Latest news with #NCTCOG
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TXShare and Civic Marketplace Launch Nation's Most Comprehensive and Competitive Awarded AI Contracts for Local Government
ARLINGTON, Texas, July 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TXShare – the cooperative purchasing program of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) – has awarded the most comprehensive, competitively bid, nationally accessible AI contracts designed for local government use, in collaboration with Civic Marketplace and the Alliance for Innovation. For the first time in cooperative purchasing history, government agencies can rapidly deploy vetted, competitively awarded AI solutions and services, covering more than 70 individual use cases, without the need for new RFPs and with built-in options for supporting small and local companies. The two multi-awardee contracts available on Civic Marketplace cover AI Solutions and AI Consultancy, and enable access to competitively bid, fully compliant AI tools and services handpicked for their quality, security, and alignment with civic values. "In a procurement landscape increasingly saturated by cooperative contracts that seem to reward participation over discernment, the real breakthrough here isn't just the scale – it's the standard," said Todd Little, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. "We received 108 bids and awarded 77 qualified suppliers. That selectivity is by design. Our AI contract catalog is a rigorously curated marketplace of highly vetted suppliers. We are making it safe, efficient and effective for your organization to be at the leading edge of citizen service using AI." For emerging technologies such as AI, challenges and bottlenecks in government procurement can be amplified. These contracts streamline procurement processes and reduce pressure on internal teams by removing the need to craft AI-specific RFPs, vet suppliers and evaluate complex AI offerings. With strong representation of innovative start-ups and small businesses and 96% of suppliers with a national presence, agencies can support local economies while accessing cutting-edge AI and driving local economic impact. "These contracts represent the start of a new era for local government procurement," continued Mr. Little. "The potential for AI to transform the delivery of public services is enormous. It is an opportunity to drive costs down while increasing value for residents, but the lift to procure responsibly in an extremely complex and fast-moving market can be overwhelming for agencies. These contracts, now available nationwide through Civic Marketplace, equip agencies with the tools for transformation and empower them to embrace a new era of innovation." About the contracts: AI Consultancy (RFP 2025-023) provides expert services for AI strategy development, roadmap planning, feasibility studies, and training, with 35 awardees. The AI Solutions contract (RFP 2025-018) covers the deployment, integration, and ongoing support of AI technologies across various government functions, including critical areas like cybersecurity, with 42 awardees. "Speaking to local government teams across the country, we know there's massive interest in how AI can be used to deliver better, more cost-effective public services. But knowing how to get started is a real challenge," said Ron Holifield, Co-Founder and President of Civic Marketplace. "Civic Marketplace exists to help agencies overcome these obstacles by removing the traditional barriers that slow innovation." "We're proud to have partnered with TXShare on these contracts, which will enable agencies to take their first steps into the AI-powered future with confidence. And by championing small and local businesses with these contracts, we're not just fostering a more dynamic marketplace, we are directly contributing to stronger local economies as well." LINK TO VIDEO Additional comments from awarded suppliers "Local governments shouldn't have to choose between compliance and innovation. With this partnership, they get both. We're using AI to streamline government workflows and communications, making resident services faster, more intuitive, and fully auditable. It's civic tech that actually works for the public." - Parth Shah, CEO and Co-founder, Polimorphic "Every contract awarded is a promise to the public. This partnership ensures that promise is kept – with tools that make procurement more responsive, transparent, and aligned with what residents actually need. It's a win for trust, speed, and impact." – Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, Citibot "We're honored to be selected through TXShare's new procurement vehicle for AI companies. This award is a powerful endorsement of our AI-powered solutions and their ability to transform critical infrastructure like ports, airports, and roads. GridMatrix is proud to help modernize transportation across Texas, and we're excited to bring our technology to communities throughout the state and beyond." – Nicholas D'Andre, CEO, GridMatrix "We're really excited to be a TXShare-awarded supplier. TXShare is changing the way local governments find cooperative contracts and AI companies that can help rethink the knowledge work shaping the future of our communities." – Heyden Enochson, Head of Marketing, Madison AI Links to live contract listings About North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, established to assist in regional planning. