Following South Dakota's participation in the national SACWIS Prototype model project, as a Prototype Development State, the decision was made to move forward with the implementation of the model statewide using state information systems staff and contractual assistance. WRMA was selected to provide that assistance and was involved with South Dakota, in a technical capacity, from the beginning of their effort. In addition to working with the state on the development of an implementation methodology and work plan, WRMA assisted the state in conducting Joint Application Development sessions; preparing a strategy for the conversion of automated and manual case records and provider files; evaluating the state's proposed implementation platform and communications capabilities; identifying and making the necessary modifications to the Prototype model; training state staff on the programmatic and technical features and capabilities of the system; and making appropriate modifications to Prototype documentation.
In addition, WRMA worked with the state to estimate implementation and operational resource requirements and made technical and programmatic presentations to the state's key decision-makers. Other responsibilities of WRMA included ensuring the state's compliance with the federal model; review of deliverable products for accuracy and soundness of concepts; and the provision of other technical assistance as requested by the state's project director.
