(1) Each state agency director will submit its final information technology plan to the department by the 15th day of May in every even numbered year on forms provided by the department.

(2) Prior to May 15, agencies may submit draft information technology plans to the department for initial screening and feedback. Department staff will review each state agency's information technology plan using review criteria defined in 2-17-524 , MCA, and the review form.

(3) For those plans subject to approval in 2-17-527 , MCA, if a state agency information technology plan meets the review criteria, the department will submit the information technology plan for approval to the chief information officer (CIO) . Upon approval, the CIO will notify the state agency director in writing.

(4) For those plans subject to approval in 2-17-527 , MCA, if a state agency information technology plan does not meet review criteria, the department will identify the areas of noncompliance and provide comment back to the state agency director regarding clarification or refinement of the information technology plan. The department will document the requested changes and return the information technology plan and recommendations to the state agency director, with a copy to the CIO. The state agency director will revise the information technology plan based upon the recommendations provided by the department. The information technology plan will then be submitted to the CIO for approval. Upon completion of their review, the CIO will notify the state agency director in writing of the status of the state agency IT plan.