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. Local governments and non-profit entities across all 50 states are eligible to participate in the TXShare program at no cost. Simply fill out our Interlocal Agreement, and any organization may take advantage of the TXShare contracts, as well as any future contracts to come. Typical turnaround time for an Interlocal Agreement to be executed is one business day. You can begin using the TXShare awarded contracts as soon as your Interlocal Agreement is returned, and again - there is never a cost to your organization to use the contracts. About Civic Marketplace Civic Marketplace is a venture-backed technology company transforming public sector procurement through cutting-edge innovation. Our platform streamlines and accelerates procurement processes, offering local governments a user-friendly, fully compliant solution. Designed for simplicity, Civic Marketplace makes procurement straightforward. We are committed to transparency, efficiency, and supporting diverse suppliers, including historically underutilized businesses, to foster local economic growth and drive innovation. By providing access to a network of reliable, pre-approved vendors, the platform ensures legal compliance and quality assurance for every contract. Discover how we are reshaping procurement at Join the Civic Marketplace Community Agencies: Ready to streamline your procurement processes and access the best tools and resources? Sign up here to join Civic Marketplace and transform your procurement experience. Vendors: Want to connect with local governments and expand your business opportunities? Sign up here to become part of the Civic Marketplace vendor network. View source version on Contacts Jessie O'Brienjessie@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TXShare and Civic Marketplace Launch Nation's Most Comprehensive and Competitive Awarded AI Contracts for Local Government
ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 23, 2025-- TXShare – the cooperative purchasing program of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) – has awarded the most comprehensive, competitively bid, nationally accessible AI contracts designed for local government use, in collaboration with Civic Marketplace and the Alliance for Innovation. For the first time in cooperative purchasing history, government agencies can rapidly deploy vetted, competitively awarded AI solutions and services, covering more than 70 individual use cases, without the need for new RFPs and with built-in options for supporting small and local companies. The two multi-awardee contracts available on Civic Marketplace cover AI Solutions and AI Consultancy, and enable access to competitively bid, fully compliant AI tools and services handpicked for their quality, security, and alignment with civic values. 'In a procurement landscape increasingly saturated by cooperative contracts that seem to reward participation over discernment, the real breakthrough here isn't just the scale – it's the standard,' said Todd Little, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. 'We received 108 bids and awarded 77 qualified suppliers. That selectivity is by design. Our AI contract catalog is a rigorously curated marketplace of highly vetted suppliers. We are making it safe, efficient and effective for your organization to be at the leading edge of citizen service using AI.' For emerging technologies such as AI, challenges and bottlenecks in government procurement can be amplified. These contracts streamline procurement processes and reduce pressure on internal teams by removing the need to craft AI-specific RFPs, vet suppliers and evaluate complex AI offerings. With strong representation of innovative start-ups and small businesses and 96% of suppliers with a national presence, agencies can support local economies while accessing cutting-edge AI and driving local economic impact. 'These contracts represent the start of a new era for local government procurement,' continued Mr. Little. 'The potential for AI to transform the delivery of public services is enormous. It is an opportunity to drive costs down while increasing value for residents, but the lift to procure responsibly in an extremely complex and fast-moving market can be overwhelming for agencies. These contracts, now available nationwide through Civic Marketplace, equip agencies with the tools for transformation and empower them to embrace a new era of innovation.' About the contracts: 'Speaking to local government teams across the country, we know there's massive interest in how AI can be used to deliver better, more cost-effective public services. But knowing how to get started is a real challenge,' said Ron Holifield, Co-Founder and President of Civic Marketplace. 'Civic Marketplace exists to help agencies overcome these obstacles by removing the traditional barriers that slow innovation.' 