About Us

Defining the Applications Team at NDIT

The Applications Team at NDIT is a multifaceted unit that encompasses several specialized groups, each playing a crucial role in the development, support, and enhancement of applications across various domains. Comprising the Application Development Team, Business Application Support Team, State Website Platform Team, Testing, Methodologies/CoE, Business Analysis, and EDMS Teams, this collective effort ensures robust, efficient, and innovative application solutions for the organization.

Functions and Capabilities:

1. Application Development Team:
   • Role: Design and develop custom software applications or integration of SaaS solutions to meet specific business needs.
   • Capabilities: Programming, low code/no code, and creating scalable applications.
   • Focus: Innovation, modernization, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
2. Business Application Support Team:
   • Role: Provide ongoing support and maintenance for existing applications.
   • Capabilities: Troubleshooting, issue resolution, and ensuring application reliability.
   • Focus: User satisfaction, continuous improvement, and minimizing downtime.
3. State Website Platform Team:
   • Role: Manage and enhance the state's official website platform.
   • Capabilities: Web development, content management, and user experience optimization.
   • Focus: Accessibility, information dissemination, and public engagement.
4. Testing:
   • Role: Validate and ensure the quality of applications before deployment.
   • Capabilities: Testing methodologies, quality assurance, and bug tracking.
   • Focus: Minimizing errors, improving user experience, and optimizing performance.
5. Methodologies/CoE (Center of Excellence):
   • Role: Define and promote best practices, standards, and methodologies.
   • Capabilities: Establishing frameworks, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
   • Focus: Consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement in development processes.
6. Business Analysis:
   • Role: Analyze business processes, gather requirements, and bridge communication gaps.
   • Capabilities: Requirement elicitation, process modeling, and stakeholder communication.
   • Focus: Ensuring technology solutions align with business needs and goals.
7. EDMS (Enterprise Document Management Systems) Team:
   • Role: Manage systems for organizing and storing electronic documents.
   • Capabilities: Document digitization, metadata management, and access control.
   • Focus: Information governance, compliance, and efficient document workflows.  
      

Overall Role and Impact:

The Applications Team collectively acts as the backbone of NDIT's technological ecosystem, driving the creation, maintenance, and optimization of applications that empower the organization to meet its objectives efficiently and innovatively. By combining diverse skill sets and focusing on specific functions, this team ensures applications are reliable, secure, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the organization and its stakeholders.  

Defining the Data Team at NDIT

The Data Team at NDIT is a pivotal unit comprising Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Data and Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. This cohesive team plays a vital role in shaping and implementing the organization's enterprise data strategy, ensuring the effective sharing, accessibility, and ethical usage of state data.

Functions and Capabilities:

1. Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
   • Role: Manage hosting of geospatial technology and geospatial data shared by state agency data stewards.
   • Capabilities: Provide open access to shared geospatial data and systems used in data-driven decisions.
   • Focus: Support state agencies in the development of their geospatial systems and the dissemination of common interest data to other levels of government and the public.
2. Data and Analytics:
   • Role: Drive data-driven decision-making through analysis and interpretation.
   • Capabilities: Data exploration, business intelligence, descriptive/statistical analysis, data visualization, survey design/development and analysis.
   • Focus: Uncovering actionable insights, trends, and patterns within datasets.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
   • Role: Implement AI and Automation technologies, including supporting data services, to enhance process automation and the advanced analytics behind AI based solutions.
   • Capabilities: Machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive modeling. Attended and unattended robotic automation workflow development and support.
   • Focus: Leveraging advanced technologies for improved decision support and automation of business functions at scale.   
      

Enterprise Data Strategy:

The North Dakota Information Technology Data Team is dedicated to crafting and executing a statewide data strategy that aligns with organizational goals. This includes assisting State Agencies with:

• Data Discovery: Identifying and cataloging available data, determining its sources and relevance.
• Understanding Data Usage: Analyzing how data is utilized, who utilizes it, and for what specific purposes.
• Governance: Classifying data, ensuring proper usage according to policies, and maintaining compliance.
• Data Consumption: Fully utilizing data assets to make informed, strategic decisions.  
   

Overall Role and Impact:

The Data Team's commitment to fostering data-driven decision-making remains unwavering, driving NDIT towards a future where data is not just a resource but a powerful tool for innovation and strategic planning.  
 

Defining the Technology Team at NDIT

The Technology Team at NDIT is a dynamic and multi-faceted unit, comprising specialized groups that collaboratively drive the organization's technological initiatives. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and strategic alignment, the team plays a central role in shaping NDIT's technology landscape.

