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Robert McTeer

McTeer Named Chancellor of A&M System

Robert McTeer, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Texas for thirteen years, has been named chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. McTeer replaces the late Howard Graves, who retired in August 2003. Benton Cocanougher, former dean of the Mays Business School at A&M, had served as interim chancellor until McTeer's hiring. McTeer, who had led the Dallas Fed since 1991, resigned that post yesterday to begin overseeing the A&M System's nine universities, seven state agencies and Health Science Center. He will begin working full-time for the System on November 10.


DIR Releases 2004 Biennial Performance Report

The Department of Information Resources' 2004 Biennial Performance Report is now available on the agency's Web site. The report is a summary of the state's IT expenditures and DIR's assessment of the state's current IT practices and the major IT management issues confronting state government. DIR reported these findings and a strategic plan of action to the Legislature earlier this year. This Biennial Performance Report offers recommendations to address critical issues, describes how DIR has aligned itself internally to focus on delivering the results that are expected by the state's leadership, and how DIR met commitments made in the May 2004 planning report, A Foundation for Change: Leveraging a Statewide Technology Infrastructure.

In the report, DIR identifies four critical technology issues and makes suggested recommendations to the Legislature for how to address them:

  • Create an effective framework for contracting and implementing technology-based solutions (DIR recommends implementing the Texas Project Delivery Framework, a performance-based framework that ensures outcomes and clear accountability of major technology projects through five phases: initiation, planning, contracting, execution and control, and closeout)
  • Maximize the state's effectiveness in volume purchasing (DIR recommends standardizing technology configurations)
  • Establish a cost-effective approach to providing a statewide IT Infrastructure (DIR recommends ensuring a comprehensive State Data Center System and moving towards a true statewide network)
  • Ensure the secure and effective use of the state’s IT assets (DIR recommends furthering the state’s technology security preparedness and aligning Texas IT management)

TBPC Passes New HUB Rules

At its October 20th public meeting, commissioners of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) passed a revision to Chapter 111 of the Texas Administrative Code dealing with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). The amendments were originally published in the August 6th Texas Register; no public comment was received. The commissioners' action was published in today's Texas Register.

The amended rules delete the requirement to advertise required HUB Forums in trade publications and permits advertising through existing means, including the Centralized Master Bidders List, the HUB Directory and TBPC's Web site without incurring costs and without compromising the intent/purpose of administering the HUB Forums. The amended rules also provide for administering HUB Forums at a location other than the offices of the state agency when state agency offices will not accommodate HUB Forum participants. In addition, the amended rules provide for administering the HUB Forums cooperatively with other agencies.


Garcia Appointed Border Commerce Coordinator

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Buddy Garcia, the senate liaison for the governor's office and special assistant to the governor on Texas and Mexico border affairs, as border commerce coordinator. In this role, he will examine trade issues with Mexico and Canada, as well as address transportation and border-crossing issues, water and wastewater concerns and electric power sales from Texas to Mexico. Previously, Garcia was the legislative director for U.S. Sen. Eddie Lucio. He also worked as an advisor to Perry when he was lieutenant governor. Garcia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas State University.


TPOC Releases Annual Report

The Telecommunications Planning and Oversight Council (TPOC) has released its annual report this week. TPOC is legislatively mandated to report annually to the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Board of Directors and to the users of the Capitol Complex Telephone System (CCTS) and the Texas Agency Network (TEX-AN) on:

  • Service objectives and performance measures
  • Accounting and financial performance
  • Cost savings
  • Trends in network use
  • Rate information for network services
  • Outsourcing review

TPOC was created by the Texas Legislature in 2001 to plan and oversee the operations of a state telecommunications network that will effectively and efficiently meet the long-term requirements of state government for voice, video, and computer communications.


TBPC Passes New Rules Related to Electronic State Business Daily

At its October 20th public meeting, the commissioners passed a revision to Chapter 113 of the Texas Administrative Code dealing with Electronic State Business Daily. The proposed new rules were originally published in the August 20th Texas Register, but because some sections were modified as a result of public comment, the revised sections are shown in today's Texas Register.

Some of the changes in the new rules include the following:

  • Clarifies the posting time requirement procedures for 14 and 21 day postings;
  • Defines the value of a procurement action in relation to the mandated posting requirement;
  • Updates the rules to include definitions and relevant purchase notice requirements associated with interagency agreements, the TXMAS program, and reverse auctions;
  • Clarifies that the Department of Information Resources is responsible for securing Internet access and service for state agencies;
  • Adds specific posting notice requirements for internal repair procurements exceeding $25K; and,
  • Adds a definition for emergency procurement.

