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Indiana’s Contracts with Chinese Government-Owned Technology Vendors
Sensitive Personal and Financial Information is at Risk
Learn More about the Impact in Indiana
The Problem
Chinese government-owned technology manufacturers, including Lenovo, have been banned by U.S. military and intelligence agencies because of security vulnerabilities. (Read the report)
Who can take action?
Erin Kellam, Deputy Commissioner of Procurement who facilitates the purchasing and contracting activities of all state agencies. (Read more)
Tracy Barnes, Indiana’s Chief Information Officer, who “provides strategic oversight of the State’s technology portfolio, as well as leadership on technology and cybersecurity policy.” (Read more)
What actions have Congressional Leaders taken?
Representative Jim Banks has worked to stop Chinese acquisitions of American companies during the COVID-19 crisis, calling for expanded CFIUS review of Chinese attempts to purchase American companies.
Representative Jackie Walorski has called for hearings to investigate attempted Chinese hacking of government bodies, stating Chinese government agents “target intellectual property and confidential business information.”
The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation 94-0 banning purchases from two Chinese-owned telecommunications companies, Huawei Technologies and ZTE. The bill also passed 50-0 in the State Senate.
Analysis
Despite military and intelligence agency bans, the Indiana State Government has spent $14,399.39 on Lenovo products in recent years. (See the State’s Freedom of Information Act request response here and our summary here.)
Select Vulnerabilities:
The use of banned Chinese government-owned technology vendors by these agencies endangers Indiana’s personal and financial information.
The Indiana Court of Appeals is the second-highest court in the state and hears appeals from state courts and other agencies. They have spent $3,309.28 on Lenovo equipment.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Family Resources division is responsible for establishing eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. They have spent $4,932.55 on Lenovo equipment.
The Indiana Judicial Center assists the Supreme Court in its role as the head of Indiana’s judicial system by developing education, programs, and projects for all courts to improve the administration of justice. They have spent $894.42 on Lenovo equipment.
The Indiana Supreme Court – Office of Judicial Administration is responsible for the efficient administration of all agencies that operate under the direction of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court. They have spent $5,084.28 on Lenovo equipment.