Concourse

Texas

IT Status Report & Strategic Plan

February 23, 2026 · Version 2.0

Executive Summary

Governor

Greg Abbott (R)

CIO

Tony Sauerhoff (Interim)

CISO

Vacant (Texas Cyber Command transition)

IT Organization

Department of Information Resources (DIR)

State Agencies

200

Population

30.5M

✓ Key Strengths

  • Texas Cyber Command (TXCC) established via HB 150 with $345M+ funding to centralize cybersecurity across state and local government -- one of the most ambitious whole-of-state cyber programs nationally
  • Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA) signed June 2025, effective January 2026, with new AI Division at DIR and mandatory AI training for state employees -- positioning Texas as a leader in state AI regulation
  • Largest state BEAD allocation at $1.25B approved by NTIA in November 2025, targeting 243,000 unserved locations with fiber (50%+), fixed wireless, and LEO satellite deployment
  • DIR 2026-2030 State Strategic Plan provides comprehensive technology roadmap with clear goals for cloud modernization, AI adoption, legacy system retirement, and workforce development

⚠ Key Risks

  • Significant CIO leadership instability: Amanda Crawford departed January 2026, Tony Sauerhoff serving as interim, and permanent search ongoing during critical TXCC transition period
  • TIERS eligibility system modernization is a 6+ year, $46M+ cloud migration with no clear completion date -- any delays directly impact Medicaid/CHIP/SNAP benefits for millions of Texans
  • DIR cybersecurity functions transitioning to TXCC by end of 2026 creates organizational risk as two agencies must coordinate handoff of threat response, standards, and local government support
  • Texas HHS identified 40+ technology needs totaling hundreds of millions for FY2026-27 including $73.2M desktop refresh, $67.4M service continuity, and $59.8M operational support -- funding gaps likely

Capability Areas

Capability Radar

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

Current IT Projects

ProjectStatusDescriptionTimeline
Texas Cyber Command (TXCC) EstablishmentIn ProgressEstablishing the Texas Cyber Command as a new state agency under the University of Texas System with $345M+ funding. Centralizing cybersecurity functions from DIR including threat response, security standards, and local government support.2025-2026 (operational by December 31, 2026)
BEAD Broadband DeploymentAwarded$1.25B federal broadband program connecting 243,000+ unserved locations across Texas. 22 subgrantees selected with fiber, fixed wireless, and LEO satellite technologies. Grant awards being finalized.2026-2030
TIERS Cloud MigrationIn ProgressMulti-year migration of Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System to AWS cloud. Phase 1 migrating 38 applications. Supports Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF eligibility determination for millions of Texans.2024-2030
AI Division and Governance ImplementationActiveOperationalizing DIR's new AI Division (HB 2818) and Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA). Developing AI Code of Ethics, supporting agency AI adoption, and implementing mandatory AI training.2025-2026
HHS Technology Modernization PortfolioIn Progress40+ technology projects including $73.2M desktop refresh, $66.2M Medicaid system improvements, $87.7M data center consolidation, and $8.6M cloud analytics platform.FY2025-FY2027
DIR 2026-2030 State Strategic PlanPublishedComprehensive statewide technology roadmap guiding agency IT planning, funding requests, cloud adoption, AI practices, and cybersecurity coordination during TXCC transition.FY2026-FY2030

100-Day Strategic Plan

Quick-win initiatives for immediate impact

200-Day Strategic Plan

Strategic initiatives for sustained transformation

Sources

  1. Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  2. DIR 2026-2030 State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management (accessed 2026-02-23)
  3. GovTech: Texas Chief AI, Innovation Officer Named Interim State CIO (accessed 2026-02-23)
  4. StateScoop: Texas CIO Amanda Crawford Appointed Insurance Commissioner (accessed 2026-02-23)
  5. Texas Cyber Command (TXCC) Official Website (accessed 2026-02-23)
  6. GovTech Insider: DIR Updates State Strategic Plan to Make Way for Cyber Command (accessed 2026-02-23)
  7. GovTech Insider: Texas Cyber Command Rolls Out Website, Seeks IT Leadership (accessed 2026-02-23)
  8. Texas Comptroller: Federal Government Approves Texas BEAD Proposal (accessed 2026-02-23)
  9. StateScoop: NTIA Approves Texas BEAD Proposal at $2B Less Than Original Allotment (accessed 2026-02-23)
  10. GovTech Insider: State Eligibility System Embarks on a 6-Year-Plus Modernization Journey (TIERS) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  11. GovTech Insider: HHS Lists Dozens of Technology Needs for Coming Budget Years (accessed 2026-02-23)
  12. Texas HHS Legislative Appropriations Request FY2026-2027 (accessed 2026-02-23)
  13. Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA) - Latham & Watkins Analysis (accessed 2026-02-23)
  14. DIR Technology Legislation Tracker (HB 149, HB 2818, HB 3512, SB 1964) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  15. NASCIO 2025 State CIO Top 10 Priorities (accessed 2026-02-23)
  16. Texas State Auditor: Full-Time Equivalent State Employees FY2024 (accessed 2026-02-23)
  17. Pillsbury Law: Texas Cyber Command New Authority for Statewide Cybersecurity (accessed 2026-02-23)