General Services

General Services Division

General Services Division (GSD) provides certain internal services to government agencies and the public through four program areas: Capitol Facilities Management, Real Property & Leasing, State Print & Mail, and Surplus Property & Recycling. Other central services include providing for and overseeing security for the Capitol Complex, access control and ID badges, business and integrated systems, venue management, permit administration for events, solicitation, and drones, and flying flags for purchase.

(406) 444-3060 | GSDServiceDesk@mt.gov 

Capitol Facilities Management

(406) 444-3060 | GSDServiceDesk@mt.gov | Submit a Work Order

Real Property & Leasing Program

(406) 444-3060 | GSDServiceDesk@mt.gov 

State Print & Mail

(406) 444-3053 | SPM@mt.gov | Place a print order

Surplus Property & Recycling Program

(406) 444-9921 | DOASurplusProperty@mt.gov 

Main Operations Services

• GSD Service Desk Operations
  • GSDServiceDesk@mt.gov
  • (406) 444-3060 (monitored 24/7)
  • Call 911 for emergencies
• Campus Security
• Event Permits
• Solicitation Permits
• Drone Permits
• Flag Program
• Access Cards
• Business and Integrated Systems
• Space Management and GIS
• Planning and Operations

Capitol Facilities Management

• Trades maintenance (carpentry, painting)
• Landscape and grounds management
• Snow removal
• Irrigation Systems Maintenance
• Memorial Tree Program
• Project management and design
• HVAC Services (plumbing)
• Building automation
• Locksmith
• Custodial
• Life Safety & Code Compliance
• Visit the Montana State Capitol

Real Property & Leasing Program

• Lease administration
• Lease database
• Space management services

State Print & Mail

• Full-service printing services provider
• High volume/speed black and white transaction printing
• High quality/resolution digital color printing
• External printing procurement
• Wide format posters up to 42", mounted on foam core
• Variable inserting with barcodes for integrity
• Bindery and finishing cutting, folding, stapling
• Presort discounts and metered postage
• Interagency mail courier delivery (Helena only)
• Automated print workflow processes
• Secure, centralized production facility
• Suspicious Mail and Package Screening
• Document Services digital scanning and fulfillment
• Managed Print Program

Surplus Property & Recycling Program

• Turn in surplus property (DSP)
• Purchase State Surplus
• Monthly Garage Sales
• Annual Vehicle and Equipment Auction
• Online Auctions
• Federal Surplus Program
• Scrap Metal Recycling Program

• Facility Management Policy
• Public Safety and Facility Use for State Space and State Grounds in Helena
• Space Management Policy
• Lease Policy Manual for Landlords and Agencies
• Surplus Property Management
• Mail Services
• Print Services

Event Use Policy

Event Permit Request  - Events cannot be reserved more than one year in advance.

Purpose:

The purpose of this permit is to delineate standards of conduct in the facilities within the Capitol Complex (State buildings and State grounds) to maintain the beauty and historical nature of the Capitol Complex in accordance with 2-17-811, MCA. These standards of conduct also establish a minimum level of decorum to protect the safety, security, and well-being of users, employees, and the public.

Facilities within the Capitol Complex may be used for public events and may not be reserved for private events (weddings, receptions, parties, etc.). A public event is any that is open to the public and to which the public will have full access.

The Governor's Office, Legislature and State agencies have priority to hold functions in State buildings and on State grounds. GSD may cancel or adjust the time of a permitted event in the Capitol or on Capitol grounds should a conflict occur. If this happens, GSD will notify the event organizer as soon as possible, and every effort will be made to allow for rescheduling the event.

General Services Division reserves the right to relocate, alter, or cancel events at the discretion of the Campus Security Director, based on public safety and/or security concerns.

This use permit must be in the possession of the event organizer at all times during the event.

