The use of the two character state codes and the FIPS codes for counties in related databases are two other standards that could be adopted with minimal problems. Generally the first recommendation for obtaining data for a GIS project is to check all sources to see what is already available. This is something your GIS coordinator can assist with. Costs sharing on new data creation is another good alternative. There are a number of contractors who have been utilized by other natural resource agencies, and are known to provide a good quality product.
Some guidelines are also available to use when contracting to get quality data.
The real issue on digitizing data in the regions is available trained staff and time. Digitizing large amounts of data at a field office should be the LAST resort. Digitizing is a complex and time-consuming process. The resulting data forms the basis of your future work. While digitizing in the office controls the costs, it is slow when you're trying to fit it in between all the other work.