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Chandler Treon

Chandler Treon is an Austin-based staff writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in literature and a master’s degree in technical communication, all from Texas State University.

  • Closeup of a person about to press on a keyboard key that is colored blue and says "outsourcing" on it.
    News
    DIR Seeks Cooperative Contracts for End-User IT Outsourcing Services
    What to Know:
    • DIR has opened a competitive solicitation to refresh or expand its vendor pool for end-user IT outsourcing services.
    • Vendors may offer services including desktop support, asset management, hosted virtual desktops and emerging tech like AI and cloud solutions.
    • Selected vendors will enter Master Cooperative Contracts and serve a wide range of public-sector customers across Texas.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A broadband tower in the middle of a rural landscape.
    News
    Texas Secures $1.27 Billion for Broadband Expansion
    What to Know:
    • Texas received federal approval for its $1.27 billion BEAD plan, selecting 22 providers to deliver broadband service to more than 240,000 unserved and underserved locations statewide.
    • A state-funded match program awarded $177 million to help smaller providers meet federal cost-sharing requirements without reducing project scope.
    • Projects were selected through a competitive process emphasizing speed, scalability and cost-efficiency.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person in a business suit sitting at a table typing on a laptop. There are symbols hovering above the laptop including "AI" and locks, peoples and buildings.
    News
    Texas Parks and Wildlife Outlines Internal AI Use Policy
    What to Know:
    • TPWD’s new internal AI policy outlines rules for the responsible use of generative AI tools by agency staff.
    • All AI tools must be approved by the IT Division, with strict limits on high-risk use cases.
    • The policy emphasizes training, data privacy and human oversight in AI-assisted decision-making.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • An abstract background concept of a cybersecurity map
    News
    Texas Purchases Statewide MS-ISAC Membership Under New Model
    What to Know:
    • Texas has secured a statewide MS-ISAC membership through November 2026.
    • The federal government ended funding for MS-ISAC in late 2025, citing redundancy with other federal programs and shifting cybersecurity priorities.
    • Texas members will continue to receive threat intelligence, incident response support and domain-blocking tools.
    Insider
    November 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • San Antonio
    News
    San Antonio Names Shannon Lawson CISO/RSOC Director
    What to Know:
    • Shannon Lawson has been named chief information security officer for the city of San Antonio and director of the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center.
    • He most recently served as CISO at Redapt and was previously assistant CIO and CISO for the city of Phoenix.
    • Lawson’s background includes leadership roles with the state of Alaska, NAVWAR, the U.S. Navy and NSA.
    Insider
    November 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Grace Ruwwe Headshot.png
    News
    CSEC Director of IT Named CIO of the Year
    Commission on State Emergency Communications Director of IT Grace Ruwwe and public-sector IT leaders from various agencies were recognized for their contributions to the state’s public service.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The state of Texas flag superimposed over a pile of $100 bills.
    News
    The Perfect Match: Long-Term Partnerships Over One-Time Sales
    What to Know:
    • A panel at the Texas IT Leadership Forum emphasized that successful vendor relationships depend on collaboration, not commodity-style transactions.
    • Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas and state courts CIO Casey Kennedy highlighted key differences in how cities and state agencies manage procurement, especially around pricing flexibility and vendor capacity.
    • Speakers urged vendors to invest in long-term partnerships through effective communication.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The iconic Texas Aggie class ring on A&M's campus.
    News
    Vince Kellen Named CIO of Texas A&M University System
    What to Know:
    • Vince Kellen will lead IT strategy as CIO for the Texas A&M University System starting Dec. 1.
    • He was previously CIO at the University of California, San Diego, overseeing AI and research tech modernization.
    • Kellen holds a doctorate in computer science with a focus on human-computer interaction.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Angelo State University sign.
    News
    Angelo State RSOC Requires Student Collaboration in New RFP
    What to Know:
    • Angelo State University (ASU) is procuring a vendor to design, develop and implement a cybersecurity data dashboard for its Regional Security Operations Center.
    • Student collaboration is a core requirement of the solicitation.
    • The solution must integrate with ASU’s Microsoft environment and tools like ServiceNow, CrowdStrike and Okta, and comply with security standards including NIST and FedRAMP.
    Insider
    November 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • HR officer working with labor unions on employment agreements
    News
    No New HUB Certifications: What the Freeze Means for State Contracting
    What to Know:
    • Texas has suspended all new and renewed HUB certifications as it reviews the program for compliance.
    • The freeze may reduce the number of eligible vendors, making it harder for agencies to meet state-mandated HUB participation goals.
    • Planned revisions aim to remove race- and gender-based eligibility, signaling a shift toward race- and sex-neutral certification criteria. Provisions relating to veterans may survive the changes.
    Insider
    November 14, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Young adult students seated in a class while an instructor lectures at the front of the room.
    News
    Lamar University Issues RFP for Syllabus Management Platform
    What to Know:
    • The university is seeking a centralized tool to manage and publish course syllabi.
    • The platform must integrate with Canvas and Banner and support accessibility and version control.
    • The platform must support version history, role-based access, archiving and public-facing syllabus access.
    Insider
    November 14, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A woman seated before multiple computer monitors in a 911 dispatch center.
    News
    Houston System Upgrades May Spur Additional Tech Procurements
    What to Know:
    • Houston’s new CAD system has a selected vendor, but integration with other systems is still being scoped and could lead to future solicitations.
    • Upcoming needs may include services for systems integration, mobile connectivity, and data platform interoperability.
    • The CAD contract is expected to go before the City Council in February 2026, with implementation targeted for 2028.
    Insider
    November 13, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • CIO_Titles_performance.jpg
    News
    Irving Explores Strategic Planning and Performance Tracking Software
    What to Know:
    • The city is seeking information on systems that support KPIs, project management and transparency dashboards.
    • The request is focused on tools that enhance automation and reporting for local government operations.
    • The city previously employed a platform provided by Envisio.
    Insider
    November 13, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Humanoid robot as a callbot with a headset, clicks on the display. 3d illustration.
    News
    H-GAC Seeks AI Consulting for National Cooperative Contract
    What to Know:
    • H-GAC is soliciting vendors for artificial intelligence consulting under a cooperative purchasing agreement.
    • Contracts will support managed services, strategic planning and system implementation across the public sector.
    • Sales may be made nationwide to eligible cities, counties, school districts and nonprofit organizations.
    Insider
    November 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • floor plan,Floor,Plan,Drawing,With,Architect,Designing,Home,On,Computer,,Old
    News
    DIR Updates State Strategic Plan to Make Way for Cyber Command
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Cyber Command is poised to take over statewide cybersecurity functions from DIR by the end of 2026.
    • Agencies are being guided to adopt responsible AI practices, including use of the Texas AI Code of Ethics and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
    • The state is prioritizing cloud, DevSecOps and agile development as part of a broader strategy to replace aging systems and accelerate modernization.
    Insider
    November 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A robot standing in front of a chalkboard completing complex math problems.
    News
    DIR Proposes Statewide AI Code of Ethics for Government Use
    What to Know:
    • The central IT agency on Friday proposed a statewide AI Code of Ethics that would apply to all state and local government use of artificial intelligence.
    • The rule outlines seven key principles that agencies must follow when deploying AI systems.
    • Agencies will be required to document compliance, provide redress mechanisms and train staff to monitor and validate AI outputs.
    Insider
    November 07, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Image of a woman's hand activating an AI button
    News
    State CIOs Make Up Half of Texas' New AI Advisory Board
    What to Know:
    • Gov. Greg Abbott appointed eight members to a new board focused on artificial intelligence in state government.
    • The board will guide the state’s approach to adopting AI in public-sector operations.
    • Appointees bring expertise in IT modernization, legal oversight, finance and private-sector technology.
    Insider
    November 07, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Business,Colleague,Discussing,Paperwork,Graphs,Concept
    News
    Texas Suspends HUB Certification Program Amid Legal Review
    What to Know:
    • Texas has suspended new and renewed HUB certifications while the program undergoes a legal review to ensure compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.
    • The suspension follows Executive Order GA-55, which prohibits state agencies from using race-based preferences in awarding government benefits.
    • Existing HUB-certified vendors can still compete for contracts as the Comptroller’s office continues collecting participation data.
    Insider
    November 06, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A Texas license plate.
    News
    Texas DMV Enlists ISF to Navigate High-Risk License Plate Overhaul
    What to Know:
    • The Texas DMV partnered with ISF to identify and mitigate risks during its transition from temporary paper tags to metal license plates.
    • ISF developed a risk register and advised on communications, inventory management and dealer training strategies.
    • The DMV credits ISF’s early involvement with helping the agency stay on track and avoid major disruptions during implementation.
    November 06, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Telecommunication network above city, wireless mobile internet technology for smart grid or 5G LTE data connection, concept about IoT, global business, fintech, blockchain
    News
    Austin Seeks Distance From DIR Cooperative Contracts With RFP
    What to Know:
    • The city is soliciting proposals for broadband, voice and data services across departments.
