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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.

  • Online services
    News
    DIR Expands DBITS Contract Pool With 154 Awards
    What to Know:
    • DIR has awarded 154 contracts under its current deliverables-based IT services solicitation, while the previous solicitation resulted in 99 awards.
    • DIR’s February notice revealed that it was seeking vendors to provide deliverables-based IT services for agencies, local governments and other eligible customers through the Cooperative Contracts program.
    • Industry Insider — Texas has compiled the contracts into a searchable table, including the service categories each vendor was approved for.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Secretary of State logo against a white background.
    News
    Secretary of State Names Layla Young New CIO
    What to Know:
    • Layla Young has left the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to become chief information officer for the Office of the Texas Secretary of State.
    • She served as THECB’s CIO from December 2023 through March 2026.
    • Before THECB, Young held multiple IT leadership roles at the Texas Department of Insurance, including director of software development and IT development manager.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Traffic on a street in downtown Austin.
    News
    Austin Elevates Jeremiah Clifton to Interim CISO After Gardner Dismissal
    What to Know:
    • Austin has named Jeremiah Clifton interim chief information security officer after dismissing Brian Gardner.
    • City officials said that Gardner’s departure was part of the city manager’s ongoing review of Austin Technology Services and not related to data security.
    • Clifton brings more than a decade with the city in cybersecurity, risk and architecture roles, along with earlier experience at NASA and in the private sector.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • View of downtown Dallas from a park gazebo in Oak Cliff.
    News
    Dallas Advances Public Safety, Cybersecurity and Systems Projects
    What to Know:
    • Dallas approved several tech-related items at once, including evidence-system integration, counter-drone tools, cybersecurity services and traffic signal infrastructure.
    • The biggest item was a $10.4 million counter-drone grant tied to FIFA security, while a separate $400,000 contract will support city cybersecurity services.
    • The city originally wanted a roughly $200,000 laboratory information management system for firearms examiners, but shifted after receiving only $40,000 in grant funding.
    Insider
    April 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • People seated at tables around a large room participating in emergency management internship programs.
    News
    TWC Launches Updated Internship Platform for Texas Employers, Students
    What to Know:
    • TWC launched an updated texasinternnetwork.com to connect Texas employers and students through a free statewide internship platform.
    • The site adds AI-supported tools for students, including resume help, interview practice and career-prep resources.
    • The updated portal runs on Geographic Solutions Inc.’s Virtual OneStop platform, according to the website footer.
    Insider
    April 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • SHUTTERSTOCK_TEARING_UP_CONTRACT
    News
    Vendors Push Back as Texas Comptroller Moves to Codify VetHUB
    What to Know:
    • Texas Comptroller staff said proposed amendments published in the March Texas Register would make the emergency VetHUB framework permanent.
    • The draft rules remove race, ethnicity and sex-based classifications and eliminate statewide quantitative utilization goals.
    • Speakers at the April 7 hearing said the shift is already affecting bids, contracts and staffing, and warned it could reduce competition and increase costs.
    Insider
    April 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Lines of fiber cable in a dug-out trench.
    News
    Fort Bend County Advances Rural Broadband Expansion
    What to Know:
    • Fort Bend County and Comcast are moving forward with an $18.9 million broadband expansion project.
    • The county is contributing $2.5 million in recovery funds, while Comcast is providing about $16.4 million.
    • County officials said fiber work is already underway near Thompsons, with broader service expected by the end of 2026.
    Insider
    April 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Concept image of blue gears and wheels in a computer system.
    News
    Travis County FY 26 Work Plan Spotlights IT Modernization
    What to Know:
    • Travis County’s FY 26 ITS plan centers on Phase II of its ServiceNow rollout.
    • The county is also advancing digital modernization through a main website rebuild, accessibility improvements across seven public-facing sites and a planned replacement of the Travis Central intranet.
    • The plan includes sizable funding requests for hardware replacement, central computer refreshes, infrastructure growth and project-specific work.
    Insider
    April 03, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Two health-care professionals in full gear performing a surgery with a holographic display above the patient assisting their work.
    News
    HHSC Directs Health-Care Facilities to Follow FDA Cybersecurity Guidance
    What to Know:
    • HHSC told Texas health-care facilities to review and mitigate risks tied to unauthorized remote access to protected health information.
    • The directive points facilities to FDA guidance on Contec and Epsimed patient monitors with known cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
    • The move follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s March 9 order for state health agencies and public university systems to review China-linked medical device risks.
    Insider
    April 03, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Election,Interference,By,Foreign,Hackers,Concept
    News
    Texas Senators Examine Foreign-Linked Risks to Grid Supply Chain
    What to Know:
    • Texas senators used an April 1 hearing to examine supply chain risks to the grid and other critical infrastructure from foreign-linked technology.
