March 13, 2015
Name/Title
Company
Address
City/State/Zip
Dear,
I am writing to update you about our multi-year planning efforts that will ultimately lead to the
replacement of FLAIR and CMS (the Cash Management System managed by the Treasury), and
to thank you for your support to date. There have been a few vocal stakeholders who understand
the value of this project to our state and have helped advocate for the necessary resources; I am
thankful to count you among them.
As you know, FLAIR processes nearly $90 billion in payments annually on a software system
that is more than 30 years old. While FLAIR has been patched, updated, and modified many
times over the years, these workarounds are becoming increasingly time consuming, more
difficult, more expensive and leave the state exposed to unnecessary risks. A 2013 study
affirmed our concerns and recommended replacing FLAIR and CMS with a single, integrated
Enterprise Resource Planning solution.
In 2014, the Legislature wisely appropriated funds to ensure there are dedicated staff and a solid
plan in place to usher in this complex system transition. These efforts, formerly called the
FLAIR and CMS Replacement (FCR) Project, have been recently rebranded as Florida PALM.
PALM is an acronym for Planning, Accounting, and Ledger Management, which speaks to the
broader functionality of our state’s new system.
With this new name, we have also created a new website:
www.MyFloridaCFO.com/FloridaPALM. I encourage you to check back often for updates.
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March 13, 2015
The Florida PALM Project Team is working on planning, standardization, and procurement
activities. Since October, the project team has conducted more than 30 meetings with agency
users to discuss opportunities for standardization, and more strategy sessions have been planned
for the coming months. I pledge to provide you with periodic updates regarding our progress so
you can follow our path to full implementation.
In closing, I appreciate the efforts you have made to help define the business case, educate those
who may be skeptical and raise awareness by including our efforts among your recommended
priorities. I look forward to your continued support, which includes helping ensure the inclusion
of a FY 2015/16 appropriation so the current critical planning phase can continue.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you would like additional information about our
ongoing efforts.
Sincerely,
Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer