N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-1365: Data centers.

(a) The State CIO shall create an inventory of data center operations in the executive branch and shall develop and implement a detailed, written plan for consolidation of agency data centers in the most efficient manner possible. By May 1, 2016, the State CIO shall present a report on the data center consolidation plan to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology and the Fiscal Research Division.

(b) State agencies shall use the State infrastructure to host their projects, services, data, and applications. The State Chief Information Officer may grant an exception if the State agency can demonstrate any of the following:

(1) Using an outside contractor would be more cost-effective for the State.

(2) The Department does not have the technical capabilities required to host the application.

(3) Valid security requirements preclude the use of State infrastructure, and a vendor can provide a more secure environment. (2015-241, s. 7A.2(b).)