General Use:

• Loud or noisy events in the Rotunda that could disrupt State business are prohibited.
• Quiet hours in the Rotunda during Legislative Session begin at 1:00pm. Static displays only.
• Authorization for use of the Rotunda or grounds is not an endorsement of or approval of the permit holder, or the purpose it represents.
• The Rotunda or grounds use may require additional janitorial services, security, and/or GSD staff.
• Any damage to the Capitol Rotunda and/or grounds caused by the user will be billed at cost plus 15% to the permit holder.
• You must provide your own electrical cords, in good working condition, and arrange with GSD for location and use of electrical outlets before the scheduled event. All cords are to be taped down with 3M #471 tape (gaffer’s tape) or equivalent only. Cord protectors can also be used to prevent trip hazards.
• Single-use permits are valid for the date and time of the event specified on the permit.
• If the permit holder fails to attend or does not notify General Services Division of their late arrival within the first hour of the permit start-time, the permit is voided and the reserved location will be released for use by other parties.
• Permit holders are required to check-in with campus security upon arrival.
• Signs on sticks or other items on sticks, are prohibited inside State space, unless approved by GSD.
• Individuals or entities interested in soliciting business in State space or State grounds must obtain a Solicitation Permit from GSD. Groups or individuals requiring a solicitation permit include, but are not limited to, non-profit organizations, school clubs, fundraisers, businesses.
• Use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) may be allowed on State grounds by obtaining a UAS/Drone Permit.
• Certain areas of State space and State grounds have specific capacity limits. The Rotunda is permitted for up to 350 attendees, with additional attendees on the 3rd floor. Permitting may depend on the requested setup, occupancy standards and GSD discretion.
• Event Permit information is subject to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests.
• The event permit holder understands and will meet conduct standards that are outlined in the General Services Division policy on Public Safety and Facility Use of State Space and State Grounds in Helena.

Capitol Complex Holiday Display Permit General Use and Information:

• Located at the North Capitol Circle, just east of the Capitol Building [location map]
• Displays may be placed within the designated area after 18 December 2026 upon receipt of a permit from GSD
• All displays must be removed by 2 January 2027
• Displays must be free-standing and self-contained (Cannot consume, water, electricity, gas, or other utilities)
• Displays must not be attached to any fixtures or landscape features
• No flames, candles, luminaries, etc.
• Displays must be no taller than 6’ and no wider than 10’. Exceptions may be made on case-by-case basis.
• The State is not responsible for any damage or theft to a display
• General Services reserves the right to deny a request or remove a display for public safety reasons
• Unpermitted displays will be removed

Defense and Payment Obligation:

• The permit holder shall defend the State and its employees, agents, officials and volunteers against any claims, allegations and causes of action for property damage or personal injury or death (collectively “Claims”) asserted by the permit holder’s employees or third parties arising from permit holder’s actions or omissions under this permit or its violation of these permit terms and conditions.
• The permit holder shall pay for or otherwise satisfy any liabilities, losses, damages, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorney fees and court costs) arising from the Claims whether assessed against the holder or the State. The State and its employees, agents, officials and volunteers are not responsible for resolving or paying for the Claims.

Setup/Take Down/Clean-Up:

• The permit holder shall designate a person or persons responsible for supervising the event during setup, take down, clean-up, and during the event which must notify GSD when setup begins.
• You are responsible for setting up and taking down displays and exhibits in a timely fashion without disrupting the business of the tenants.
• You may not hinder public access to the Capitol Building or the Rotunda.
• You are responsible for the condition of the space after use, including pick-up of all litter and garbage.
• If requested, GSD can provide additional litter receptacles depending on availability.
• Sufficient room to provide for normal pedestrian traffic and emergency egress is required.
• Staking or tent anchoring on the grounds requires prior GSD approval to prevent damage to the irrigation systems.

Tables/Chairs:

General Services Division (GSD) will assist with setup due to limited seating and table arrangements.

Food/Drink:

• All health department regulations must be met for food and/or drink service.
• To protect tiled floors in the Rotunda, drinks with high stain capability will not be permitted.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in State space or on State grounds unless served as part of an authorized function approved by GSD and the event is catered by an alcoholic beverage licensee authorized under MCA 16-4-204 or 16-4-111.

Displays:

• Flags and banners not specifically identified in MCA 1-1-547, may not be displayed on government property, including a flagpole, building, wall, or other permanent structure on the state property. Flags and banners of the public cannot be larger than 3’ x 5’, may be displayed for up to 24 hours in GSD-designated locations, and require a permit from GSD.
• GSD can assist with display options for hanging signs and banners on easels, pipe & drape or tables.
• Balloons or candles are not allowed.

ADA Resources:

Contact GSD for information on accessible parking and other services.