    • Lawmakers focused on whether software access or remote connectivity in solar and battery systems could create security vulnerabilities.
    • Texas already has disclosure and attestation requirements in place through the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and ERCOT rules, but senators signaled they may consider tougher oversight.
    Insider
    April 02, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of tall buildings in Austin, Texas, on a sunny day.
    News
    Matt Reed Joins Tenable as Territory Account Manager
    What to Know:
    • Matt Reed has joined Tenable as a territory account manager in Texas.
    • He previously worked at AMS.NET and AT&T, with experience in cybersecurity, IoT and SaaS sales.
    • Reed said his focus is helping Texas agencies unify complex environments spanning cloud, identity, operational technology and AI.
    Insider
    March 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • ransomware
    News
    Alamo Heights ISD Identifies Ransomware as Cause of Network Outage
    What to Know:
    • Alamo Heights ISD said ransomware caused the multiday network outage that disrupted district operations last week.
    • The outage affected Wi-Fi and Gmail across the district, and outside forensic specialists assisted with the response.
    • The district restored technology systems by Friday afternoon, but the review into possible data exposure is still underway.
    Insider
    March 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Illustration of a website on a computer monitor surrounded by tools and accessibility-focused symbols.
    News
    DIR Webinar Highlights Vendor Role in Website Modernization Push
    What to Know:
    • DIR is signaling that vendors may have a role in execution, not just planning, as agencies assess websites for accessibility, navigation, usability and efficiency.
    • The state’s website templates are optional, so the stronger vendor play may be targeted assessment, remediation and modernization support rather than a full rebuild pitch.
    • DIR outlined multiple contracting paths, which could favor vendors already positioned on Shared Technology Services, cooperative contracts, deliverables-based IT services or staff augmentation vehicles.
    Insider
    March 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • TxDOT CapMetro Briefing.png
    News
    TxDOT, CapMetro CIOs Detail AI Plans and Vendor Expectations
    What to Know:
    • At an Industry Insider — Texas member briefing, the TxDOT and CapMetro CIOs said AI, network resilience and operational technology security are shaping near-term decisions.
    • CapMetro is focused on separating AI hype from tools that can deliver real return on investment.
    • TxDOT told vendors to make a clear case for value and explain why agencies should care before bringing forward new products.
    Insider
    March 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Banner image of a computer chip in light blue.
    News
    Former Texas CISO On What Agencies Want From AI Vendors
    What to Know:
    • Nancy Rainosek recently spoke on a webinar, saying Texas agencies want AI vendors to lead with visibility, governance and control rather than broad transformation claims.
    • Shadow AI and data exposure remain top concerns, creating demand for safer internal tools, stronger controls and secure deployment models.
    • Winning vendors will need to show practical results, fit within Texas compliance requirements and address stakeholders beyond the security office alone.
    Insider
    March 26, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • jury+box.jpg
    News
    Tarrant County Rolls Out New Jury Management System
    What to Know:
    • Tarrant County rolled out a new jury management system and online juror portal starting March 24.
    • The county said the upgrade replaces a platform that had been in use for nearly 20 years.
    • Jurors can now use a QR-enabled summons to access online service tools, email updates and optional text notifications.
    Insider
    March 26, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Austin New Website.png
    News
    Austin Debuts Redesigned Website in Digital Experience Push
    What to Know:
    • Austin launched a redesigned austintexas.gov site on March 19 as part of a broader digital experience modernization effort.
    • The project is tied to a multiyear Material Holdings contract approved in 2024 for up to $5.5 million.
    • The redesign follows years of city concerns about an aging web presence with thousands of pages and heavy resident traffic.
    Insider
    March 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The downtown Houston skyline on a sunny day.
    News
    Houston City Council Advances $945,000 in Tech Purchases
    What to Know:
    • Council approved about $945,000 in technology purchases for Houston Information Technology Services.
    • The largest purchase was $545,000 to Motorola Solutions Inc. for public safety radios and accessories.
    • City leaders pointed to a broader efficiency effort, citing recommendations on consolidation, strategic purchasing and centralization.
    Insider
    March 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • CapMetro Austin Train.png
    News
    Profiles in Government: Capital Metro
    What to Know:
    • Capital Metro is Austin’s regional transit agency and is operating with a 2026 budget of $625.2 million.
    • The agency’s capital plan this year includes $15.7 million for IT projects.
    • Capital Metro’s Strategic Plan 2030 includes goals tied to digital transformation, process automation, fare technology and security technology.
    Insider
    March 20, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Cyan blue illustration of a shield with a closed lock in the center against a dark background.
    News
    Collin County Approves Firewall Renewal, Electronic Recording Agreement
    What to Know:
    • Collin County approved a $191,000 Palo Alto firewall support renewal through Dell Marketing LP for county data center network access.
