FAQs - Service Management Organization
August 21, 2008
Will SMO interviews occur in August?
Yes, the process will begin this month, but interviews for all positions will not begin at the same time. Interviews for some positions may not begin until September. SPA sorts the applications into categories: "meets minimum qualifications", "does not meet minimum qualifications" and "unsure". All resumes are sent to GTA, and we review all of them. SPA categorizes resumes for us, but we make the decisions.
Will the current budget constraints affect GAIT 2010?
No. The funds for GAIT 2010 are being set aside and "held harmless" by OPB. GTA is working with agencies to make sure their budget amendments coincide with GAIT 2010. The state’s budget situation actually underscores the need for the consolidation that GAIT 2010 provides.
Will budget constraints affect our ability to fill SMO positions?
No, but we are reexamining the SMO to make sure it is the right size, given the state’s budget situation. We are going through the zero-based budgeting process to minimize our overhead and the costs we pass along to agencies. The SMO and the rest of GTA may need to be smaller, 100-150 people.
Will budget constraints change salaries for SMO positions?
No, the salaries will remain as announced.
Will the budget impact the number of positions in the SMO?
Yes, it is possible that the SMO may be smaller than originally designed if budget conditions warrant.
July 31, 2008
I want to apply for more than one position in the SMO. Can I submit a customized resume/job application on Careers.ga.gov for each position?
The state's Careers web site, www.careers.ga.gov, does not save more than one version of someone's resume/job application. Recruiters will see only the most recent version when they access information for any job for which you apply. If you apply for more than one position, be sure to describe your skills, knowledge, abilities and accomplishments in a way that is suitable for any job for which you might apply. There is no need to reapply for an SMO job, but if you want to update your resume/job application, you should do so as soon as possible.
July 25, 2008
How will positions in the SMO be filled?
GTA has begun recruiting for positions in the SMO. The positions are currently open only to State of Georgia employees. To view job announcements and apply online, visit the state’s Careers website at www.careers.ga.gov. Applications will only be accepted online, and positions will remain open until they are filled.
State of Georgia employees who are interested in applying for a job in the SMO will also find resources for managing their career transition on GTA's Careers Opportunities page. Among the resources is a video produced by GTA and the State Personnel Administration with helpful tips on applying for a job at GTA. Job interviews will begin in August.
I am interested in applying for a job in GTA’s Service Management Organization but already make more than the salary ranges in the job announcement. Is there any possibility of negotiating a higher salary?
When the job announcements were first posted, what was listed as the annual maximum salary was actually the midpoint salary. When we fill a position, the hiring salary is typically somewhere between the annual minimum and midpoint.
Why does GTA prefer to hire someone somewhere between the salary minimum and midpoint?
It is a standard practice across state government and provides the employee with room for growth.
Does GTA have the flexibility to hire above the salary midpoint?
Yes, the hiring salary could exceed the salary midpoint, but it would depend on such factors as the job candidate’s education and previous experience and whether they meet the job’s preferred qualifications.
Should I apply for a job in the SMO even though I currently make more than the salary midpoint?
Yes. Our goal is to hire the best qualified candidate for each position, and we strongly encourage anyone who is interested in an SMO job to submit an application regardless of their current salary.
June 30, 2008
Are SMO positions separate from jobs with service providers?
Yes. Jobs with the SMO are state positions.
If I am in-scope and I get a job with the SMO, can I still get an offer from a service provider?
No. If you are in-scope and you accept an SMO job, you will not be offered a job with a service provider.
Will all functions be transitioned to the service provider at the same time?
No. Our current operations will be run through the SMO’s Retained Services Organization at first as we begin transitioning to the service provider. We will keep a small group of functions, such as frequency management, that are more appropriately provided by GTA than by an external service provider.
How will we manage security?
As part of GTA, the SMO will adhere to the security standards promulgated and adopted by GTA. We will have to report against those standards. Security is an enterprise function for which GTA will remain responsible.
Can you apply for more than one position in the SMO?
