Seven Agency Projects Recognized for Excellence

The Best of Texas awards during this week’s Texas Digital Government Summit acknowledged various significant IT projects, state agencies and local entities for advancing public-sector IT. Recognizing technological excellence is a cornerstone of the event, and the awards ceremony gives attendees a glance at what colleagues are accomplishing.

Below are the categories, projects and winners recognized by Government Technology.*

Best Application Serving an Agency’s Business Needs

Two agencies that serve citizens across the state have notable projects this year.

The Texas Healthcare Safety Network 2.0 is an online database allowing the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff to manage and display health-care facility-associated infections and preventable adverse events data. It is an effort of the DSHS and Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). The project streamlines data and has a user-centered interface.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Consultant Certification Information System replaced the original mainframe application that pre-certified consultant firms and their staff in work categories required for professional services contracts at TxDOT. The system also works as a vendor management system.

Best Application Serving the Public

Two agencies with updated applications connecting users with accessible features or information also have applications worth noting.

The HHS Search Texas Child Care website is now federally compliant and more transparent for all users. It is a website bringing together information from various databases and tools to help the public make more informed decisions about child care and the providers of that care.

CapMetro of Austin created a modern mobility platform for its ADA paratransit riders. The site replaces a two-decades-old system and now automates the user experience from requesting a ride, adding requests or additional information and communicating with drivers. The fleet side also can see more on-the-ground information and track rides.

Best IT Collaboration

The HHS and DSHS updated laboratory test capacity by upgrading hardware and software. This included network infrastructure improvements such as cabling, switches and virtual servers. Data centers also were updated.

Best Workforce/Workplace Initiative

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) augmented its staff through IT apprenticeships, using existing funding and creating a two-year program to train interns to program software. With rewritten job posts and Department of Labor approval, 10 interns remain with TWC as part of its workforce.

Innovative Use of Data

The Department of Information Resources (DIR) launched its Texas Data Literacy Program in 2023, providing guidance, training and education on topics related to data management, open data and data sharing. The project provides eLearning via a learning management system but also offers video-only versions on YouTube.

Excellence in Project Management

This individual award went to TWC lead project manager Sapna Ahuja.

*The Digital Government Summits, Government Technology and Industry Insider — Texas are part of e.Republic.