By The Numbers: Ways DOGE-OK is cutting government waste in Oklahoma

Governor Kevin Stitt is pushing forward with DOGE OK, an initiative aimed at identifying and eliminating government inefficiencies and waste. The program, first announced in his State of the State address, is projected to save Oklahoma approximately $8,989,720 through targeted cost-cutting measures, according to the DOGE-OK website.

Key Areas of Savings

Cellphone Reduction (OMES)

1. Eliminated 316 cellphones and devices.
2. Savings: $217,432 annually.
3. Status: In Progress.

Celonis Software (OMES)

1. Audits state agency purchases in real time, preventing rogue purchasing.
2. Identified $8.48 billion of exempt purchases and corrected $193 million of miscoded exemptions.
3. Reduced OMES audit team from 12 to 6 employees.
4. Savings: About $359,082 (6 FTEs) and 62,000 FTE hours/year.
5. Status: In Progress.

Automated Mowers (OMES)

1. Purchased automated mowers to maintain Capitol grounds.
2. Eliminates need for contracted employees.
3. Savings: $200,000 annually.
4. Status: In Progress.

LED Lighting Program (OMES)

1. Replacing lights with energy-efficient LEDs.
2. Received a $42,000 rebate for a completed retrofit project.
3. Expanding to other agencies.
4. Status: In Progress.

Fleet Reduction (ODAFF)

1. Reduced fleet by 41 vehicles.
2. Savings: $348,005 so far, with ongoing efforts through 2025.
3. Status: In Progress.

Disaster Recovery Colocation (OMES)

1. Negotiated a new facility with improved disaster recovery capabilities.
2. Savings: $3,500,000.
3. Status: In Progress.

Phone Line Reduction (OKDHS)

1. Disconnected legacy phone services, reducing monthly billing from $185,000 to $3,500.
2. Savings: $2,178,000 annually.
3. Status: In Progress.

Modernizing Hosted Voice Services (OKDHS)

1. Disconnected unused desk phones and switched to direct billing.
2. Reduced monthly costs by $19,164, saving $229,969 annually.
3. Status: In Progress.

Wireless Phone Rates (OKDHS)

1. Negotiated better rates, reducing costs by $10 per device.
2. Savings: $780,000 annually.
3. Status: In Progress.

Contract Negotiations (CLO)

1. Reviewed and renegotiated contracts to cut costs.
2. Savings: $31,652.
3. Status: Complete.

Terminated International Contracts (ODOC)

1. Ended three international consulting contracts and disputed a service bill.
2. Savings: $888,900.
3. Status: Complete.

Invoice Tracker (OKDHS)

1. Replaced outdated email process with an automated invoice tool.
2. Reduced invoice processing time from 45+ days to 23 days.
3. Saves 715 hours annually.
4. Status: Complete.

OREC Chatbot and SMS Renewal Reminders

1. Added chatbot to assist with license status, compliance questions, and live chat.
2. Automated SMS renewal reminders to reduce license lapse rates.
3. Savings: $159,580 annually (2 FTEs).
4. Status: In Progress.

OREC Mobile App

1. Developed a mobile app for accessing real estate rules, public registry, and education resources.
2. Saves about 1 FTE per year, with savings of $55,100.
3. Status: In Progress.

Governor Stitt’s Vision

Governor Stitt emphasized that these initiatives are about creating a more efficient government while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

"By making this data easily available, we’re empowering citizens and leaders to drive smarter, leaner, and more responsible government," Stitt said. "DOGE-OK will help identify and root out inefficiencies and government waste. It’s an essential part of making us a top ten state."

Executive order:

Read the full executive order.