The department offers a plethora of information on its website, but this top-level view may be helpful to those new to doing business with the state of Texas or responding to an open solicitation, typically called a request for offer (RFO).
In a competitive-bid process, under guidance from the State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide, RFOs are placed on the Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities page. In addition, they are linked to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) and email is sent to those on the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL). Vendors don't have to be on this list but must meet RFO response requirements.
Multiple needs are addressed in the DIR's contract award process, in turn simplifying the vetting process of vendors and the purchasing process for agencies.
Government entities such as state agencies, municipalities, public schools and institutes of higher education may use the DIR vendors list to find companies from which to purchase IT products and solutions. State agencies are required to use DIR contractors, but many others use the DIR as a contract vehicle.
Offerings through these contracts include:
- Hardware and software
- Cloud services
- Telecommunication hardware and services
- IT staffing services
The DIR mission includes multiple goals:
- Offers purchasing support and policy insights so organizations across all levels of Texas government can find and securely implement modern technology.
- Sets forth strategic direction for IT statewide through policies and guidance.
- Analyzes cybersecurity risks and solutions.
- Empowers state and local government entities with technology.
- Assists with technology procurement and purchasing.
- Collaborates with technology vendors.
- Creates an online community for knowledge sharing.
Multiple resources are available through the DIR website, where a list of approved vendors including prime vendors, is maintained.
