The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is in the solicitation phase of establishing a permanent regional security operations center (RSOC) on its campus.
According to a request for proposals (RFP), UT Austin is seeking a construction manager-at-risk for the construction of the new RSOC. The university estimates the construction value will range between $3 million-$4 million with a completion deadline of July 1, 2025.
A temporary RSOC was opened in a swing space at Dobie Twenty21, a campus residence hall in 2023. The new center will occupy a larger space in the same building, accompanied by a 60-seat classroom, office space, conference rooms, a forensics space, a break room, restrooms and storage.
Unique to Texas, RSOCs function as cybersecurity support and network security providers to nearby locations that are eligible for assistance.
At a recent Government Technology* event, Department of Information Resources Deputy Executive Director Steve Pier pointed to the expansion of RSOCs as a likely inclusion in the upcoming state budgeting session.
“I think you’re going to start to see RSOCs as something that each of the members want to ensure they have in their region,” said Pier. “That’s why I think we might have a bigger growth cycle on RSOCs this time around. By deploying out that high-level monitored security to smaller governments that cannot afford these types of tools on their own is going to dramatically increase the security of the state.”
*Government Technology is a sister publication to Industry Insider — Texas.
UT Austin to Construct Regional Security Operations Center
A temporary RSOC was opened in a swing space in 2023. The new center will occupy a larger space, accompanied by a 60-seat classroom, office space, conference rooms, a forensics space, and more.