Tom Campbell

California Gets New Director of Finance

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Tom Campbell as the director of the Department of Finance. Campbell is expected to assume this position on December 1. Campbell has served as the dean and professor of business at the Haas School of Business, at the University of California, Berkeley since 2002. Before assuming the deanship at the Haas School, he was a law professor at Stanford University for nineteen years. Campbell was a member of the California State Senate from 1993 to 1995 and a United States Congressman representing the Silicon Valley from 1989 to 1993 and again from 1995 to 2001. Campbell has served on many boards and commissions and as the chair of the World Affairs Council of Northern California, a member of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors, and as director of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.


Laura Morales

Housing Authority of Bexar County Selects New ED

The Housing Authority of Bexar County Board of Commissioners has appointed Laura D. Morales as the Authority's new permanent executive director. Morales had been serving as the interim executive director since Christine Torres, the former head of the agency, resigned last year. Morales has served at the Housing Authority for the past ten years in different capacities. During her tenure as interim executive director, she secured a $500,000 HOME grant with the Department of Housing & Urban Development for the construction of an elderly complex. As executive director, Morales will be responsible for 30 single family houses, a 204 unit multi-family complex, a 72 unit multi-family Migrant laborer complex and 1,200 units of Section 8 housing. She will also work with developers to provide affordable housing for low to moderate income families.


Pre-filing of Legislation for the 79th Legislature To Begin Monday

On Monday, legislators will begin pre-filing bills to be considered during the 79th Legislative Session, which commences January 11. On the first day of pre-filing for the last legislative session, 249 bills were filed. In all, 611 bills were pre-filed prior to the start of the 78th Legislative Session.

Statistically, the last legislative session can be summarized as follows:

  • Regular session: 5,592 bills introduced, of which 1,384 passed and 48 were vetoed
  • 1st called session: 181 bills introduced, 4 of which passed
  • 2nd called session: 60 bills introduced, none of which passed
  • 3rd called session: 113 bills introduced, 11 of which passed
  • 4th called session: 104, none of which passed

There are three good summaries of what occurred last session:


Sunset Commission Update

The Sunset Commission will meet on November 16 and 17 to hear public testimony on the following agencies and projects:

  • Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners
  • Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
  • Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
  • Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians
  • Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
  • Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
  • Texas Midwifery Board
  • Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists
  • Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners
  • Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Sunset staff reports on these agencies are available at www.sunset.state.tx.us/reports.htm. Created by the Legislature in 1977 to identify and eliminate duplication and inefficiencies in state government, the Sunset process periodically assesses the continuing need for state agencies. The Sunset review process is overseen by a 12-member commission, comprised of legislators and public members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House. Working extensively with agencies under review, the staff of the Sunset Commission assesses the need for each agency, presents their conclusions and recommendations to the Commission, and coordinates the drafting of legislation needed to implement recommendations adopted by the Commission.


$299M Bond Referendum for PISD Approved

Voters have approved a $299 million bond referendum for the Pasadena Independent School District (PISD). Possible capital improvements include the construction of five new middle campuses and two new elementary schools and renovations at 40 PISD campuses. PISD is also expected to purchase 82 new buses and to install a satellite transportation center. Upgrades to technology and video surveillance systems are also anticipated.


OAG Names New Director of Child Support

The Office of Attorney General (OAG) has appointed Alicia G. Key as Director of the Child Support Division. Key previously worked as an Administrative Director for the Office of Court Administration. Prior to that, she worked for over twelve years in the Texas child support program. Board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization from 1991 to 2004, she is a frequent author and public speaker on family law and child support issues.


Event Links

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Fall Institute - 11/7/04 - 11/9/04

Department of Information Resources Training Expo - 11/16/04

TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar - 12/03/04

Texas Association of Regional Councils Quarterly Meeting - 12/07/04 - 12/08/04

Office of the Attorney General 2004 Open Government Conference - 12/07/04 - 12/09/04

2004 UST Management & Compliance Assistance Seminar 12/09/04

WSLCA Winter Conference 2005 - 01/09/05 - 01/13/05


WIN TEXAS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

For a FREE TRIAL of SPI's Future Opportunity Analysis and Bid Monitoring services click here.

SPI has a dedicated Information Services (IS) Division that researches governmental entities and analyzes data for future and current business opportunities. Our team studies and reviews strategic plans, legislative appropriations requests, appropriations bills, and budgets to identify potential business projects. IS provides these key services and products:

  • Future Opportunity Analysis - email notification of new opportunities as they are discovered and updates to opportunities as new information becomes available


  • Bid Monitoring - timely email notification of current procurement opportunities for over 500 state agencies, institutions of higher education, cities, counties, school districts, airports, and ports.


