2022-2026 State Strategic Plan
Accelerating the Next Generation of Technology in Texas
DIR Program Support
DIR’s mission is to serve Texas government by leading the state's technology strategy, protecting
state technology infrastructure, and offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for all levels of
government.
DIR can support and assist agencies to meet the goals outlined in this state strategic plan.
This section
highlights just a few of the enterprise services DIR provides to promote efficiency and service in state
government.
For more information, search for these topics on www.dir.texas.gov or call 1-855-ASK-DIR1.
Bulk Purchase
Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Software, and Other IT Equipment
DIR leverages the state’s purchasing power to negotiate
competitive discounts for government entities on information and communications
technology products and services. Bulk purchasing occurs when multiple
government entities come together and buy large quantities of technology
products. Bulk purchase initiatives simplify the state agencies’ procurement
process because purchases made under a DIR bulk purchase agreement are exempted
from certain spending limits and thresholds.
Centers of Excellence (CoE)
Texas Cloud Tiger Team, Artificial Intelligence
In 2019, DIR established the Texas Cloud Adoption CoE, also
known as the Cloud Tiger Team, to accelerate cloud adoption and acceptance
throughout state government. Through a public-private partnership, the CoE
trains agency employees on cloud solutions using real-life use cases. In 2020,
DIR created the award-winning AI-CoE to promote emerging AI technologies that
deliver secure, efficient government services to Texans. The AI-CoE
demonstrates how using chatbots, RPA, machine learning, and other advanced technologies
can improve government services for the taxpayers of Texas.
Cloud Services
Infrastructure, Platform, Software, Broker, and Assessment Services
For agencies considering cloud services, DIR offers
resources to help decision makers evaluate available cloud-smart strategies and
proceed with cloud adoption. When agencies have developed a cloud strategy and
are ready to move forward, DIR has several offerings available through DIR’s
cooperative contracts and shared technology services. These services include
the Texas private cloud with two redundant, resilient, consolidated data
centers, and three public cloud service providers as well as other cloud
services.
Communications Technology Services and Contracts
VoIP, Internet, Data Plans, Wireless Devices
Texas agencies have access to a portfolio of
telecommunication, voice, data, video, wireless, and Internet services at
highly competitive prices through DIR enterprise contracts. The Texas Agency
Network (TEX-AN) program provides voice services, data services, internet
services, and telecommunications infrastructure for state and local government
and institutions of higher education. DIR provides network security monitoring,
alerting, and analysis services to help internet customers protect critical information
resources. Network Intrusion Prevention Services (IPS) proactively identifies
and blocks known threats to network security. These services initiate
automatically when an agency utilizes DIR-provided internet services.
Data Coordination
Texas Data Program, Texas Open Data Portal, Texas Data Management Framework
The Texas Data Program provides leadership, services, and
resources to help agencies develop individual agency data management programs.
The program’s primary goals are to improve data governance, provide
opportunities for data sharing, and work with agencies to collaboratively
establish policies, standards, and best practices. The Texas Open Data Portal
(data.texas.gov) is the state’s official repository for open data and promotes
government transparency, citizen selfservice data participation, and the
efficient use of public resources. The Texas Data Management Framework (TDMF),
based on the core principles of the Data Management Association (DAMA) Data
Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), provides a governance framework for Texas
government.
Innovative Procurement Lab (IPL)
Improving Information Technology Procurement and Contracting
DIR established the Innovative Procurement Lab (IPL) to help
agencies collaboratively explore different ways to achieve successful contract
engagements in compliance with state laws. This initiative aims to streamline
IT procurement processes, increase market engagement, abbreviate upfront
requirements, and uncover other innovations for the procurement and contracting
process. The IPL helps customers and the vendor community work together better
to improve procurement and contracting for IT solutions across the state.
IT Commodities and Services
Hardware, Software, Seat Management, and Staffing Services
Through the Cooperative Contracts program, DIR leverages the
purchasing power of the state by negotiating and administering over 900
contracts with IT providers for products and services. The Cooperative
Contracts program offers computers, software, security offerings, networking
and telecommunications equipment, IT staffing services, deliverables-based
services, artificial intelligence, technology-based training, and more. DIR’s
technology contracts are used as a benchmark across the country for aggressive
discounts and exceptional service levels.
IT Education and Guidance
Strategic Planning, Project Management, Digital Accessibility, IRM Continuing Education
DIR facilitates and guides the management of statewide
technology through technology strategic planning, policies, standards,
guidelines, and procedures. DIR provides consultation and training on the
Project Delivery Framework, best practices, and tips for minimizing risk in IT
projects. DIR also assists state agencies to comply with state and federal
accessibility requirements. In addition, DIR provides education, guidance,
training, and technical assistance to help agency information resources
managers (IRM) navigate state technology laws and meet continuing education
requirements.
Online Payment Services
Licenses and Registrations, Permits, and Records
Texas.gov provides payment processing for state agencies and
eligible local government organizations that conduct online business with
constituents. The Texas.gov payment solution is a secure, Payment Card Industry
(PCI) compliant product that allows customers to process online and
over-the-counter payments for services such as licenses and registrations;
property taxes and records; permits; and vital records.
Security Services
Leadership, Education, SPECTRIM, Managed Security Services, Information Security Services, Cybersecurity Framework, TDIS
DIR offers information security products through cooperative
contracts and provides targeted information security services. DIR chairs the
Texas Cybersecurity Council, offers a statewide Cybersecurity Framework, and
SPECTRIM (Statewide Portal for Enterprise Cybersecurity Threat, Risk, and
Incident Management) for governance, risk, and compliance management. Managed
Security Services (MMS) include security monitoring, device management,
incident response services, threat analysis, and more. Texas Digital Identity
Solution (TDIS) offers streamlined identity verification, risk-based
multi-factor authentication, and single-sign on access, allowing Texas
government employees to access authorized agency systems easily and securely.
DIR fosters cybersecurity information sharing and certifies cybersecurity
awareness training.
Shared Technology Services
Data Center Services, Texas.gov, Managed Application Services, Managed Security Services, Open Data Portal
DIR’s Shared Technology Services (STS) are a set of managed
IT services that DIR customers can use to accelerate their service delivery in
a reliable, modern, and secure manner. The program offers a combination of
services that can be consumed incrementally to meet individual agency needs.
These services include highly secure public and private cloud solutions,
application development and maintenance, managed security services, Texas.gov
digital commerce, and more. STS allows DIR customers to treat IT as a service
instead of an internal project.
Strategic Digital Services
Digital Transformation, Digital Maturity, TxT
DIR’s Strategic Digital Services program assists agencies
with the adoption of digital technology. The program guides state government to
transform manual processes into digital processes, modernize technology, and
shift a task-based workforce to a knowledge-based workforce. It features a
digital transformation guide to help agencies understand guiding principles and
digital maturity. In addition, it helps agencies find resources for digital
transformation such as Texas by Texas (TxT), a mobile-first digital assistant
offering secure digital government services with a single user account and
stored payment information.