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Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations.

Goals

Agency Goals and Objectives

State Strategic Plan Goal Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Objectives

  • Redefine/improve Service Management process.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Implement our Enterprise Architecture Program.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Expand Project Management capability beyond IT projects.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

State Strategic Plan Goal Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart)
Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Objectives

  • Continue to eliminate data silos by providing secure central repositories for data collected by individuals and programs.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Develop a Geo-spatial strategy.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

State Strategic Plan Goal Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart)
Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Objectives

  • Educate staff on the availability and functionality of existing FWP IT resources.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Ongoing cyber-security education and awareness.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart)
  • Focus on providing a consistent positive experience for our customers by understanding their business processes and listening to their concerns.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with our internal and external customers.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Ensure employees have access to technology resources (hardware, software, systems, data, etc) needed to successfully perform their jobs.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

State Strategic Plan Goal Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Objectives

  • Oversee IT projects to ensure they are within the budget, the scope, and the timeline.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
  • Provide accurate project budgets to the Technology Steering Committee to ensure projects are prioritized correctly based on Agency objectives and budgets.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
  • Remove Divisional and Regional boundaries within projects to decrease the chances of duplicate systems and services.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

State Strategic Plan Goal Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Objectives

  • Provide Technology Services Division staff the opportunity to experience FWP field work to help connect them with the resources we protect and the customers that we support.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Maintain current career ladders and ensure career ladders are in place for all positions in TSD.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Explore creative ways to maintain and improve employee morale that don't rely on monetary rewards or incentives.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart)
    Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
  • Ensure training for technical skills and soft skills is available to improve productivity and communication within TSD.
    State Strategic Plan Objective Reference: Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)

Information Technology Resources and Capabilities

Number of FTE: 8

Provide in-house development of software specific to the natural resource management mission of the department. These FTE also support the ongoing enhancement and maintenance of all FWP developed systems with particular emphasis on the agency’s mission critical applications.

Number of FTE: 5

Provide project management, business analysis, and development support services to FWP’s technology program and its stakeholders. Process and policy development and customer outreach and relations are an important part of this group's mission, as well.

Number of FTE: 8

Provide geospatial data acquisition, management, analysis, dissemination and education for the department and the public. Staff is also responsible for the development and maintenance of web mapping applications used by staff and the public.

Number of FTE: 12

The Network Services Bureau (NSB) is responsible for the installation and management of all computers, servers, printers and other technology resources. To improve communication and meet agency needs, the NSB provides a service desk function that serves as the first level of support for employees and contractors conducting business for the agency. NSB also serves as a liaison between the agency and SITSD for wide area network services.

Number of FTE: 1

Provides administration of the FWP IT Security Program, Records Management Program, and servers as the agency Continuity of Operations Program Coordinator.

Number of FTE: 5

Promote communication, collaboration and integration. Dedicated to the study of building, evolving and operating rapidly-changing resilient systems at scale. Ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient database design; quality assurance; and secure implementations are critical functions of this bureau.

Number of FTE: 1

Responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing the vision and strategy for all technology at FWP. The CIO serves as the administrator of the Technology Services Division, guiding their individual efforts in a unified and strategic direction. The CIO is also the primary technology expert for FWP, responsible for identifying changing trends and making high-level decisions and changes to department-wide IT direction. The CIO makes decisions regarding technology policies, projects, and budget.

Projects

Division Agency-wide
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives This system will replace FWP’s Automated Licensing System (ALS). ALS is supported and maintained by FWP technical resources and is hosted in the State of Montana Data Center (SMDC). This system utilizes dedicated point of sale (POS) workstations at both FWP regional offices and local Providers, i.e. retailers, which runs on a specialized code called ALX. There is also a customer-facing website for the sale of hunting and fishing licenses developed and operated by a third-party vendor (Montana Interactive). The system will also replace the state park campsite reservation system used by the Parks Division. The current solution is a third-party software package developed and operated by Reserve America and is hosted on Reserve America servers through a partnership with the State of Idaho.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart), Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart), Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 7/1/2020 Estimated Delivery 12/31/2022
Estimated Cost 10,000,000 Comment
HB 10 Request Yes Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 2,500,000 - Comment: PR and DJ Federal Grants: 7,500,000 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 3,200,000 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project is 0% completed and none of the HB10 funds have been expended. The RFP for the project was developed and released on November 1, 2019. The RFP closed in February. The evaluation committee is in the process of evaluating the proposals submitted by vendors.

