Report 2013-302/2013-303 Recommendation 12 Responses

Report 2013-302/2013-303: Judicial Branch Procurement: Semiannual Reports to the Legislature Are of Limited Usefulness, Information Systems Have Weak Controls, and Certain Improvements in Procurement Practices Are Needed (Release Date: December 2013)

Recommendation #12 To: Administrative Office of the Courts

The AOC should provide additional training to its staff and the judicial entities on how to conduct procurements in compliance with the judicial contracting manual.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From November 2016

The Judicial Council of California provided additional training to court procurement staff in December 2015 and March 2016.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented


1-Year Agency Response

We have discussed the need for training with appellate courts at a recent meeting. In the first quarter of 2015, Business Services will offer training to the appellate courts and Judicial Council (formerly the AOC) staff on compliance with the judicial contracting manual (JCBM).

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented


6-Month Agency Response

Monthly procurement conference calls continue where all trial courts and other judicial branch entities participate with general and specific topics, and specifically requested topics discussed. (Continuous)

The AOC asked appellate court personnel to review the original training material provided by the AOC and the current JBCM, and to then inform the agency of what sections of the JBCM they would like the training to focus on. Feedback has been received and training needs are being evaluated with an October tentative timing for the training. (October 2014)

In addition, a contract specialist position, which will be dedicated to appellate court procurements, has been approved. The person hired for this position will report to the business services manager to ensure consistent compliance with the JBCM.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented


60-Day Agency Response

The AOC asked appellate court personnel to review the original training material provided by the AOC and the current JBCM, and to then inform the agency of what sections of the JBCM theyd like the training to focus on. Feedback has been received and training needs and timing are being evaluated.

In addition, a contract specialist position, which will be dedicated to appellate court procurements, has been approved and is in the process of being recruited. The person hired for this position will report to the business services manager to ensure consistent compliance with the JBCM.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Partially Implemented


All Recommendations in 2013-302/2013-303

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.