RI Sues HP Over Failed DMV Computer System, Asks Court to Order Them to Complete Work
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
The RI Department of Administration via outside counsel John Tarantino filed a lawsuit late on Tuesday against technology giant Hewlett-Packard (HPE). RI is asking the court to order HPE to continue work to complete the new Department of Motor Vehicle technology system.
READ THE LAWSUIT and MOTION BELOW
According to the complaint, “HPE has refused to continue work on the RIMS System without a resolution of payments allegedly owed on additional work completed and additional work to be performed, notwithstanding its contractual obligation to deliver a fully functional RIMS System.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“The State has considerable concerns about the risks associated with failure of its four decade old legacy computer system written, which is written in obsolete COBAL code. The failure of the State’s legacy computer system would create immediate public safety concerns, preventing the Division of Taxation from placing blocks on license registrations, and impacting the DMV’s ability to renew Commercial Drivers Licenses and register newly purchased vehicles, among others.”
Statements from Officials
Governor Gina M. Raimondo's office released the following statements on Tuesday.
“I will do whatever is necessary to protect Rhode Island’s taxpayers against an IT vendor unfairly demanding more money to complete an eight-year-old computer upgrade. When we can finally see the finish line, HPE is trying to double the price of this project.I intend to see that Rhode Islanders get the computer system for which they have already paid. Hewlett Packard Enterprise contracted itself to complete the Division of Motor Vehicles computer project, and CEO Meg Whitman herself pledged HPE to delivering a solution the people of Rhode Island deserve. On behalf of the residents of Rhode Island, I will hold HPE accountable," said Raimondo.
Director of Revenue Robert S. Hull also weighed in on the suit.
“After publically pledging, time and time again, to do right by Rhode Island, it is incomprehensible that Hewlett Packard Enterprise would now seek to bail on its obligations rather than finish the job they promised to do. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles paid HPE to build and deliver a functioning computer system. Nearly a decade later, when the system is nearly completed, HPE wants more money before it will finish the job. We remain committed to delivering a 21st-century computer system that improves DMV operations, meets the requirements of its partners, protects Rhode Islanders’ privacy and surpasses their expectations. We hope the court will make HPE live up it its end of this deal," said Hull.
Upated 5:02 P.M. Tuesday November 1.