    • Commissioners also approved an agreement with Hopdox LLC to support eRecording alongside the county’s paper-based filing process.
    Insider
    March 20, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • El Paso
    News
    El Paso Climate Debate Sharpens Around Meta Data Center
    What to Know:
    • Public pressure over El Paso’s proposed Meta data center dominated discussion, with speakers tying the project to water use, electricity demand, tax incentives and the city’s Climate Action Plan.
    • City materials indicate the project’s potential impact may be greater than some public comments suggested.
    • Council acknowledged the backlash but stopped short of taking direct action on the Meta agreement during the meeting.
    Insider
    March 19, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Cloverleaf AI logo.
    News
    Sean Williams Joins Cloverleaf AI as Senior Account Executive
    Williams said his focus at Cloverleaf AI is helping vendors engage government opportunities earlier, before procurements become late-stage, reactive pursuits.
    Insider
    March 19, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • An entrance to Rice University on a sunny day.
    News
    Rice Space Institute Tops $22.3M in Funding With Space Force Award
    What to Know:
    • Rice has secured $22.3 million in combined new funding for two space research centers.
    • The newest piece is an $8.1 million U.S. Space Force award for a center focused on sensing and data analysis.
    • An earlier $14.2 million Texas Space Commission award supports a second center focused on research, partnerships and workforce training.
    Insider
    March 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The view through a fish-eye lens shows rows of servers in Data Hall B at Facebook's Fort Worth Data Center in Texas.
    News
    ERCOT Moves Toward Batch-Study Process for Large Power Users
    What to Know:
    • ERCOT is planning to shift very large power users from a single-study interconnection model to a batch-study process.
    • The change applies to large-load interconnections of 75 megawatts or more and is tied to Senate Bill 6 and PUCT review.
    • ERCOT’s timeline calls for Batch Study Zero revision requests in June and ongoing batch-study revision requests in September.
    Insider
    March 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Mike Robbins.
    News
    Mike Robbins Joins Ivanti as Regional Vice President for U.S. SLED
    What to Know:
    • Mike Robbins has joined Ivanti as regional vice president for U.S. SLED, where he will lead the company’s state, local and education market efforts.
    • Robbins previously spent close to four years at NetApp, most recently serving as district sales manager for SLED Midwest Atlantic.
    • Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles in supply chain and procurement.
    March 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Capitol building in Austin.
    News
    Tony Sauerhoff Confirmed as State CIO, DIR Executive Director
    What to Know:
    • Sauerhoff had been serving as interim executive director and interim state CIO since January.
    • He stepped into the role after Amanda Crawford left DIR to become commissioner of insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance.
    • Board members described Sauerhoff as the standout candidate and approved his appointment Friday.
    March 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A hand in blue gloves holding a small baggie of drugs against a dark background.
    News
    Midland County Advances $117,000 in Public Safety Tech Purchases
    What to Know:
    • Midland County approved purchases for a drug analyzer, courthouse X-ray system and jail radio infrastructure.
    • A TruNarc device for the Texas Anti-Gang unit will be funded through the TAG grant.
    • Commissioners amended an agreement with TxDOT allowing the Midland County Sheriff’s Office to install Flock license plate reader cameras on TxDOT rights of way.
    Insider
    March 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Anh Selissen Banner.png
    News
    Watch: TxDOT CIO Anh Selissen on AI, Automation and What’s Ahead
    Industry Insider’s latest conversation with TxDOT CIO Anh Selissen precedes the March 26 member briefing with CapMetro CIO Tanya Acevedo.
    Insider
    March 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Mockup,Medical,Stethoscope,And,Mobile,Smart,Phone,Isolated,On,Wood
    News
    Governor Directs Health Agencies to Review China-Linked Medical Device Risks
    What to Know:
    • Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas health agencies and state-owned medical facilities to review cybersecurity and procurement policies tied to medical equipment made in China.
    • The order follows federal alerts about vulnerabilities in Chinese-made patient monitoring devices that could expose protected health information.
    • The move builds on Texas’ broader crackdown on foreign-linked technologies and suggests closer scrutiny of connected medical equipment in public-sector health-care settings.
    Insider
    March 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • View of downtown Austin, Texas
    News
    Austin Advances IT Consolidation Despite Union Opposition
    What to Know:
    • Austin is moving forward with a plan to centralize departmental IT staff under Austin Technology Services, with team alignment recommendations expected in April.
    • City officials say Gartner benchmarking found Austin’s IT spending and staffing levels well above peer cities, helping drive the consolidation effort.
    • The plan is drawing pushback from AFSCME Local 1624 and employees, who have raised concerns about service impacts, institutional knowledge and the transition process.
    Insider
    March 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
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