Communications

Release Date	Communication
June 26, 2025	Email: Governor Gianforte Centralization Announcement to All Employees
June 26, 2025	Email: Director Giles Centralization Announcement to All Employees
July 1, 2025	Executive Order: Integrating Information Technology Resources and Creating an Enterprise Information Technology Governance

FAQs

Below are answers to the most frequently asked state employee questions.
Questions may be submitted to DOAdirector@mt.gov.

If I work in HR, IT, or procurement role, will I become a DOA employee as part of the centralization initiative?

Over the next several months, DOA will conduct discovery meetings with executive branch agencies to understand the duties of each position within these service areas. At the completion of these discovery activities, DOA will recommend services, organizational structures, and positions for transfer to agency leaders.

Will jobs be eliminated as part of this centralization effort?

There are no plans for a reduction in force as part of this effort. As positions are vacated, management will assess enterprise needs and evaluate efficiencies gained through centralization before making the decision to fill.

May employees voluntarily elect to be RIF’d as part of this centralization initiative?

No. Voluntary reduction in force benefits is not being offered.

When will identified employees become DOA employees?

Transitions would not take place for several months. The actual transfer dates have not yet been identified.

Will employees need to reapply for their current positions?

No.

Is there currently a hiring freeze in place for positions in HR, IT, and procurement?

The Governor’s executive order covering IT centralization activities does state there is a hiring freeze in place. However, hiring can take place upon approval of the State CIO to ensure business needs are met.

Will agency-level payroll staff be part of this centralization effort?

Agency payroll services and duties will be assessed during discovery meetings with agencies and a recommendation put forward for consideration.

Will agency-level safety staff be part of this centralization effort?

There are no plans to centralize safety roles or duties at this time.

Where will I be located upon transfer to DOA?

In most cases, employees will remain located with the agency they provide direct service and support to in this model. As the Mitchell Building undergoes remodeling, and organizational support models evolve, some employees may be relocated as space allows and if deemed necessary based on your role and responsibilities.

If I am presently located outside of Helena, will I be required to physically move?

There are no plans to have employees move upon transfer to DOA to ensure regional support is provided under current agency models.

Will my pay be reduced upon transfer to DOA?

No, and longevity pay will also not be changed as the transfer will not constitute a break in service. Future pay actions will follow the state’s Broadband Pay Policy and DOA’s compensation process.

Will my job duties and classification be changed upon transfer to DOA?

Not initially, however, job duties may evolve upon placement into your new organizational structure which may necessitate a classification review and possible change in the future. If job duties are changed, training will be provided.

Is there a plan to implement career ladders as part of the centralization activities?

Yes. There are current activities underway to explore career ladders opportunities. Other occupations associated with this effort will also be reviewed as service models and organizational structures are recommended.

Will I retain my current role as a manager upon transfer to DOA?

Centralization may reduce the number of managers needed due to efficiencies gained. Every effort will be made to utilize existing managers in comparable roles in the new organizational structure within DOA.

Will I manage the same people I currently have in my business area now?

Organizational structures have not been established at this time. However, in most cases yes, business units will be kept whole to align with the service needs of the entity supported. In some cases, reorganizations may occur to support the overall enterprise direction of the centralization effort.

Will there be any changes to my health and retirement benefits upon transfer to DOA?

No. Additionally, the date of transfer to DOA will not be considered a qualifying reason to amend your current health plan.

Will my leave balances be affected by this transfer?

Annual and sick leave cannot be reduced per state policy. Exempt compensatory time will be transferred without reduction. Excess annual and exempt time will be carried over and subject to the same provisions of removal at calendar year end per policy. Non-exempt compensatory time may be cashed out prior to transfer based on budgetary considerations.

If I’m in a union, will I continue to be in my bargaining unit upon transfer to DOA?

Union organizations are aware of the state’s centralization initiative. If you have questions about how centralization may impact your bargaining unit, you are encouraged to discuss it with your union representative.

If I have approved FMLA and/or workplace accommodations stemming from medical necessity, will these arrangements continue upon transfer to DOA?

In most cases FMLA leave will continue as outlined in a current medical certification form on file upon transfer. In rare cases, employees may be required to recertify for eligibility as required in policy.

Will I be required to start a new probationary period upon transfer to DOA?

Employees who have earned ‘permanent status’ at their current agency will be considered permanent upon transfer to DOA per policy. Employees currently in a probationary status will be considered probationary per the terms of their initial probationary period.

If I’m non-exempt presently, will I be made exempt upon transfer to DOA?

As part of the transition process, positions will be evaluated for FLSA consistency with DOA positions in the same classification. This may result in some positions being reclassified to exempt in some cases.

If I am currently under corrective action in my current agency, will the status change upon transfer to DOA?

Personnel actions will be reviewed prior to transfer and be reassigned to a DOA HR resource to support going forward.

If I am in a training assignment in my current agency will this transfer to DOA?

Existing training assignments will be honored as signed by appropriate parties and in accordance with the Broadband Pay Policy.

Will I be required to complete a background check as part of my transfer to DOA?

Some positions, mainly in IT, may require an elevated background check as a condition of employment in DOA. Employees will be informed of any requirements in advance of their transition.

Will my employee/personnel files be transferred to DOA?

Yes.

Are there any plans for centralization of other administrative functions, such as accounting, budgeting, legal, etc.?

There are currently no plans for the centralization of other administrative functions.

Are those in business analyst roles part of the IT centralization effort?

Business analyst roles perform duties in a variety of functional areas. Those roles associated with IT work will be assessed during discovery meetings with agencies and a recommendation put forward.

Some agency administrative roles associated with the centralization effort are federally funded. How will this be handled?

A funding analysis will be done as part of the discovery process to understand the potential options and financial models that would support the centralization effort.