As a result of INPUT's Government Community outreach initiative, the Montana MACWIS Program Manager contacted INPUT, asking us to inform the vendor community of an upcoming SACWIS Vendor Fair that the state will be holding in October 2008.

The State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is planning the implementation of a new Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS). The new system, known as the Montana Automated Child Welfare Information System or MACWIS, will replace Montana's current legacy child welfare system with a federally compliant system that combines modern information technology practices and tools with a high degree of system integration and usability. In 2007, the Montana State Legislature appropriated $27.15 million to build the new Montana child welfare system.

During the week of October 20-24 2008, a Vendor Fair will be held for any and all vendors with SACWIS solutions and mobile technology solutions in an auditorium setting. During my phone conversation with the MACWIS Program Manager, she indicated that they envision all types of users from across the state attending and evaluating each solution at this Vendor Fair. Attendees will have the opportunity to see different types of features, functionality and possibilities, thus helping the state arrive at a solution that is preferred by all users at many different levels.

For information regarding Montana's Child and Family Services Division, please visit the website; or if you are interested in attending the Montana SACWIS Vendor Fair to show off your wares, please phone or email the MACWIS Program Manager, Jamey Ereth. For more information on the Montana SACWIS Project, please see INPUT Opportunity ID #37866.

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