Concourse

Montana

IT Status Report & Strategic Plan

February 23, 2026 · Version 2.0

Executive Summary

Governor

Greg Gianforte (R)

CIO

Kevin Gilbertson

CISO

Chris Santucci

IT Organization

State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD)

State Agencies

18

Population

1.1M

✓ Key Strengths

  • Montana secured $300M in BEAD funding with final federal approval in November 2025, one of the first states to complete the process -- 32 projects across 19 service providers will connect 68,000+ locations including critical community institutions
  • Right to Compute Act (SB 212) enacted in 2025 establishing fundamental digital rights and AI risk management requirements for critical infrastructure -- positions Montana as national leader in computational rights legislation
  • Governor Gianforte's Executive Order 5-2025 (406 JOBS initiative) directs state agencies to expand AI training opportunities for workforce readiness, aligning state strategy with federal goals and preparing 100,000+ unemployed Montanans for AI-driven economy
  • CyberMontana legislative initiative provides statewide cybersecurity education and workforce development across all 56 counties, offering programs from K-12 STEM camps to professional certifications and women in cybersecurity support

⚠ Key Risks

  • Vast geography (147,040 sq miles, 4th largest state) with low population density (7.5 per sq mile) creates extreme challenges for broadband deployment, IT service delivery, and cybersecurity coverage across 56 counties
  • Montana Cybersecurity Enhancement Project identified significant vulnerabilities requiring sustained investment -- cybersecurity posture improvement is ongoing but gaps remain in threat detection across state agencies
  • State employee recruitment challenges in cybersecurity and IT positions -- competing with private sector and larger state governments for talent in a state with limited technology industry presence
  • BEAD program complexity with 32 projects across 19 service providers including controversial inclusion of Starlink LEO satellite requires robust project management and accountability mechanisms

Capability Areas

Capability Radar

Cybersecurity & …AI & AutomationDigital Governme…Data Management …Workforce & TalentCloud ServicesBroadband & Conn…IT Procurement &…Interoperability…Legacy Moderniza…
Montana

Current IT Projects

ProjectStatusDescriptionTimeline
BEAD Broadband DeploymentApproved$300M federal broadband program connecting 68,000+ locations across Montana. 32 projects across 19 service providers selected using fiber, fixed wireless, and LEO satellite technologies. Montana was among the first states to receive final NTIA approval.2025-2029
Montana Cybersecurity Enhancement ProjectIn ProgressMulti-year initiative under SITSD Long-Range Information Technology Program to significantly improve state cybersecurity posture by reducing vulnerabilities, enhancing threat detection, and modernizing security infrastructure across agencies.2024-2027
406 JOBS AI Workforce InitiativeActiveGovernor's Executive Order 5-2025 directing state agencies to expand AI training opportunities aligned with federal workforce goals. Includes education partnerships, industry collaboration, and small business AI adoption support.2025-2027
Digital Equity and Opportunity ProgramIn Progress$6.9M NTIA-funded program implementing Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan across four focus areas: broadband availability, service affordability, device access, and digital skills training over five years.2024-2029
CyberMontana Statewide Education InitiativeActiveLegislature-funded cybersecurity education and workforce development program covering all 56 counties. Includes K-12 STEM camps, professional certifications, Montana Code School boot camps, and Women in Cybersecurity programs.2024-2027
2024-2026 State IT Strategic Plan ImplementationIn ProgressExecution of biennial IT strategic plan goals including cloud modernization, digital transformation, data integration, and process optimization across state agencies under CIO Kevin Gilbertson's leadership.2024-2026

100-Day Strategic Plan

Quick-win initiatives for immediate impact

200-Day Strategic Plan

Strategic initiatives for sustained transformation

Sources

  1. Montana State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  2. SITSD IT Plans -- 2024-2026 State IT Strategic Plan (accessed 2026-02-23)
  3. Montana Digital Government Summit 2025 -- CIO Gilbertson and CISO Santucci (accessed 2026-02-23)
  4. Governor's Office: Final Federal Approval of BEAD Funds ($300M) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  5. ConnectMT Broadband Program -- BEAD Funding Details (accessed 2026-02-23)
  6. Montana Right to Compute Act (SB 212) -- AI Risk Management Legislation (accessed 2026-02-23)
  7. GovTech: Executive Order Targets AI Readiness for Montana Workforce (EO 5-2025) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  8. CyberMontana -- Statewide Cybersecurity Education Initiative (accessed 2026-02-23)
  9. SITSD Cybersecurity Reporting and NOSC Operations (accessed 2026-02-23)
  10. Montana Biennial Report on Information Technology (2023) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  11. Montana IT Budget -- Governor's Executive Budget Volume 10 (accessed 2026-02-23)
  12. SITSD Enterprise IT Financial Workgroup (EITFW) Meeting Minutes (accessed 2026-02-23)
  13. Benton Institute: Montana Advances Opportunity with Digital Equity (accessed 2026-02-23)
  14. NCSL: Cybersecurity 2025 Legislation -- Montana Workforce Provisions (accessed 2026-02-23)
  15. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Montana (accessed 2026-02-23)
  16. NASCIO 2025 State CIO Top 10 Priorities (accessed 2026-02-23)