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Government code had established what entities were eligible customers; however, these lists weren’t uniform. This bill, now an act, adds Section No. 2054.0525 to the Government Code, listing 14 types of entities that may look to DIR for services, commodities and statewide technology centers.
The agency is tasked with assisting state agencies with technology needs and planning, but many groups already take advantage of its contracting services including public schools, universities and even some other states. DIR manages multiple types of contracts for its customers.
State CIO Amanda Crawford said last year that alongside its thousands of technology products and services, DIR has “reimagined the shared services we offer to bring best-in-class private and public clouds, security services and application services to ensure we provide a broad portfolio of enabling technology.”
Now, “if the executive director determines that participation is in the best interest of this state,” newly designated entities are eligible for services. Definitions are linked throughout the legislative documentation.
Here are the types of entities eligible under the act:
- State agencies
- Local governments
- Legislatures and legislative agencies
- Various courts
- Various hospital types
- Certified power utilities
- The Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation
- Assistance organizations such as nonprofits
- Public, charter and private schools
- Private or independent higher education institutes
- Public safety entities
- Volunteer fire departments
- Other states’ government entities
