CIT-VITA partnership to link technology companies with state government

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Nov. 27 that the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) has partnered with the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) to research, share and evaluate businesses who have made advancements in information technology (IT) that may be of value to state government. The partnership will be carried out by CIT’s Innovation Center of Excellence (ICE).

“Harnessing technology to serve taxpayers more effectively is a challenge that every government faces,” McAuliffe was quoted as saying in the news release. “This partnership between CIT and VITA will connect innovative businesses with potential customers in government agencies who can put their technologies to work making life better for the Virginia families we serve.”
 
VITA’s Innovation Center of Excellence was created last year under the direction of Virginia’s Chief Information Officer Nelson Moe. Since its inception, ICE has given 15 demonstrations and presentations on topics such as big data management and analytics, cybersecurity partnerships and the driverless future. These presentations have brought in more than 630 total participants.

Moe said VITA ICE invites interested businesses “to demonstrate advancements in technology to agency representatives who may be looking for solutions to business challenges,” said Nelson Moe. 

Nearly 60 suppliers have enrolled after VITA ICE’s presentations began at the start of FY17. VITA ICE has also entered into 15 collaborative partnerships, including partnerships with the University of Virginia on social media and data analytics, the City of Fredericksburg on smart roads, and Amherst and Page Counties on distance learning.

Ed Albrigo, President and CEO of CIT, was quoted in the news release as saying, “CIT is well positioned to help establish additional supplier relationships with small and emerging technology businesses that do not yet have state contracts but may have offerings that can address the business needs of the Virginia government in serving the commonwealth’s citizens, businesses, and visitors.”

VITA ICE also has established a clearinghouse of information on the latest technology offerings that CIT can support and grow. More than 40 demonstration and research documents have passed through the clearinghouse since it was established.

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency is the commonwealth’s consolidated technology services and solutions provider responsible for the state’s technology infrastructure, governance, security, oversight of major IT projects, and procurement of technology-related goods and services on behalf of state and local governments.

Since 1985, the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), a nonprofit corporation, has been Virginia’s primary driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. CIT accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology startup companies and advanced technology consumers.