AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-174R, approving an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the University of Texas at Austin for security monitoring, alerts, response, mitigation, and educational services and related activities regarding cybersecurity threats through the University of Texas Security Operation Center; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Interlocal Cooperation Contract on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: October 7, 2026
Department: Information Technology - Mike Sturm, Director
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: None
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Background Information:
Purpose
The purpose of this resolution is to establish an ongoing contract with the University of Texas Regional Security Operations Center (UT-RSOC) for no-cost cybersecurity services.
Background
The City of San Marcos, Information Technology Department, will leverage these cybersecurity services from the UT-RSOC to enhance our cybersecurity posture and mitigate our exposure to email and computer threats. The City of San Marcos, Information Technology Department, currently uses two free services from the UT-RSOC for monitoring the dark web for compromised City credentials and external scanning services.
Benefit
The Interlocal Cooperation Contract enables the City to take advantage of additional no-cost cybersecurity capabilities offered through UT-RSOC. These resources improve the visibility, protection, and responsiveness across the City’s technology environment without financial impact.
Future Opportunities
The agreement positions the city to take advantage of expanded service offerings as they become available. These services may include;
• enhanced monitoring,
• incident response support,
• statewide coordination during cybersecurity events, and
• access to educational resources that reinforce long-term resilience.
History
The UT-RSOC operates under UT Austin Information Security Office in partnership with the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). It is part of a statewide initiative established through Senate Bill 475 to provide cybersecurity services to public sector organizations across Texas.
Funded by the State of Texas, the UT-RSOC supports over 3,100 eligible entities including school districts, municipalities, counties, and select public utilities at no cost to participants. Services are delivered by a hybrid team of professional staff and trained UT students, working side-by-side to provide real-time cybersecurity monitoring, incident response, policy support, and educational outreach.
As both a cybersecurity service provider and a talent development center, the UT-RSOC plays a critical role in improving Texas' overall cyber posture while preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends the approval of the contract with UT-RSOC for no-cost security-related services and support.