The Committee received updates on MJ Freeway's contract renewal and the Gartner Consulting IV&V report.
Here are some observations from the Tuesday July 24th Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Traceability Advisory Committee meeting.
My top 3 takeaways:
- The Committee was updated on the MJ Freeway contract renewal (transcript, audio).
- MJ Freeway was given a 6-month extension, until October 24, 2018, not a full year renewal.
- MJ Freeway must hire an additional full-time, certified project manager.
- MJ Freeway will be fined $18750/week after October 24th if they do not complete the goals set forth in the contract and its amendments.
- MJ Freeway must provide a rolling two-week schedule and budget for each task and QA test necessary to meet the October 24 deadline.
- WSLCB hedged on the contract deadline, which was suggested by MJ Freeway but not thoroughly vetted by WSLCB staff. The deadline may be changed through a subsequent contract amendment.
- MJ Freeway has not successfully released a new version of Leaf since March.
- The draft State Auditor’s Office Report is in the Governor’s Office (transcript, audio).
- The audit started in late 2016, looking at traceability data through summer 2017.
- The focus of the audit is on traceability data analysis to identify “high-risk cannabis businesses.” The report could inform development of algorithms for automated analysis of traceability data for irregularities.
- The Report should be finalized by August 1 and subsequently published on the SAO website.
- There will be a public hearing on the report before the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) on September 26.
- The Committee received an update on the Gartner Consulting IV&V Report (transcript, audio).
- Now scheduled to be completed by August 31, 2018.
- Extra time is said to be needed to analyze stakeholder input and allow for LCB review.