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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.

  • A robot standing in front of a chalkboard completing complex math problems.
    News
    DIR Begins AI Sandbox Work With Six State Agencies
    What to Know:
    • DIR is in the early stages of AI sandbox engagements with six agencies and is fielding interest from several others.
    • The department has certified more than 100 AI awareness training programs, while its own training has received more than 60,000 YouTube views.
    • State CIO Tony Sauerhoff said DIR is not aware of AI-related breaches of state systems and described segmentation, access and life cycle controls used to isolate sandbox environments.
    Insider
    August 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Dallas, Texas, skyline.
    News
    Dallas Approves $3.2M Police Investigative Software Contract
    What to Know:
    • The system gives the Police Department’s Fusion Center access to nationwide pawn and secondhand property records for investigations.
    • The agreement also covers data analysis, investigative research, cellular mapping and cross-case information sharing.
    • Dallas is consolidating services previously handled through multiple agreements into one LeadsOnline contract.
    Insider
    August 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Cyber
    News
    Texas Cyber Command Hires Unified Taskforce Mission Director
    What to Know:
    • Plata brings more than 25 years of cybersecurity, data protection and military experience.
    • He spent nearly eight years at USAA, most recently leading enterprise data management, governance and AI initiatives.
    • His 23-year Army career included helping establish the service’s first two national-level Cyber Protection Teams.
    Insider
    August 25, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Austin city skyline at night, its colors reflected in Town Lake.
    News
    Austin to Consider More Than $95M in Tech Contracts
    What to Know:
    • The largest proposal adds $69 million to existing Cisco and Meraki contracts, raising their combined ceiling to $141 million.
    • Other actions cover network security, police records management, analytics, remote access, airport security operations and utility cybersecurity.
    • Austin Police could move its records management environment to a vendor-managed cloud platform.
    Insider
    August 25, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas state capitol
    News
    DIR LAR Shows Shift From Cybersecurity Expansion to AI
    What to Know:
    • DIR’s 2028-29 LAR includes about $7.1 million for artificial intelligence work and no exceptional-item request.
    • The agency’s previous LAR included $64.5 million in exceptional items, including cybersecurity expansion and eProcurement enhancements.
    • Two prior cybersecurity strategies show no requested funding as functions transition to Texas Cyber Command.
    Insider
    August 25, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Sorghum,Field,With,Irrigation,System,In,Background,Under,An,Autumn
    News
    Agriculture Department LAR Includes Legacy System Modernization Funding
    What to Know:

    • TDA’s 2028-29 LAR includes about $2 million for consolidation and modernization of legacy systems.
    • The agency is requesting about $763,000 for computer equipment and software across the biennium.
    • TDA is not requesting data center services funding for 2028-29, saying it has been unable to enter into a contract with DIR.
    Insider
    August 21, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of houses in a suburban neighborhood.
    News
    Housing and Community Affairs Requests $4M for IT Capital Projects
    What to Know:
    • The largest technology items are DIR Shared Technology Services, information resources normal growth and CAPPS/PeopleSoft maintenance.
    • A separate cybersecurity operations item would continue existing products, services and two cybersecurity positions.
    • TDHCA does not request exceptional item funding for 2028-29; its technology-related funding is in the capital budget and informational cybersecurity schedules.
    Insider
    August 20, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A large stone slab on the ground with "Texas A&M University" written on it.
    News
    Texas A&M Seeks $38M for Quantum Technology Initiative
    What to Know:

