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What to Know:
- DIR has opened a competitive solicitation to refresh or expand its vendor pool for end-user IT outsourcing services.
- Vendors may offer services including desktop support, asset management, hosted virtual desktops and emerging tech like AI and cloud solutions.
- Selected vendors will enter Master Cooperative Contracts and serve a wide range of public-sector customers across Texas.
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What to Know:
- The central IT agency on Friday proposed a statewide AI Code of Ethics that would apply to all state and local government use of artificial intelligence.
- The rule outlines seven key principles that agencies must follow when deploying AI systems.
- Agencies will be required to document compliance, provide redress mechanisms and train staff to monitor and validate AI outputs.
What to Know:
- Gov. Greg Abbott appointed eight members to a new board focused on artificial intelligence in state government.
- The board will guide the state’s approach to adopting AI in public-sector operations.
- Appointees bring expertise in IT modernization, legal oversight, finance and private-sector technology.
A new set of data visualizations and graphics explore IT funding across state and local government, schools and special districts in Texas.
Previously both CIO and CISO for Dallas, Brian Gardner has been heading cybersecurity in Austin since May. Here he explains the challenges of navigating a new city as well as emerging threats like data poisoning.
What to Know:
- Texas has suspended new and renewed HUB certifications while the program undergoes a legal review to ensure compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.
- The suspension follows Executive Order GA-55, which prohibits state agencies from using race-based preferences in awarding government benefits.
- Existing HUB-certified vendors can still compete for contracts as the Comptroller’s office continues collecting participation data.
What to Know:
- The Texas DMV partnered with ISF to identify and mitigate risks during its transition from temporary paper tags to metal license plates.
- ISF developed a risk register and advised on communications, inventory management and dealer training strategies.
- The DMV credits ISF’s early involvement with helping the agency stay on track and avoid major disruptions during implementation.
What to Know:
- The city is soliciting proposals for broadband, voice and data services across departments.
- The goal is to replace legacy infrastructure and transition away from DIR-managed contracts.
- The contract will support connectivity for locations not served by the city’s own fiber network.
What to Know:
- Former CIO Mark A. Stone retired in September after more than 12 years with the Texas A&M University System.
- The A&M System's IT office says a search is underway for a new CIO, but no public job listing is currently available.
- Stone remains listed on the Texas AI Advisory Council website.
What to Know:
- DIR is seeking flood detection and alert technologies, including sensors, modeling software and emergency notification systems.
- This is a new contract category under DIR’s Cooperative Contracts Program, with no existing agreements in place.
- Eligible customers include state agencies, local governments, school districts, public hospitals and other authorized entities.
What to Know:
- The Texas Cyber Command is hiring a vice chief and deputy chief to lead statewide cyber defense operations.
- The vice chief serves as the command’s chief strategist, guiding integration of cybersecurity functions from other agencies and representing Texas in national cyber policy discussions.
- The deputy chief role focuses on operations, directing incident response efforts and managing distributed teams.
What to Know:
- The summit marked the first under the direction of new Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute director Steve Putna and the first summit for Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
- The first day consensus was that Texas is in a strong position to be a leader in semiconductors and chip technology.
- Panelists pointed to the Legislature’s support for energy, noting that the state has given $10 billion for the Texas Energy Fund.
What to Know:
- The upcoming solicitation will cover cybersecurity software, services and related support.
- DIR plans to award one or more vendors under indefinite quantity contracts with no purchase minimums.
- The deadline for vendor responses is expected to be Feb. 2, 2026.
What to Know:
- On Thursday, CLEAR will introduce its biometric eGates at Love Field TSA security checkpoints.
- The service allows fliers to bypass a TSA Security podium or traditional CLEAR pod.
- The eGates are similar to biometric technology TSA has rolled out at regular security lanes in recent years.
What to Know:
- Casey Kennedy will retire from the public sector in November after 15 years as CIO.
- In a LinkedIn post, Kennedy thanked colleagues and mentors, reflected on his time in the role and said he is open to new opportunities.
- The agency has opened applications for his successor, who will serve as CIO, director of information services and information resource manager for the state judiciary.
What to Know:
- Corpus Christi's IT fund includes about $23 million in FY26.
- The city has dedicated about $7 million through its capital program for technology-focused initiatives.
- The budget also sets aside about $21 million for construction projects with embedded technology components.
With the largest IT capital budget in the state, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is planning major procurements for video surveillance, application support and more.
What to Know:
- As the central IT agency, DIR oversees statewide procurement vehicles, cybersecurity programs, data center services and cloud offerings.
- For Fiscal Year 2026, DIR has received $9.3 million for IT capital items and operates under a total budget of $779 million.
- DIR is shifting its focus from cybersecurity toward its Innovation Lab and new AI Division.
Two local government IT leaders spoke in Dallas about what they are seeing on the AI front in North Texas and beyond. Deployments require buy-in, training and written policy.
Local cybersecurity leaders recently discussed various components of their incident response planning, including regular reviews, cross-team involvement and communication within and without the security office.
What to Know:
- The county’s Technology and Operations department is allocated $91.4 million.
- Several departments are investing in targeted software, hardware and digital platforms.
- Technology funding also extends into departmental programs.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice recently briefed its board on a portfolio of major IT projects, most of which are funded by the state’s capital budget and in early procurement stages.
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