Table of Contents
Overview
The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) serves other parts of the Texas government by setting technology policies, implementing cybersecurity measures, and offering centralized procurement of software and other technologies.
Programs and Functions
DIR was created in 1989 to assist other parts of government with their IT operations. Like the Texas Facilities Commission, DIR was established as a support agency whose principle role was to support other state agencies, rather than serving the public directly.
Over the years, the agency’s role has evolved, with DIR now playing a less direct role in other agencies’ IT services and now focusing more on protecting the state’s data and critical technology infrastructure, managing the bulk contracts program, and providing strategic leadership.
DIR deploys the bulk buying power of the state in procuring IT products and services, which enables the state to realize discounts that would not have been possible if different units of government were buying these products on their own.
Cybersecurity has become a key focus of the agency. DIR works with federal, state, and improve data management, detect threats to IT infrastructure, and assist government institutions to recover after they have been impacted by cybersecurity incidents.
Agency Structure
DIR belongs to the executive branch of state government and is overseen by a 10-member board composed of seven voting members and three non-voting ex officio members. The governor appoints the voting members to serve staggered six-year terms.
Management of the agency falls to an appointed executive director, who is assisted by a Chief Technology Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Data Officer, and other executives. In total, The Texas Department of Information Resources employs about 200 staff, according to budget documents.