Functions and Capabilities:

1. Public Safety:
   • Role: Enhance technology solutions to support public safety operations across the State.
   • Capabilities: Crisis response systems, 911, data analytics for law enforcement, and emergency communication technologies.
   • Focus: Leveraging technology to improve the capabilities, effectiveness and responsiveness of public safety services.
2. Enterprise Architects:
   • Role: Develop and maintain the overarching technology architecture for the enterprise.
   • Capabilities: Strategic capabilities management, system design, integration planning, and technology road mapping.
   • Focus: Ensuring the coherence and scalability of technology and business solutions across state government.
3. Broadband:
   • Role: Drive initiatives to expand and optimize broadband infrastructure access and adoption across the state.
   • Capabilities: Broadband planning, deployment, and optimization.
   • Focus: Bridging the digital divide and fostering connectivity for citizens and organizations.
4. Cloud and Infrastructure:
   • Role: Manage and optimize cloud-based solutions and overall IT connectivity and platform infrastructure.
   • Capabilities: Cloud architecture, infrastructure deployment, and maintenance.
   • Focus: Ensuring robust, scalable, and secure technology foundations for the enterprise.
5. Service Management:
   • Role: Oversee the effective delivery and management of IT services.
   • Capabilities: Service desk operations, incident management, and service process optimization.
   • Focus: Enhancing the user experience and ensuring the effective support and management of technology operations.

Collaborative Synergy:

The Technology Team operates cohesively, fostering collaboration among its diverse units. This synergy is pivotal for aligning technological efforts with the overarching goals of NDIT, ensuring a unified and strategic approach to technology.

Strategic Contribution:

Collectively, the Technology Team significantly contributes to NDIT's strategic objectives. From optimizing infrastructure to deploying innovative solutions for public safety and broadband access, each unit plays a vital role in driving the organization's technological advancement.

As NDIT continues to evolve in the technology landscape, the Technology Team remains at the forefront of innovation, steering the organization toward excellence in technology adoption and implementation.  
 

Defining the Security Team at NDIT

The Security Team at NDIT is a dedicated unit responsible for safeguarding the state's information assets and ensuring the resilience of its cybersecurity posture. Under the leadership of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the team operates within the comprehensive framework of the state's cybersecurity program, aligned with the guidance of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). 

Functions and Capabilities: 

1. Security Governance:
   • Role: Work as one with our agency partners to create, oversee and enforce security policies, procedures, and standards.
   • Capabilities: Policy development, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local regulations. 
2. Information Security Officers:
   • Role: The Information Security Officer (ISO) plays an essential role with agencies to engaging agency leadership with information security risk
   • Capabilities: Working with agencies and political sub-divisions to protect information, monitor emerging risks and advise on needed cybersecurity controls and mitigations
3. Risk Management:
   • Role: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to information assets. 
   • Capabilities: Risk assessments, risk analysis, third-party risk management, and use of risk management to reduce threats to the state, its agencies, and citizen data. 
4. Vulnerability Management:
   • Role: Deploy security tools and technologies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. 
   • Capabilities: Continuous monitoring, penetration testing, threat hunting, and a proactive response to emerging threats. 
5. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
   • Role: Develop and maintain strategies to reduce outages of critical systems and for the recovery of critical systems in the event of a disaster.
   • Capabilities: Planning, testing, and implementation of business continuity and disaster recovery protocols.
6. Security Awareness and Cyber Education:
   • Role: Educate and train all stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity awareness. 
   • Capabilities: Security training programs, awareness campaigns, and promoting a culture of security.
7. Incident & Response:
   • Role: Rapidly respond to and mitigate cybersecurity incidents. 
   • Capabilities: Incident response planning, threat handling, forensics, and malware analysis. 
8. Cyber Infrastructure: 
   • Role: Manage the deployment of security-related tools and technologies. 
   • Capabilities: Infrastructure security, ensuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity tools. 
9. Cyber Active Defense:
   • Role: Conduct penetration testing and identify emerging threats. 
   • Capabilities: Proactive threat intelligence, testing for vulnerabilities, and collaboration with state and multi-state partners. 
10. Retention Policies and Compliance:
    • Role: Develop, educate, and enforce retention policies in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 
    • Capabilities: Regularly review and update retention policies, ensuring adherence to relevant laws and standards. 
11. Secure Records Storage: 
    • Role: Implement secure storage practices for physical and digital records. 
    • Capabilities: Audit compliance of both physical and digital, to prevent unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information and stay in compliance of federal laws, state laws, and North Dakota Century Code. 

Collaborative Approach:

The Security Team operates collaboratively, fostering partnerships with various stakeholders to strengthen the state's overall cybersecurity resilience. 

As guardians of the state's digital assets, the Security Team remains committed to adapting to evolving threats, upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity, and fortifying the state's information security posture.   
 

Defining Shared Services and Business Operations at NDIT:

The Shared Services and Business Operations team at NDIT is a dynamic group encompassing various essential functions to support the overall efficiency, communication, and strategic alignment of the organization.