Capitol Complex and Building Information

Capitol Building Regular Hours

Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
Weekends: 9am - 3pm

*The Capitol Building is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and may be closed to the general public occasionally on weekends for scheduled routine maintenance.

Capitol Grounds Hours

State grounds are open daily from 6am - 10pm

*State grounds may be closed on holidays and may be closed occasionally for routine maintenance. Individuals or groups are prohibited from camping, sleeping or otherwise occupying State space or State grounds in Helena after hours and overnight, unless for a State sponsored event.

Other Buildings on the Capitol Complex

Most other State-owned buildings on the Capitol Complex that have public access are open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, unless otherwise noted.

General Services Division (GSD) provides an enterprise-wide key card access system for physical building security. Per DOA policy… “State employees, legislators, volunteers, and contractors hired by the state shall have their state-issued identification badge on their person while in State space.”

Procedures

GSD requires that any ID card or access badge issued, or addition/modification of badge access, is authorized by an “Access Authorizer.” Access Authorizers approve access to their agency’s space, and/or buildings where GSD manages access control. Ideally, an entity will provide a minimum of two contacts to fulfill this role. Access Authorizers are:

• State Agencies: contacts within an agency HR department, or designated security position
  • Badges issued to State employees must be authorized by both the employee supervisor AND an Access Authorizer
• Non-State Agency Building Tenants: Supervisors, or designated leadership position
  • Badges are not issued until the individual requesting a badge has successfully passed a DOJ background check administered by GSD
• Contractors: Supervisors, or designated leadership position
  • Badges are not issued until the individual requesting a badge has successfully passed a DOJ background check administered by GSD

General ID Card and Access Badge Requirements

1. Individuals can only have one active card at a time.
   1. If an employee is transferring to a different State agency, the card that grants access to their current employed agency will remain active.
2. Generic access badges not unique to an individual are strongly discouraged. GSD may deny the request for a generic access badge depending on the access being requested.
3. ID cards and access badges will not be issued if the request form is not signed completely, or if this requesting individual does not have a government-issued ID to confirm identity.

Cards Terminations / Lost or Stolen

GSD is integrated with the State’s HR process via FIM integration. Access badges are automatically deleted from the access control system upon termination or separation. Agencies should return cards to GSD at the Old Livestock Building, 1310 East Lockey Ave, PO Box 200110 Helena, MT 59620. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately at (406) 444-3060 or gsdservicedesk@mt.gov.

Remote ID Card and Access Badge Processing (State Agencies Only):

1. Download the access card request Form
2. Fill out the form; supervisor and access authorizer need to approve and sign
3. Email form with picture to gsdservicedesk@mt.gov (see “What Makes a Good Badge Photo?” guidelines below)
   1. Note: If the form isn’t filled out correctly, ID or badge will not be processed
4. You will receive confirmation that your card is being processed
5. ID card or access badge will be either sent via interagency mail or first-class mail once completed. Please allow three to five business days from submission to delivery.

What Makes a Good Badge Photo?

• No hats
• No glasses with tinted or mirrored lenses
• Front view of head and shoulders (no “selfies”)
• Good lighting and contrast
• Plain, neutral beige or grey background (no white walls; no cluttered backgrounds)
• Photo cropped fairly tight and in a square format
• Some background above and to either side of head
• Original photo (not a copy) in JPG or PNG format
• Clothing appropriate to the workplace

Reporting

GSD will provide a user list and card transaction reports as requested. Reports will only be released to HR representatives, Administrators, the Director of the respective Agency, or Access Authorizers of non-State entities. Requests must be submitted via email to gsdservicedesk@mt.gov. Time for custom coding or scheduled automatic reports may be charged to the agency at GSD’s professional consulting rate.

Fees

Each card issued will be at a cost of $10.00 to the requesting entity.

Accessing State Space Outside of Authorized Hours

State employees and contractors cannot access State space outside their authorized badge access hours.

Non-State agency building tenants may gain unescorted access to their leased space by calling GSD’s 24/7 phone number to reach security at (406) 444-3060. If available, security can escort the individual in and out of the building. Once security has verified their identity, background status, and access status. Other identifying cards authorized by other agencies, such as a Legislative Session Media Floor Pass, are not qualifying cards to access State space outside of authorized access hours or normal business hours.