Concourse

New Mexico

IT Status Report & Strategic Plan

February 23, 2026 · Version 2.0

Executive Summary

Governor

Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)

CIO

Manny Barreras (Cabinet Secretary)

CISO

Raja Sambandam

IT Organization

Department of Information Technology (DoIT)

State Agencies

30

Population

2.1M

✓ Key Strengths

  • Largest tribal broadband investment in BEAD history: $382M broadband plan approved January 2026 including $111M for Navajo Nation connectivity -- demonstrating New Mexico's commitment to closing the digital divide across tribal, rural, and underserved communities with 31 grants targeting 42,500+ locations
  • P25 Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS) modernization serving 78+ agencies with 1.8 million monthly calls positions New Mexico as a leader in public safety interoperability, with Motorola WAVE PTX smartphone integration launching early 2026 extending coverage beyond traditional radio
  • Proactive AI governance through DoIT's Generative AI Use Guidelines Policy (June 2025) aligned with NIST AI RMF, combined with advancing legislation (HB 60 Artificial Intelligence Act, SB 68 AI Government Use Act) creating comprehensive AI transparency and accountability framework
  • Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) established under the Cybersecurity Act of 2023 with CISO Raja Sambandam providing centralized cybersecurity policy, risk assessment, and incident response -- including statewide vulnerability management and (833) 42-CYBER incident reporting hotline

⚠ Key Risks

  • $293M in remaining BEAD funds pending further guidance from U.S. Department of Commerce creates uncertainty for middle-mile infrastructure, 5G tower deployments, and community anchor institution connectivity plans
  • Tribal broadband deployment across the Navajo Nation spanning three states (NM $111M, AZ $140M, UT $26M) requires unprecedented cross-jurisdictional coordination with tribal sovereignty considerations and extremely challenging terrain in remote desert and mesa landscapes
  • Multiple AI bills advancing simultaneously (HB 60, SB 68, deepfake legislation) without an established state AI governance body may create conflicting or duplicative requirements for state agencies and businesses
  • DoIT leadership transition with Secretary Barreras confirmed March 2025 after appointment in September 2024 means strategic direction is still being established during a period of rapid technology change and significant federal funding opportunities

Capability Areas

Capability Radar

Cybersecurity & …AI & AutomationDigital Governme…Data Management …Workforce & TalentCloud ServicesBroadband & Conn…IT Procurement &…Interoperability…Legacy Moderniza…
New Mexico

Current IT Projects

ProjectStatusDescriptionTimeline
BEAD Broadband Deployment ($382M)Approved$382M NTIA-approved broadband plan deploying 31 grants across New Mexico to connect 42,500+ unserved and underserved locations. Includes $111M for Navajo Nation -- the largest tribal BEAD project nationally. Technology mix: 44% fiber, 40% fixed wireless, 16% LEO satellite.2026-2030
DTRS P25 Radio System ExpansionIn ProgressExpanding the P25 Digital Trunked Radio System from 53 to 170 planned sites to achieve 92% mobile radio coverage statewide. Motorola WAVE PTX smartphone integration launching early 2026 extending interoperability beyond traditional radio. Currently serving 78+ agencies with 1.8M monthly calls.2023-2027
Office of Cybersecurity OperationsActiveBuilding operational capabilities of the Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) established under the Cybersecurity Act of 2023. Implementing statewide cybersecurity policies, vulnerability management, incident reporting procedures, and agency compliance monitoring under CISO Raja Sambandam.2023-Ongoing
Generative AI Policy ImplementationActiveImplementing DoIT's Generative AI Use Guidelines Policy across state agencies while supporting legislative development of comprehensive AI governance (HB 60, SB 68). Establishing agency-level AI policies and employee training programs.2025-2026
EPMO ModernizationIn ProgressModernizing the Enterprise Project Management Office with updated governance processes, performance reporting dashboards, and project delivery standards to improve IT investment oversight across state agencies.2025-2026
Connect New Mexico Digital Equity ProgramActiveComprehensive digital equity initiative coordinating broadband deployment with adoption programs, digital literacy training, and device access for underserved communities including tribal nations, rural areas, and low-income populations through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.2024-Ongoing

100-Day Strategic Plan

Quick-win initiatives for immediate impact

200-Day Strategic Plan

Strategic initiatives for sustained transformation

Sources

  1. New Mexico Department of Information Technology (DoIT) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  2. DoIT About the Department: History, Structure, and Mission (accessed 2026-02-23)
  3. DoIT IT Strategic Planning (FY25-FY27) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  4. Governor's Office: Feds Approve New Mexico's $382M Broadband Plan (accessed 2026-02-23)
  5. Native News Online: Navajo Nation Secures $285M in Federal Broadband Funding (accessed 2026-02-23)
  6. Connect New Mexico: BEAD Program (accessed 2026-02-23)
  7. OBAE Submits $675M Broadband Infrastructure Proposal (September 2025) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  8. DoIT Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  9. New Mexico DTRS: P25 Digital Trunked Radio System (accessed 2026-02-23)
  10. DoIT: Radio Upgrades Save Lives in Emergency Response (accessed 2026-02-23)
  11. Senate Confirms Manny Barreras as DoIT Secretary (accessed 2026-02-23)
  12. DoIT Generative AI Use Guidelines Policy (Version 1.0, June 2025) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  13. NM Legislature: SB 68 AI Government Use Act Fiscal Impact Report (accessed 2026-02-23)
  14. NM Legislature STTC: DoIT Update (September 2025) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  15. Transparency Coalition AI: New Mexico AI Transparency Bill Analysis (accessed 2026-02-23)
  16. MeriTalk: Barreras Confirmed to Lead New Mexico's IT Department (accessed 2026-02-23)
  17. New Mexico Three-Year Broadband Plan (2025 Update) (accessed 2026-02-23)