    • The goal is to replace legacy infrastructure and transition away from DIR-managed contracts.
    • The contract will support connectivity for locations not served by the city’s own fiber network.
    Insider
    November 04, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A large stone slab on the ground with "Texas A&M University" written on it.
    News
    Texas A&M System in Search of New CIO
    What to Know:
    • Former CIO Mark A. Stone retired in September after more than 12 years with the Texas A&M University System.
    • The A&M System's IT office says a search is underway for a new CIO, but no public job listing is currently available.
    • Stone remains listed on the Texas AI Advisory Council website.
    Insider
    November 04, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A sign that says "Flood" next to a flooded road.
    News
    DIR Seeks Cooperative Contracts for Flood Early Warning Systems
    What to Know:
    • DIR is seeking flood detection and alert technologies, including sensors, modeling software and emergency notification systems.
    • This is a new contract category under DIR’s Cooperative Contracts Program, with no existing agreements in place.
    • Eligible customers include state agencies, local governments, school districts, public hospitals and other authorized entities.
    Insider
    October 31, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Cyber Command logo in blue against a white background.
    News
    Texas Cyber Command Hiring for Top Leadership Positions
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Cyber Command is hiring a vice chief and deputy chief to lead statewide cyber defense operations.
    • The vice chief serves as the command’s chief strategist, guiding integration of cybersecurity functions from other agencies and representing Texas in national cyber policy discussions.
    • The deputy chief role focuses on operations, directing incident response efforts and managing distributed teams.
    Insider
    October 31, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A business person tapping on a lock icon amid a network of icons including a cloud symbol, a person symbol, a laptop and more locks.
    News
    DIR to Issue Cooperative Contracts for Cybersecurity Products, Services
    What to Know:
    • The upcoming solicitation will cover cybersecurity software, services and related support.
    • DIR plans to award one or more vendors under indefinite quantity contracts with no purchase minimums.
    • The deadline for vendor responses is expected to be Feb. 2, 2026.
    Insider
    October 30, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A set of scales formed by bright cyan blue dots against a black background.
    News
    Office of Court Administration CIO Kennedy Announces Retirement
    What to Know:
    • Casey Kennedy will retire from the public sector in November after 15 years as CIO.
    • In a LinkedIn post, Kennedy thanked colleagues and mentors, reflected on his time in the role and said he is open to new opportunities.
    • The agency has opened applications for his successor, who will serve as CIO, director of information services and information resource manager for the state judiciary.
    Insider
    October 29, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of downtown Corpus Christi, Texas, along a waterfront.
    News
    Corpus Christi Budgets $30M for IT in 2026
    What to Know:
    • Corpus Christi's IT fund includes about $23 million in FY26.
    • The city has dedicated about $7 million through its capital program for technology-focused initiatives.
    • The budget also sets aside about $21 million for construction projects with embedded technology components.
    Insider
    October 28, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Department of Information Resources logo in blue against a white background.
    News
    Profiles in Government: Department of Information Resources
    What to Know:
    • As the central IT agency, DIR oversees statewide procurement vehicles, cybersecurity programs, data center services and cloud offerings.
    • For Fiscal Year 2026, DIR has received $9.3 million for IT capital items and operates under a total budget of $779 million.
    • DIR is shifting its focus from cybersecurity toward its Innovation Lab and new AI Division.
    Insider
    October 24, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of Austin, Texas, on a sunny day.
    News
    Travis County Budgets $110M+ for 2026 IT Spending
    What to Know:
    • The county’s Technology and Operations department is allocated $91.4 million.
    • Several departments are investing in targeted software, hardware and digital platforms.
    • Technology funding also extends into departmental programs.
    Insider
    October 23, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • TxDOT roadway image.jpg
    News
    Profiles in Government: Department of Transportation
    What to Know:
    • TxDOT oversees planning and operations across highways, bridges, aviation and rail.
    • The department’s $203 million IT capital budget includes funding for cybersecurity, modernization, data initiatives and infrastructure-related technologies.
    • The department’s FY 2025–29 strategic plan prioritizes automation, data integration and digital modernization.
    October 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Health and Human Services logo superimposed in front of the agency's building.
    News
    Profiles in Government: Health and Human Services Commission
    What to Know:
    • HHSC supports operations for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and WIC, and also oversees the Department of State Health Services.
    • With $1.1 billion allocated for technology-related initiatives, the agency’s funding spans major modernization efforts.
    • HHSC is focused on expanding artificial intelligence use, defending against cybersecurity threats and improving its data-driven decision-making.
    Insider
    October 17, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
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