'We're proud to have partnered with TXShare on these contracts, which will enable agencies to take their first steps into the AI-powered future with confidence. And by championing small and local businesses with these contracts, we're not just fostering a more dynamic marketplace, we are directly contributing to stronger local economies as well.' LINK TO VIDEO Additional comments from awarded suppliers 'Local governments shouldn't have to choose between compliance and innovation. With this partnership, they get both. We're using AI to streamline government workflows and communications, making resident services faster, more intuitive, and fully auditable. It's civic tech that actually works for the public.' - Parth Shah, CEO and Co-founder, Polimorphic 'Every contract awarded is a promise to the public. This partnership ensures that promise is kept – with tools that make procurement more responsive, transparent, and aligned with what residents actually need. It's a win for trust, speed, and impact.' – Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, Citibot 'We're honored to be selected through TXShare's new procurement vehicle for AI companies. This award is a powerful endorsement of our AI-powered solutions and their ability to transform critical infrastructure like ports, airports, and roads. GridMatrix is proud to help modernize transportation across Texas, and we're excited to bring our technology to communities throughout the state and beyond.' – Nicholas D'Andre, CEO, GridMatrix 'We're really excited to be a TXShare-awarded supplier. TXShare is changing the way local governments find cooperative contracts and AI companies that can help rethink the knowledge work shaping the future of our communities.' – Heyden Enochson, Head of Marketing, Madison AI Links to live contract listings About North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, established to assist in regional planning. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. Local governments and non-profit entities across all 50 states are eligible to participate in the TXShare program at no cost. Simply fill out our Interlocal Agreement, and any organization may take advantage of the TXShare contracts, as well as any future contracts to come. Typical turnaround time for an Interlocal Agreement to be executed is one business day. You can begin using the TXShare awarded contracts as soon as your Interlocal Agreement is returned, and again - there is never a cost to your organization to use the contracts. About Civic Marketplace Civic Marketplace is a venture-backed technology company transforming public sector procurement through cutting-edge innovation. Our platform streamlines and accelerates procurement processes, offering local governments a user-friendly, fully compliant solution. Designed for simplicity, Civic Marketplace makes procurement straightforward. We are committed to transparency, efficiency, and supporting diverse suppliers, including historically underutilized businesses, to foster local economic growth and drive innovation. By providing access to a network of reliable, pre-approved vendors, the platform ensures legal compliance and quality assurance for every contract. Discover how we are reshaping procurement at Join the Civic Marketplace Community Agencies: Ready to streamline your procurement processes and access the best tools and resources? Sign up here to join Civic Marketplace and transform your procurement experience. Vendors: Want to connect with local governments and expand your business opportunities? Sign up here to become part of the Civic Marketplace vendor network. View source version on CONTACT: Jessie O'Brien [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT/EMERGENCY SERVICES STATE/LOCAL TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Civic Marketplace Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/23/2025 09:03 AM/DISC: 07/23/2025 09:02 AM
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burleson Councilmember Johnson elected NCTCOG president
Burleson's Victoria Johnson will now represent Johnson County at a larger level. The Burleson City Councilman on Friday was elected president of the North Central Texas Council of Governments executive board. Johnson was installed during the NCTCOG's 59th annual General Assembly at the Hurst Conference Center. 'I am honored to be NCTCOG's 2025-26 president,' Johnson said. 'I am looking forward to working with the executive board as we strive to build on the strong foundation laid by those who preceded us. I am certain that each of us is committed to working on the opportunities and challenges that are presented to ensure North Central Texas remains a premier region in the state and nation.' Johnson succeeds Collin County Judge Chris Hill, who will serve as past president. Richardson Councilmember Jennifer Justice was elected vice president and Erath County Judge Brandon J. Huckabee will serve as secretary/treasurer. Also serving on the board from Johnson County is County Judge Christopher Boedeker. The NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local government officials within the 16-county North Central Texas region centered around Dallas and Fort Worth. The region has a population of more than 7 million (which is larger than 38 states) and an area of about 12,800 square miles (which is larger than nine states). The agency was established by state enabling legislation in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. Johnson was first elected to the Council Place 1 seat in May 2021. She serves on several council committees, including Community Service Corporation Type B, Community & Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Community Services Committee and Public Safety & Municipal Court Committee. She is a 2002 graduate of Burleson High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Texas State University in 2006. She completed the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Burleson program in 2008 and the Junior League of Fort Worth's All A-board Leadership training program in 2016. Following college, she served Burleson and Johnson County as a Congressional aide. As a field representative, she worked directly with the citizens; meeting with constituents, serving as a liaison to the federal government and partnering with local officials to address community needs. After that she was employed by the city of Burleson and Burleson ISD. After many years as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, she served as director of community engagement before making the decision to stay home to focus on family.