MaSSSoftech

The Virginia Information Technology Agency, whose director was recently ousted in a disagreement over how to manage a troubled $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman, has a new boss: George F. Coulter of Purcellville.

Coulter is the former chief information officer of Solera Holdings, which develops software for the auto insurance industry.

State technology secretary Len Pomata had been serving as interim head of VITA, but was under pressure from state Republicans to resign after Attorney General Bill Mims ruled that it was improper for him to hold both jobs.

Pomata took the job without pay following the removal of former CIO Lemuel Stewart Jr. in June.

Stewart had suggested the state withhold $14 million in technology service payments to Northrop Grumman, which has a 10-year contract to overhaul state government computer systems. The deal has come under scrutiny in recent months as the company missed key deadlines and state agencies criticized the quality of service.

Legislative investigations of the technology deal have been initiated in recent months and several Republican lawmakers have been vocal critics of VITA.

The technology transformation has been behind schedule and so far failed to produce the cost savings expected when the deal began in 2005.

Northrop Grumman has said that it may need to exceed the $236 million annual payment cap it agreed to in order to continue providing technology services.

Company officials have told state officials they are working to complete the technology upgrades and resolve lingering problems. The company has until Aug. 30 to present a plan to fulfill contract terms under a deadline imposed by the state.

An analysis of the deal by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission is expected to be completed by October.