    • Texas A&M’s top exceptional item is a $38 million request for a statewide quantum technology initiative.
    • The project includes an IT component and would fund the first on-premises hybrid quantum-classical computing platform in Texas.
    • The university also requests debt-service support for a $125 million public service building with technology-enabled classrooms, national security spaces and satellite imagery systems.
    Insider
    August 18, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • broadband
    News
    Texas Broadband Office Halts Federal Grant Disbursements Amid Reviews
    What to Know:
    • The hold took effect Monday and will remain in place until further notice, with no reason provided to grant recipients.
    • The action comes as the State Auditor’s Office conducts a performance audit and the comptroller conducts a separate internal review.
    • Texas selected 22 applicants for $1.2 billion in federal grants intended to serve more than 240,000 broadband-serviceable locations.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Destroyed car is submerged in the Blanco River
    News
    Emergency Communications Commission Seeks ~$10M for Tech
    What to Know:
    • CSEC’s LAR includes about $10 million in general revenue exceptional-item funding tied to emergency communications technology.
    • The administrator’s statement identifies computer-aided dispatch and emergency notification systems as the two funding areas.
    • The LAR also includes about $1.2 million in baseline data center services funding for the biennium.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of the Texas House chamber with people milling about inside. Most of them are wearing medical face masks.
    News
    Upcoming Hearings to Watch: Broadband, Data Centers, Cybersecurity and AI
    What to Know:
    • Broadband lawmakers will examine state and federal funding awards, pole attachment fees and potential obstacles to expanding service on Aug. 18.
    • State Affairs will focus Aug. 19 on data center growth, regulation, workforce needs and Senate Bill 6.
    • The DOGE Committee will review Texas Cyber Command implementation and Department of Information Resources oversight.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas Tech University Logo Phone.png
    News
    Texas Tech Seeks $71M for Advanced Computing Expansion
    What to Know:
    • The request includes $35 million for computing infrastructure, $22.8 million for research and $13.2 million for academic programs.
    • Texas Tech plans to build on its NVIDIA GB300 environment with next-generation Vera Rubin architecture.
    • The university wants at least 5,000 students annually participating in computational micro-credential and upskilling programs.
    Insider
    August 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dallas police officers at the scene of a crime in December 2023.
    News
    $3.2M Dallas Police Contract Would Consolidate Investigative Tech
    What to Know:
    • The five-year, $3.2 million agreement is scheduled for City Council consideration Aug. 25.
    • The platform would combine property-record searches with cellular mapping, data analysis and cellphone extraction tools.
    • Dallas says consolidating multiple existing agreements would improve data integration and reduce fragmented workflows.
    Insider
    August 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Computer programming glitch
    News
    Coryell County Works to Restore Systems After Technology Disruption
    What to Know:
    • County officials have not publicly identified the cause of the disruption or specified which systems were affected.
    • Emergency and other essential public safety services remained available while restoration work continued.
    • The Aug. 11 Commissioners Court agenda includes an IT transition update and a separate closed-session discussion of network security and critical infrastructure.
    Insider
    August 11, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person working on a laptop showing multiple graphs on the screen in bright cyan blue.
    News
    Cyber Command Director-Level Hirings Illustrate Leadership Organization
    What to Know:
    • The Information Sharing and Analysis Organization will oversee three centers focused on stakeholders, cyber practices and innovation.
    • The structure aligns with the command’s strategic plan priorities around information sharing, workforce development, research and emerging technologies.
    • Texas Cyber Command is scaling toward 122 employees as it builds functions transferred from the Department of Information Resources.
    Insider
    August 11, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of a Texas highway interchange on a sunny day.
    News
    TxDOT Draft LAR Includes $391M IT Capital Budget
    What to Know:
    • The proposal is about $3 million less than in the previous budget.
    • Cybersecurity funding would decrease from the previous proposal, while data center consolidation and legacy modernization would rise.
    • A $5 million advanced air mobility item includes planning for operational integration architecture, vertiport design and corridor delivery.
    Insider
    August 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Empty voting booths in a voting center.
    News
    Texas Election System Undergoing Architectural, Data Changes
    What to Know:
    • Civix is making summer changes aimed at improving system speed, reporting and data indexing.
    • The state spent about $660,000 onboarding 11 counties after VOTEC encountered financial problems.
    • The Secretary of State’s Office is considering outside consultants to evaluate the system as a whole.
    Insider
    August 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Austin skyline just after sundown.
    News
    Travis County Recommends $91M Tech Budget
    What to Know:
    • Recurring software and hardware agreements would receive a $2.1 million increase across 174 contracts.
    • Major projects include electronic health records, justice-system replacements and digital magistration.
    • Capital plans cover end-of-life infrastructure and 884 county computers.
    Insider
    August 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A shopping cart made of bright red lines surrounded by bright red and blue lines like a data highway. Dark background.
    News
    HHSC Adds Rural AI, Cyber Grants to Procurement Forecast
    What to Know:
    • Two rural health grant opportunities focus on AI, telehealth and cybersecurity services.
    • Three technology procurements were pushed back, including data broker services and a public health electronic health record system.
    • HHSC did not provide estimated values for the newly listed grant opportunities.
    Insider
    August 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A computer chip layout with a vehicle icon in the center, all illuminated in blue against a black background.
    News
    TxDMV Plan Centers on Registration and Title System Modernization
    What to Know:
    • TxDMV is replacing its legacy Registration and Title System through a phased project expected to take three biennia.
    • The 89th Legislature approved $125 million for the system modernization.
    • The plan includes $49 million in technology replacement and upgrade projects across fiscal years 2027-2031.
    Insider
    August 04, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas flag on a flagpole next to the Alamo.
    News
    Chris Minchew Joins Fortinet as Texas SLED Named Account Manager
    What to Know:

