Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Austin Technology Services Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 20260812-007) to accept and appropriate $287,544 in grant funds from the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office for the Network Threat Management program for critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Funding: $287,544 is available from Office of the Governor Public Safety Office. A City funding match of $71,886 is required and available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Technology Services.
De
Lead Department
Austin Government Relations.
Client Department
Austin Technology Services.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $287,544 is available from Office of the Governor Public Safety Office. A City funding match of $71,886 is required and available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Technology Services. A fiscal note is attached.
Prior Council Action:
August 12, 2026 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20260812-007 adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027.
July 23, 2026 - Council approved Resolution No. 20260723-062 to submit application for and accept funding for the Network Threat Management project.
For More Information:
EErika Dzangare, Austin Government Relations Grant Deputy Officer, 512-973-6008.
Additional Backup Information:
Purpose and Background
The purpose of this grant is to continue strengthening the City's cybersecurity infrastructure through the implementation of Network Detection and Response (NDR) capabilities across critical City systems. This initiative began in 2024 and has been supported primarily through grant funding. NDR technology enhances network security by continuously monitoring network traffic, identifying potential threats through threat intelligence, and providing timely alerts to appropriate personnel when suspicious activity or potential cyberattacks are detected.
The grant was submitted to the Budget Office in accordance with established procedures and timelines for inclusion in the FY2026 budget but was inadvertently omitted from the final adopted budget. The omission may have been related to the transition of the Information Security Office to the newly established Austin Technology Services (ATS) department. To date, this item and Item 26-2983 are the only such omissions identified.
Use of Funds
Grant funds will be used to support the continued implementation and operation of NDR capabilities, including the purchase of necessary software licenses, technical support services, and equipment.
Source of Funds
Austin Technology Services will provide the required $71,886 match from its departmental budget. Upon expiration of the grant funding, ATS will evaluate the need for continued investment in NDR capabilities and identify potential funding options, as appropriate.
Budget Impact
Approval of this item will increase the City's FY2027 budget by $287,544 to account for the grant funding and associated matching funds.
Impact if Not Approved
Failure to approve this item would result in the loss of grant funding and could delay or interrupt ongoing efforts to strengthen the security of the City's critical infrastructure. This could limit the City's ability to detect and respond to potential cybersecurity threats and hinder continued improvements to its overall cybersecurity posture and resilience.