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lone Star PACE Selected as an Administrator of North Central Texas Council of Governments' Regional C-PACE Program
DALLAS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has selected Lone Star PACE to serve as an administrator of its newly launched Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, marking a significant step toward expanding sustainable development across the rapidly growing North Texas region. C-PACE is an innovative financing mechanism that enables commercial property owners to fund energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy improvements through long-term, fixed-rate financing repaid via a voluntary property assessment. This approach allows property owners to undertake substantial building upgrades without upfront capital, often resulting in improved cash flow and increased property value. Lee McCormick, President of Lone Star PACE, said: 'We are honored to partner with NCTCOG in bringing a unified C-PACE program to North Texas. This regional approach simplifies access to sustainable financing, fostering economic development and resource conservation across multiple jurisdictions.' The introduction of a regionwide C-PACE program is poised to deliver significant sustainability benefits. By facilitating energy and water efficiency upgrades, the program supports the conservation of vital natural resources that are experiencing record-high demand due to North Texas's rapid population growth and influx of corporate relocations. For municipalities, the regional C-PACE program presents an opportunity to stimulate local economies without relying on taxpayer dollars. By enabling private investment in private buildings, cities and counties can drive job creation, enhance the local tax base and promote environmental stewardship. Susan Alvarez, Director of Environment & Development for NCTCOG, said: 'We look forward to expanding PACE resources in the NCTCOG region!' Property owners stand to benefit from reduced operating costs, improved building performance and access to investment-grade capital that can be used for a wide range of eligible improvements, including HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, solar panels and water conservation measures. Lone Star PACE brings extensive experience to its role as program administrator, having facilitated more than $330 million in C-PACE assessments for projects totaling $1.5 billion across Texas. The firm's collaborative approach involves working closely with local governments, property owners, capital providers and senior lenders to ensure successful project implementation. About Lone Star PACELone Star PACE serves as a program administrator for city and county Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs in Texas. LSP helps local governments, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce and trade associations promote economic development and resource conservation by facilitating C-PACE projects alongside property owners, C-PACE capital providers, contractors and other stakeholders. The company's goal is to promote sustainability as well as increased property values while positively impacting cash flow and utility savings. For more information, visit About North Central Texas Council of GovernmentsThe North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered in the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. For more information on the Environment and Development Department, visit Media Contacts: Olivia LueckemeyerDirector of Marketing & Media RelationsLone Star PACEolivia@ Susan AlvarezDirector of Environment & DevelopmentNorth Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)salvarez@
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LSPS Solutions Awarded NCTCOG Contract for AI Solutions in Public Sector
From Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to forward-thinking cities like Victoria, Texas, to major urban centers across the nation, AI is transforming smart city operations and services. Victoria, TX, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LSPS Solutions, a leading Texas-based consultancy specializing in municipal government efficiency, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions for public sector Short, President of LSPS SolutionsThe contract empowers LSPS Solutions to partner with municipalities including Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco among others, government agencies, hospital systems and other public-facing services across Texas and beyond. LSPS will deploy advanced AI tools to improve operations and enhance services for residents. Major cities participating outside of Texas include Denver, Colorado, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Scottsdale, Arizona, and many more. LSPS was selected after a competitive solicitation aimed at modernizing local government services through technology. Fifty proposals were received from vendors nationwide. The contract, with a term of up to five years, will be made available through NCTCOG's TXShare cooperative purchasing program, enabling cities and public-sector organizations region-wide (and even nationally) to easily access LSPS's AI-driven solutions. 