Yes. You are encouraged to apply for all positions that you feel you are qualified for. Also, as applicants are considered, we will be looking for other areas within the SMO where they may be a good fit.
Can contractors apply for SMO positions? What about non-compete agreements?
SMO jobs will be open to contractors when they are opened to applicants outside state government. Non-compete agreements vary depending on the contracting firm. It will be the responsibility of each contractor who applies for a full-time position within the SMO to understand their commitment to the contracting firm that placed them at the state and to get relief from that agreement where necessary.
Are SMO jobs state positions?
Yes.
Will you provide state employees with assistance in applying for SMO positions?
Yes. We are using the streamlined application process on careers.ga.gov, which will enable applicants to easily highlight their experience and qualifications.
Since my agency will be losing IT resources, can we count on being able to serve our customers at the level we do now, particularly where additional support is needed?
Agencies were involved in developing the RFP to ensure that their critical processes and business requirements would be captured in the document. The RFP also describes a governance model that includes a process for addressing issues. Service providers will be held accountable for meeting agency business requirements and needs. Service delivery consultants assigned to each agency (and where possible, located onsite with the agency), service levels and other mechanisms will ensure that agencies get what they need as defined in the RFP.
How can I be sure my agency will get what we need after the contract is signed?
At first, operations will remain the same, as the service provider comes in to see exactly what we do and we develop a detailed transition plan. The process will ensure that agencies get the support they need, projects continue, and business requirements are met, even during transition.
Shouldn’t the service delivery consultant be an agency employee rather than a GTA employee?
Decisions will be made differently, and we need a governance process with centralized accountability to ensure quality service to each agency. The governance process will give agencies a voice in making decisions about changes to the state’s IT environment. In addition, having service delivery consultants assisting each agency will help ensure that each agency’s needs are met. Agencies will also have control through service levels and more knowledge and data about the service they are or are not getting. Our success depends on each agency’s success.
Where will SMO jobs be located?
Most will be in metro
Will SMO salaries be comparable to those in the industry?
All positions have been rated, and salaries have been set accordingly.
How can an agency prepare for the transition?
While we will not be able to execute new processes until the contract is signed, the best advice is to stay informed and be prepared for change. Agencies will have new ways of getting IT services which will give them the capability to focus on business services.
My agency is concerned about losing some of our IT budget to other agencies. Can you offer more clarify about IT budgeting?
GTA’s Chief Administrative Officer Kate Pfirman is working with OPB and agency budget officers on revisions to the state’s IT budgeting process. The revisions will ensure that IT budgets are accurate and meet agency needs.
June 6, 2008
Will the appointed positions be filled by only GTA employees?
No. Appointments may include both GTA and agency employees.
When can I apply for a position?
The open Service Management Organization positions will be posted on the GTA website and the State Personnel Administration Job Site beginning in July.
How long will the postings remain open?
Positions will remain open until they are filled. We encourage those interested to apply early.
Can contractors apply? Will those with agency institutional knowledge get any preference in applying?
Contractors can apply once a position is posted externally. Previous state experience will be one of the preferred qualifications.
Can in-scope personnel apply?
Yes.
Can out-of-scope personnel apply?
Yes.
Will GTA employees who were part of the recent RIF, but have exceeded their 45-day administrative leave period, be able to apply with preference?
Former state employees who have been laid off and have exceeded their 45-day administrative leave can apply once a position is posted externally. Previous state experience will be one of the preferred qualifications.
How will positions be posted so that agency personnel will see them?
The positions will be posted on the GTA website and the SPA Job Site. In addition, agency leads and agency HR directors will be notified when positions have been posted so that they can let their staff know.
Will hiring salary range be available with the posting?
Yes.
Will some employees remain in the agencies to work with service providers?
Each agency will have a resource, either dedicated or shared, to work with the service providers. These positions will be part of GTA’s SMO Service Delivery Organization. SDO employees will be co-located with their customers where possible. Where these resources are physically located will depend on the provider’s service solution and will be determined at a later date.