  • Customized Research - specific intelligence on entities, opportunities, markets, trends, products, competitors, etc.


Please contact SPI's Crystal Kuhs at ckuhs@spartnerships.com for more details.

Past ABJ articles by Mary Scott Nabers

Texas ports searching for more security help - 10/29/2004

State requests can hold keys to future spending - 10/15/2004

Texas cities looking to rails to solve traffic woes - 9/24/2004

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 2 Issue 43 - 10/29/04

Volume 1 and Volume 2 Archives - 11/7/03 - 10/22/04


News from Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Upcoming Event: Mary Scott Nabers, SPI's CEO and President, will be a keynote speaker at the Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG) 18th Annual Professional Development Conference

The conference will be held on Monday, November 22 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. The 2004 conference theme is "Leadership in a Changing Texas."

EWTG is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to developing and encouraging women in Texas government and higher education by offering educational, interactive and professional growth opportunities. EWTG has over 400 members representing more than 100 state agencies and institutions of higher learning throughout Texas.

For more information, visit www.ewtg.org.


Resources

Texas Human Resources Management Statutes Inventory

Texas Education Links

Texas Municipal Courts FY05 Academic Schedule

LBJ School Office of Professional Development Calendar of Events

HUB Forms Library

State Contract Management Guide

TBPC Facilities Master Plan

Who Represents Me? Texas Districts By Address

Legislative Glossary

Diagram of Legislative Process in Texas

Diagram of Texas' Biennial Budget Cycle

Texas Fact Book 2004


Public Hearings/Meetings

Senate Finance Committee--9:00am, November 8 & 9, Capitol Extension, E1.036

Senate Natural Resources Committee--10:00am, November 9, Capitol Extension, E1.016

Sunset Advisory Commission--9:00am, November 16 and 17, Capitol Extension, E1.030

Signing Up for the Texas Government Insider™

We welcome you to add your friends and co-workers to the Texas Government Insider™ distribution. Simply click the Sign up for our mailing list icon near the top of this issue. Occasionally, we learn about people who signed up, but didn’t get the Texas Government Insider™. In nearly all cases, the problem turned out to be spam filtering on the receiving end. We strongly support the elimination of undesired email and applaud the use of technology to filter it. Occasionally, however, such filters prevent email that the recipient wanted to receive. If you have been unable to receive the Texas Government Insider™ or suddenly stop receiving it, we urge you to contact your information technology department to see if this was the cause.

HUB Vendor Fair

The The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will host a HUB Vendor Fair 9:00am - 2:00pm on November 10 in the Main Auditorium Foyer, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio. For more information, contact Rudy De La Cruz at 210-567-6036 or via email at delacruz@uthscsa.edu.

E-Records 2004: Compliance and Conversion Solutions

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and the Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host a one-day conference on November 18 for state government officials involved in the management of electronic records. This e-records conference seeks to improve electronic records management in Texas government through the use of statewide standards and best practices. The conference will focus on the conversion from paper records to electronic records. The conference will be held at The Commons Center on the University of Texas' J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. For more details, click here.

EWTG 18th Annual Professional Development Conference

The 18th Annual Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG) Professional Development Conference will be held on November 22 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. EWTG is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that develops and encourages leadership among women in Texas government and higher education. The theme of this year's conference is: Leadership for a Changing Texas. Texas Commissioner of Education Dr. Shirley J. Neeley will be the morning keynote speaker and Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., will give the afternoon keynote address. For more information on the conference, click here.

E-Gov Institute Information Assurance Conference

The 5th E-Gov Institute Information Assurance Conference will be held November 30 - December 2 in Washington, D.C. The conference is designed by and for those responsible for Information/CyberSecurity programs in the public sector. Speakers include Amit Yoran, Former Director for the National Cybersecurity Division, Dept. of Homeland Security, who will give a keynote address on Cybersecurity Priorities for 2005: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities. For more information, click here.

Business World Series - 2004 Heavy Hitter Day

At the 2004 Heavy Hitter Day to be held on December 9 from 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Austin Hilton North, owners and key staff of small businesses will have the opportunity to hear business success tips and advice from prominent business leaders including CEOs of large public companies and international and Internet experts. Discussions will focus on money, marketing, management and cashing out. For more information, click here.


Editor's Note: Often we hear from people who signed up, but aren't receiving the Texas Government Insider™. In nearly all cases, the problem turns out to be spam filtering on the receiving end. We strongly support the elimination of undesired email and applaud the use of technology to filter it. Occasionally, however, such filters prevent email that the recipient wants to receive. If you have been unable to receive the Texas Government Insider™ or suddenly stop receiving it, we urge you to contact your information technology department to see if this was the cause.