    • Minchew brings about eight years of technology sales and account management experience.
    • His career has centered on supporting public-sector technology customers across Texas.
    • He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in business marketing and management from Texas Tech University.
    Insider
    August 04, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • US-NEWS-ONE-NORTH-TEXAS-LARGEST-WATER-1-DA.jpg
    News
    Plano Budget Proposes $6.2M in Technology Replacements
    What to Know:
    • The replacement plan covers core infrastructure, employee devices, security cameras, audiovisual systems and emergency communications equipment.
    • Information Security funding would rise 21.1 percent, supporting zero-trust access, network detection, penetration testing and expanded risk management.
    • Other planned work includes new asset-management software, traffic-management computers and foundational development for an AI-enabled digital service portal.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dallas on a sunny day.
    News
    James Wilkinson Named Dallas Chief Information Security Officer
    What to Know:
    • Wilkinson will begin the role Aug. 17 and lead Dallas’ enterprise information security program.
    • He brings more than 25 years of technology, cybersecurity, risk management and operational leadership experience.
    • His background includes 26 years of military service and senior roles at MUFG, Lockheed Martin and Wells Fargo.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Student Laptops.jpeg
    News
    DIR to Issue Solicitation for End-User IT Outsourcing Services
    What to Know:
    • The forthcoming request for offers will cover services and equipment supporting end-user computing environments.
    • The solicitation will be offered through the Department of Information Resources’ Cooperative Contracts Program.
    • DIR plans to post the RFO Aug. 11.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Broadband
    News
    Texas Broadband Awards Face Audit After Lawmakers Question Process
    What to Know:
    • The audit will examine how the Broadband Development Office evaluated applications, changed payment terms and documented award decisions.
    • Lawmakers questioned whether some satellite and middle-mile projects received favorable treatment despite competing proposals or existing service.
    • Providers called for clearer scoring, stronger mapping, better challenge procedures and more explanation when applications are rejected.
    Insider
    July 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of servers in a Google data center.
    News
    Texas Senators Examine Rising Cost of Data Center Tax Breaks
    What to Know:
    • Lawmakers discussed mandatory reporting on electricity, water and project benefits as a condition of receiving the exemption.
    • Witnesses urged the state to give host communities more control over local tax incentives, infrastructure demands and land-use impacts.
    • The committee took no vote, leaving repeal, restructuring and other safeguards for possible consideration next session.
    Insider
    July 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Cybersecurity: Managing Risk
    News
    HHSC Plan Emphasizes Cybersecurity, AI, Data Governance
    What to Know:

    • HHSC plans to modernize cybersecurity with Zero Trust access, continuous monitoring and post-quantum cryptography.
    • Data priorities include analytics for fraud detection, data stewardship policies and a connected analytics data mart.
    • The agency is seeking higher IT procurement thresholds, citing overlapping reviews and longer timelines for large technology projects.
    Insider
    July 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Flock Safety license plate reader
    News
    Conroe Council Seeks Vote on License Plate Cameras
    What to Know:
    • The existing Flock Safety program remains in place, with no new review process or ballot measure approved.
    • Council members cited public safety benefits alongside concerns about privacy, data access, retention and oversight.
    • The council must vote before Aug. 17 on whether to put the issue on the November ballot.
    Insider
    July 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Illustration of an open laptop with book pages coming off of the screen. Dark blue background with bright cyan blue cloud symbols.
    News
    Texas Higher Education Board Adopts AI Code of Ethics
    What to Know:
    • The policy creates a formal process for complaints and review when the agency’s use of AI produces an adverse outcome.
    • It emphasizes human review, privacy, security, transparency and agency accountability.
    • The policy governs the coordinating board, not Texas colleges and universities.
    Insider
    July 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Austin City Hall on a sunny day.
    News
    Austin Approves $20M in Technology Investments
    What to Know:
    • All nine items moved through the consent agenda, with only the payment-processing amendment drawing separate comment.
    • The package includes cybersecurity training, network threat management, data analytics and systems supporting city utilities and courts.
    • The $20 million figure combines new contract ceilings, contract increases, grant funding and required city matches.
    Insider
    July 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
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