Division Agency-wide
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives A cornerstone of FWP’s mission is serving the public and being transparent about the management issues we face. Our website is pivotal in this effort and houses a tremendous amount of scientific data, historical wildlife and fisheries information, all while being our primary tool for public outreach, generating revenue, increasing visitation, constituency building and news dissemination. Additionally, the website serves as a critical portal for our Automated Licensing Service, point of sale and reservation platform. Website analytics prove that as our constituents become more digitally focused, the use of our website continues to increase. This includes web traffic to our information portals like the Hunt Planner and FishMT, along with an increase in the number of people purchasing licenses and camping reservations online. Unfortunately, our website technology and design has failed to keep up with the increase in use. As it currently functions, it is inefficient for agency users and difficult to navigate for the public. The primary goal of this project is to implement our website on a modern and maintainable platform. Additionally, new technology will allow us to take advantage of the structure, integrations, and features to provide a better experience to our customers.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart), Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 3/31/2020 Estimated Delivery 3/31/2021
Estimated Cost 200,000 Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 200,000 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, the contract for this project was finalized. This project is 0% completed and none of the funds have been expended.

Division Agency-wide
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives There are integrated audio systems in the commission meeting rooms in the headquarters office and at MT Wild. These systems are used in conjunction with the department's video conference systems to broadcast the Fish and Wildlife Commission and Park Board meetings to our regional offices and the agency’s public website. The age of this system impacts the quality of the audio that is currently being broadcast to the public.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 7/1/2021 Estimated Delivery 12/31/2021
Estimated Cost 200,000 Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 200,000 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 20,000 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project has not been started and none of the funds have been expended.

Division Administration and Technology Branch
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives The fleet management system assists management and staff in maintaining and managing vehicle assets as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.  Through improved information management and process examination, the organization will improve customer service, repairs and maintenance services, and increase staff efficiency and productivity with the use of a new system.  Complete, real time, easily accessible data will enhance staff and management ability to maximize availability, usage, and cost effectiveness of resources. The current system no longer meets these needs and the current vendor is phasing out support.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart), Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 7/1/2021 Estimated Delivery 9/1/2021
Estimated Cost 500,000 Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 500,000 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 50,000 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project has not been started and none of the funds have been expended.

Division Agency-wide
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives The Parks Division received an audit finding and recommendation from the State Park and Recreation Board to procure a Facilities Management System. Employees are currently collecting data in a survey and inventory tool that does not meet holistic Division needs; and can’t be used to produce reports or influence management decisions. A Facilities Management System could be used agency-wide to inventory and assist in the decision making process for maintenance schedules and improvements for all of the agency’s regional offices, hatcheries, parks, and other properties.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart), Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 7/1/2021 Estimated Delivery 3/31/2021
Estimated Cost 600,000 Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 600,000 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 60,000 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project has not been started and none of the funds have been expended.

Division Administration and Technology Branch
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives Currently the agency manages close to $48 million of incoming grant funds each year. There are over 350 contracts that consist of federal grants, private grants, and restricted donations. Each grant contract has specific requirements for billing, financial reporting, overhead assessed, and tracking. Currently the Accounting staff manages each grant manually. Grant Management Software would promote efficiency, improve services to the public and agency staff, and ensure financial responsibility and sustainability. The department has an audit recommendation from the Legislative Audit Division to reduce the time between expenditures and draws for federal grants. This system will help the agency be timelier with draws and invoices, which will also allow for better cash management.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 1 - Fiscal Responsibility (Spend Smart), Goal 2 - Optimization of shared services and support (Collaborate Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start 9/1/2020 Estimated Delivery 4/1/2021
Estimated Cost 85,500 Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 85,500 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 85,500 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project has not been started and none of the funds have been expended.

Division Enforcement
Project / Program Purpose and Objectives Ongoing support and expansion of the SmartCop program at FWP.
State Strategic Plan Goal/Objective Reference Goal 3 - Cybersecurity Enhancements and Strategy (Protect Smart), Goal 5 - Service First (Business Smart)
Estimated Start Estimated Delivery
Estimated Cost Comment
HB 10 Request No Funding Sources State Special Revenue: 477,850 - Comment:
Annual Costs Upon Completion 477,850 Comment
Status of the project as of March 31, even numbered years. Indicate % completed and status of funds expended. As of March 31, 2020, this project is fully implemented.

Summary of Hardware

I have reviewed all of my agency's systems in Assurance CM and certify that it is accurate: Yes

Total Number of Appliances 1 Bomgar Virtual Appliance
Total Number of Physical Servers 0
Total Number of Virtualized Servers 0
Total Usable Storage Space 20 TB
Device Type Quantity Estimated Replacement Value Comments
Desktops 302 226,500
Laptops 615 851,775
Tablets/Smartphones 298/333 Quantity & $104,300/$166,500 Replacement Value
Toughbooks 120 774,720
Printers 637 191,100
Cameras 927 278,100
Thin Clients 38 16,150
ALX Point of Sale Systems 482 482,000

Agency Contact Information

Agency Director / Administrator
Martha Williams
406-444-3186
martha.williams@mt.gov
1420 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
IT Contact (CIO / IT Manager)
Jessica Plunkett
406-444-5513
jplunkett@mt.gov
1625 11th Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Information Security Manager
Rebecca Cooper
406-444-4756
rcooper@mt.gov
1615 11th Ave, Helena, MT 59601