Contributed Content
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a reminder that being cyber-strong isn’t about having the most security tools. It’s about keeping government agencies working and continuing to serve citizens when an attack occurs.
Software that runs inside customer-managed infrastructure creates a particular challenge at the FedRAMP High baseline. It still has to meet the applicable security and compliance requirements, even though the vendor does not control the surrounding operating system, libraries, network configuration, or maintenance practices. For Datadog, that challenge centers on the Datadog Agent, which runs directly on customer-managed hosts to collect logs, metrics, traces, and security signals.
As state and local governments modernize critical technology systems, they must also meet growing demand for cybersecurity, reliability, operational efficiency, and fiscal accountability. From citizen services and public safety operations to transportation networks, education systems, and emerging AI initiatives, agencies are managing increasingly complex environments with limited resources.
October 13, 2026 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM CT | Virtual
More than half of government organizations now use AI, but fewer than half have a formal AI policy. Here's the legal and security case for closing that gap and how to write an AI policy your agency will actually follow.
As artificial intelligence became embedded across everyday workplace tools, CapMetro moved early to establish policy before expanding AI adoption. With Darwin AI, the agency gained real-time visibility into how AI was actually being used across departments, replacing assumptions with data.
Darwin AI Announces the Nation’s First Bulk Purchase Agreement for AI Governance Through the State of Texas
The biggest risk facing state and local governments is waiting too long to modernize. In a previous blog, I explored five trends shaping state and local government as AI, cloud and data change the way agencies fulfil their mission. Here, I explore one trend in greater depth: why the cost of delaying modernization now outweighs the cost of change.
Building identity infrastructure that is ready for modern risks
Delivering Content at Scale With AI: 4 Ways to Maintain Control
Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:00am - 3:30pm AT&T Hotel and Conference Center - Zlotnik Ballroom
Federal dollars are flowing, and plans are moving fast. The states that succeed won't just have bold clinical agendas, they'll have the infrastructure to measure, defend and sustain results.
When commercial networks flood, first responders can't afford lag. Verizon Frontline 5G Network Slicing guarantees secure, prioritized bandwidth when seconds count.
Cloud has become the backbone of public sector modernization. What began as a cost and infrastructure play has evolved into a strategic enabler of digital services, resilience and innovation. More than a decade of adoption has also helped organizations develop the experience and operational maturity needed to manage cloud environments with increasing confidence.
Procurement in the Age of AI — June 16, 2026
State and local governments are under growing pressure to move artificial intelligence (AI) from pilot programs to real-world operations. Legislators want measurable progress, residents expect faster and more responsive services and agencies face ongoing budget and workforce constraints.
H.R. 1 has significantly reshaped the operating environment for health and human services agencies, increasing both oversight and administrative demands across programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The legislation raises the stakes by tightening expectations around payment accuracy — placing SNAP agencies at risk of financial penalties if error rates exceed 6% by 2028 — while also expanding eligibility verification requirements, such as requiring certain Medicaid recipients to undergo recertification twice a year instead of annually.
Latest News
What to Know:
- RSD Connect launched Oct. 1 with License to Carry and Capitol Access Pass services.
- DPS lists Deloitte Consulting LLP on a $58.52 million Enterprise Licensing Platform contract.
- The platform is designed to unify licensing, eligibility, compliance and enforcement functions.
What to Know:
- Houston is using three vendors to give departments more flexibility on pricing, delivery and large-volume purchases.
- Dell and HP each receive a 40 percent allocation while Summus receives 20 percent, with Houston able to shift purchases among the vendors.
- The agreements include 90-day price protection and support Houston’s shift toward standardized equipment, more laptops and faster device deployment.
What to Know:
- Dallas and Flock agreed to keep more than 300 license plate-reading cameras online for 90 days.
- Police Chief Daniel Comeaux met with Flock’s CEO about safeguards, misuse and accountability.
- The cameras remain under scrutiny from lawmakers, privacy advocates and local oversight groups.
