Information For

Institutions of Higher Education

We're here to help you serve.

The Texas Department of Information Resources ensures that government entities—including institutions of higher education, public colleges and universities—can find and implement the most secure, powerful, and cost-effective technology available.

Technology Rules for Institutions of Higher Education

DIR rules can be found in Title I Part 10 of the Texas Administrative Code.

Texas Administrative Code

Institution of Higher Education Definition

A university system or institution of higher education defined by §61.003, Education Code

Definition of Institution of Higher Education

Resources for Institutions of Higher Education

Procurement Professional's Guide to DIR
Start here and find out what it means to be a procurement professional working with DIR.
Procurement Professional's Guide to DIR
Buying Through DIR
Find out why buying through DIR will save your organization time and money.
Buying Through DIR
Cooperative Contracts
Search pre-negotiated contracts for cost-efficient services and solutions
Cooperative Contracts
Communications Technology Services
Statewide communications infrastructure providing voice & data solutions: TEX-AN Voice & Data Services contracts, ordering, consolidated billing, CCTS
Communications Technology Services
Shared Technology Services (STS)
We do it for you - Save time and money with our managed IT services
Shared Technology Services (STS)
Information Security
Services for ensuring reliable and secure technology
Information Security
Customer Eligibility
IHEs are eligible to purchase through DIR. Learn more about Customer Eligibility and related statutes.
Customer Eligibility
Bulk Purchasing Opportunities
Buy in bulk = save (even) more money. Bulk Purchase Initiatives can be offered when two or more eligible customers engage DIR
Bulk Purchasing Opportunities
Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities
Learn more about upcoming solicitations that DIR has in store. Agencies can also submit requests for future solicitation considerations.
Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities
EIR Accessibility
Improving EIR Accessibility for all Texans
EIR Accessibility
Administrative Fees
Learn how we establish administrative fees
Administrative Fees
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
IHEs and its contractors must take an annual cybersecurity awareness training. Learn more here.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
TX-RAMP
Find out about the TX-Risk Authorization Management Program and how it effects your organization
TX-RAMP

Higher Education and Strategic Planning

The Information Resources Management Act (Texas Government Code, Section 2054.91-094) requires DIR to prepare a state strategic plan for information resources management each biennium. The plan identifies technology goals for state government over the next five years and guides agencies as they develop their agency strategic plans.

In preparation for this report, DIR convenes an advisory committee, which by rule, must include representatives from institutions of higher education. The perspectives of higher education entities is critical to the development of the state strategic plan. For more on this initiative, see the Strategic Planning and Report section of our website. 

Solutions and Services for Higher Education

Solutions for Institutions of Higher Education

Hardware Products and Related Services

Choose from 20+ brands of computers, 1,100+ software titles, 35+ brands of printers, and much mor

Software Products and Related Services

We offer a wide variety of software solutions in Saas, ERP, CRM, and more.

Technology Services

Diverse training options including classroom training, IT certifications, and more.

Branded Contracts

DIR offers a variety of contracts through the Cooperative Contracts program that offers the

TEX-AN Services

DIR Telecom offers a portfolio of voice and data services through the Texas Agency Network (TEX-A

Print, Mail and Digitization

DCS Print, Mail, and Digitization Services manages diverse print requirements and budgets.

Deliverables-Based IT Services (DBITS)

Project-Based IT Services

Texas Private Cloud

Texas Private Cloud (TPC) services delivered through the Texas Data Center Service

Texas Public Cloud Services

Industry leading public cloud services available from DIR Shared Technology Services.

Texas.gov Application Services

The Texas.gov program enables state agencies, local government, and institutes of higher educatio

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