, which will increase access for taxpayers and improve efficiency for the state. Accenture was included as the subcontractor in CGI’s original bid to the FTB and announced the partnership today, said Jens Egerland, managing director of Accenture’s California Health & Public Service practice.
"The size and complexity of California often lends itself to teams who have complimentary skills and can bring the best to California, and that’s what we’ve been able to do with CGI in this marketplace," Egerland said.
CGI and Accenture have a history working with the state of California, oftentimes competing for contracts. However, the companies previously worked together successfully in 2003 as subcontractors to IBM in developing a statewide child support system, according to CGI spokeswoman Linda F. Odorisio. The companies share a commitment to excellence and expertise, making the partnership a good fit for the tax board project, she said.
Accenture will be responsible for an Enterprise Data Warehouse to integrate data and improve processing, according to the announcement. The company will also implement service-oriented architecture and workflow architecture to improve IT operations and flexibility, Egerland said.
"The primary focus for us on the project is to develop the service-oriented architecture and the workflow components of the solution &hellip that will form the technical architecture basis for the development of the business solution," he said.
The project will improve online interactions for taxpayers and businesses, making extensions and payments easier to submit. Additionally, project leaders estimate the Franchise Tax Board will collect $2.8 billion in additional revenue by 2017 once the solution supports tax processing changes.
"We’re trying to make our systems more efficient, which translates into revenue for the state," FTB spokesperson Denise Azimi said today.