Functions and Capabilities:

1. Strategic Communications:
   • Role: Develop and execute communication strategies to keep internal and external stakeholders informed about NDIT's initiatives, achievements, and key information.
   • Capabilities: Craft engaging content, manage internal and external communications, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
2. Technology Outreach and Change Management:
   • Role: Facilitate technology outreach programs and manage change processes to ensure smooth transitions and user adoption of new technologies.
   • Capabilities: Conduct outreach events, training sessions, and provide resources to ease the integration of new technologies within the organization.
3. EduTech:
   • Role: Oversee educational technology initiatives, providing resources and support for training programs and educational tools.
   • Capabilities: Develop, implement, and support educational technology solutions for continuous learning and skill development.
4. Operations:
   • Role: Manage day-to-day operational activities, ensuring the smooth functioning of NDIT's internal processes.
   • Capabilities: Streamline operational workflows, handle logistics, and support various teams in achieving their objectives.
5. HR (Human Resources):
   • Role: Human Resources encompasses a wide range of functions, geared toward effectively managing and bolstering its human capital.
   • Capabilities: Wide range of functions to overarching human resources responsibilities; talent acquisition, onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits management, HR policies and compliance, employee engagement and retention, employee well-being, organizational development and succession/workforce planning. 

Overall Role and Impact:

This team serves as the backbone of NDIT, ensuring smooth operations, effective communication, and strategic facilitation. By providing crucial support in areas such as communications, change management, education, operations, and human resources, the Shared Services and Business Operations team plays a pivotal role in enhancing the organizational ecosystem.  
 

Defining the IT Business Management Office at NDIT

The IT Business Management Office (BMO) at NDIT serves as the strategic hub that aligns technology initiatives with business objectives. Comprised of key entities like the Technology Business Partners (TBPs), Project Management Office (PMO), Fiscal and Vendor Management, and ND Health Information Network (HIN), the BMO plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency and innovation within the organization.

Functions and Capabilities:

1. Technology Business Partners (TBPs):
   • Collaborate with business units to understand their needs and goals.
   • Translate business requirements into technology solutions.
   • Foster strong relationships between IT and various partners.
2. Project Management Office (PMO):
   • Ensure projects are executed on time, within scope, and on budget.
   • Provide standardized project management methodologies.
   • Provide project oversight for large IT projects.
3. Fiscal and Vendor Management:
   • Facilitate budget, service fees and chargeback for all program areas.
   • Oversee vendor relationships and contract management.
   • Manage financial acumen across the organization
4. ND Health Information Network (HIN):
   • Focus on health-related technology initiatives and data exchange.
   • Enhance collaboration between healthcare entities and technology solutions.
   • Ensure compliance with healthcare data standards and regulations.

Overall Role and Impact:

The IT BMO is the linchpin that connects technology initiatives with the broader organizational strategy. It ensures that IT projects are not only technologically sound but also aligned with the business's vision and objectives. By fostering collaboration, managing projects efficiently, nurturing external partnerships, and addressing healthcare-specific needs, the IT BMO contributes significantly to the success and innovation of NDIT.

In essence, the IT BMO serves as the driving force behind a holistic approach to technology management, ensuring that IT investments translate into tangible and strategic business value.  
 

• All computers with a human interface
• All computer peripherals which will not operate unless connected to a computer or network
• All voice, video and data networks and the equipment, staff and purchased services necessary to operate them
• All salary and benefits for staff whose job descriptions specifically includes technology functions, i.e. network services, applications development, systems administration
• All technology services provided by vendors or contractors
• Operating costs associated with providing information technology
• All costs associated with developing, purchasing, licensing or maintaining software

Agencies may wish to include other costs at their discretion. For example, an agency may wish to include digital cameras in their IT budget even though they can be operated stand-alone. Data entry personnel may be included if they are considered part of the technology staff. Costs that are excluded above may be included if they are an integral part of a computer applications or would be difficult to break out because the costs are included with other information technology costs.

• Telephone and radio equipment and switches used for voice communications.
• Traditional computer applications that include data storage and programs to input, process, and output the data.
• Software and support for office automation systems such as word processing and spreadsheets, as well as the computer to run them.
• Users' PCs and software.
• Server hardware and software used to support applications such as electronic mail/groupware, file and print services, database, application/ web servers, storage systems, and other hosting services.
• Data, voice, and video networks and all associated communications equipment and software.
• Peripherals directly connected to computer information systems used to collect or transmit audio, video or graphic information, such as scanners and digitizers.
• Voice response systems that interact with a computer database or application.
• The state radio communications network.
• Computers and network systems used by teachers, trainers, and students for educational purposes
• "Open/integrated" computer systems that monitor or automate mechanical or chemical processes and also store information used by computer applications for analysis and decision-making, such as a building management system.
• All operating costs, equipment and staff time associated with supporting the technology infrastructure of the agency, possibly including items excluded above, such as video equipment used for technology training that is included in the information systems cost center for the agency.

• "Closed/stand-alone" computer systems that monitor or automate mechanical or chemical processes, such as the fire alarm system in the capitol building.
• Audio-visual equipment which can be operated as a standalone piece of equipment, such as televisions, tape recorders, VCRs, video cameras, and overhead projectors. Stand-alone video editing equipment is excluded.
• Copy machines and fax machines.
• Licenses or subscriptions to electronic information provided to users in lieu of books or magazines.
• Salaries of staff who use technology but are not directly involved in developing, implementing or supporting technology as documented on their job description questionnaire (JDQ). Data entry staff, staff who digitize drawings, staff who do desktop publishing are excluded. "Power users" who use advanced features of spreadsheets or word processing software are excluded.
• Data entry services