'We are honored to be chosen by NCTCOG for this forward-thinking initiative,' said Lynn Short, President of LSPS Solutions. 'Our mission has always been to help communities operate smarter and more efficiently. Through this contract, we can bring the latest AI innovations to more city halls, public agencies and healthcare institutions across North Texas, improving the quality and efficiency of services for citizens.' LSPS Solutions has a strong track record of success in Texas communities, having delivered results for cities such as Cuero, Victoria, Brazosport, Pflugerville and Lake Jackson. In Victoria, where LSPS was founded, the firm developed the city's risk and resiliency plan for the water system and converted critical operations manuals at the Odem Street Wastewater Plant into interactive digital formats. LSPS Solutions has provided multiple services for the city of Victoria, equipping the city with a comprehensive overview of its infrastructure and robust tools for emergency planning, said Ken Gill, Public Works Director for the city. The company achieved the same kind of success in Brazosport, said Ronnie Woodruff, General Manager at the Brazosport Water Authority. 'I have known Lynn Short for 30 years and have worked with him on a variety of projects including research papers, data collection, disaster management and regulatory compliance issues,' Woodruff said. 'We also worked on the design, construction and start-up of a new surface water treatment plant, on large-scale water distribution system improvements, and on daily operations of municipal services,' he said. 'Mr. Short has exemplary professional skills and knowledge. He and his staff at LSPS Solutions maintain the highest standards and qualities in every project they perform.' This proven expertise in asset management, regulatory compliance and digital transformation will now benefit NCTCOG member governments and other public entities under the new contract. Through the NCTCOG award, LSPS Solutions will deploy AI-powered solutions to transform public-sector operations. For example, cities can implement intelligent chatbots to handle routine citizen inquiries, freeing up staff and providing residents with faster responses. Critical infrastructure can be monitored with machine learning algorithms that predict maintenance needs – flagging a water main or roadway for repair before a breakdown occurs. Smart city technologies like adaptive traffic management and IoT-enabled (Internet of Things) water systems will help reduce congestion and prevent service outages, improving quality of life. In emergency response, AI analytics can help 911 centers and first responders optimize resource deployment in real time, resulting in quicker, data-driven decisions during crises. Even hospital systems stand to gain: AI can analyze patient and operations data to streamline hospital workflows, from triaging emergency room patients more efficiently to managing hospital assets and staffing, ultimately leading to reduced wait times and improved patient care. According to a 2024 survey by Ernst & Young, 48% of state and local agencies already use AI tools daily – a clear indicator that public institutions are embracing these technologies. With LSPS's guidance, Texas communities large and small will be able to harness AI in a practical, secure manner. 'This is a significant step toward smarter, more responsive local government,' said Chris Erhardt, AI and Technology Consultant at LSPS Solutions, who leads the firm's technology-driven municipal initiatives. 'At LSPS, we're using AI to solve real-world challenges for local governments — from automating citizen service requests through intelligent chatbots to transforming static O&M manuals into searchable, AI-powered knowledge tools. And because every city's needs are different, we also build custom AI solutions tailored to their vision. It's about making municipal services faster, smarter and easier for everyone to use.'About LSPS SolutionsLSPS Solutions is a Texas-based consulting firm specializing in infrastructure management, regulatory compliance and digital transformation for municipalities and public-sector entities. Founded by former public works leaders, LSPS brings deep expertise in utility asset management, GIS integration, emergency planning and technology implementation. The firm leverages cutting-edge tools–including AI-enabled systems and IoT-based solutions–to help cities, counties and districts operate more efficiently, sustainably and transparently. LSPS Solutions proudly partners with communities across Texas and beyond to build smarter, more resilient infrastructure and deliver long-term value to residents. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Richard BonninEmail: richcontentconsulting@ 281-840-9820Chris Erhardt, AI and Technology Consultant at LSPS Solutions Sign in to access your portfolio
