Department of Agriculture

Goals

Update: Standardizing has been critical to help bring efficiencies with streamlined purchases, processes, systems and communications. This has been especially important with our small IT team, increased remote support needs, turnover and general growing demands. Taking advantage of opportunities to standardize is ongoing.

Objectives

  • Improve IT governance, guidelines and standards
    Update: Implemented processes that improved employee on-boarding and off-boarding workflow, involving IT, Human Resources and Fiscal teams. Guidelines established for computer and mobile device use during international travel. Continuing work on hardware life-cycle planning.
  • Optimize IT resource and development frameworks
    Update: Upgraded our analytical laboratory database from Oracle to SQL and moved it to a shared SQL environment in the Montana Data Center. Working towards implementing ServiceNow ticketing system.
  • Implement comprehensive IT inventory management system
    Update: This objective is being carried forward. We are at beginning stages of implementing ServiceNow, and after implementing the ticketing system, are looking forward to implementing the ServiceNow Asset Management system.

Update: We have had progress upgrading some of our existing systems and adopting current and new technologies. Work in this area is ongoing.

Objectives

  • Upgrade legacy applications and systems
    Update: We have upgraded our Analytical Lab system to a newer software version, converted the database from Oracle to SQL and moved both the application server and SQL database to the Montana Data Center. Analytical staff now access the LMS workstation client through Citrix, allowing all analytical data transactions to occur within the Data Center, improving overall system performance and centralizing management.
  • Enhance worker mobility and accommodation by implementing modern remote access technologies and remotely accessible applications
    Update: Using RDP.mt.gov, Citrix, and VPN technologies, all department users are now able to access internal resources from remote locations. In the case of field inspections, staff are able to collect data while out of cellular service range, and later sync to primary systems. We have expanded the use of managed mobile devices and provide education, support and resources to leverage existing Microsoft remote collaboration tools for both PC and mobile. Implemented and support OnTheGo solution for Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Program inspections and AccessGov solutions for Hemp License Applications, Apiary Registrations, Hail Insurance Applications and Loss Claims, and Organic Certification Online Fee Payments.
  • Evaluate Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Unified Workspace (UW). Implement where beneficial
    Update: The need to evaluate Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Unified Workspace is ongoing. This objective has been carried forward.

Update: Though we are pro-active with user education and efforts to implement device hardening recommendations, we continue to be challenged with thinly spread resources for having opportunities to become sufficiently familiar with several security tools currently available to us (e.g. Tenable and F5 ASM). Efforts to improve in these areas and around security of existing systems is ongoing.

Objectives

  • Review system security plans for all critical information systems
    Update: No progress. This Objective has been carried forward.
  • Conduct Risk Assessments on all critical information systems
    Update: No progress.
  • Continue to develop IT Security Program
    Update: All department staff participate in annual security training and receive ongoing incidental security education and feedback. IT staff continue to gain more familiarity with security tools including Microsoft Endpoint Security, SentinelOne, Tenable and F5 ASM, and continue to support Enterprise security efforts including implementing device hardening recommendations.

Update: Though we have seen efficiencies with the adoption of Docusign, there is room for expansion to additional areas in need of document signing and workflow. We would like to examine other solutions that could provide similar functionality with less cost.

Objectives

  • Implement workflow and document management system
    Update: DocuSign has been implemented for document approval and routing for multiple forms, saving us paper and time. We can route a form for quick approvals, even when approvers are away from the office. We have leveraged DocuSign for Foreign Travel Requests, Out of State Travel Requests, Lodging Reimbursements, Mobile Device User Agreement Forms, Personal Vehicle Use Authorization, Teleworking Agreement and Travel Expense Vouchers.
  • Implement digital signature system
    Update: DocuSign has served as a signature system for both internal and external signature needs.

Agency Contact Information

Agency Director / Administrator
Ben Thomas
(406) 444-5440
Benjamin.Thomas@mt.gov
PO Box 200201, Helena MT 59620-0201
Information Technology Contact
(CIO / IT Manager)
Todd Magill
(406) 444-2934
ToddMagill@mt.gov
PO Box 200201, Helena MT 59620-0201
Information Security Manager
Todd Magill
(406) 444-2934
ToddMagill@mt.gov
PO Box 200201, Helena MT 59620-0201