Iowa Administrative Code Agency 129 - Chief Information Officer, Office of The

đź”· What is Agency 129?

Agency 129 is the collection of administrative rules that govern how the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) in Iowa operates. These rules outline how the agency manages IT-related services, procurement, broadband, cybersecurity, and technology strategy for the state government.

đź”· Purpose of the Office of the Chief Information Officer

The Office of the Chief Information Officer is responsible for:

IT Governance & Strategy:
OCIO creates and enforces policies for how state agencies use technology, ensuring consistency, security, and efficiency.

Procurement & Oversight:
It manages how state agencies buy technology and related services, standardizing contracts and vendor selection.

Broadband and Connectivity:
OCIO plays a major role in expanding and regulating broadband access across the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Cybersecurity:
It creates cybersecurity policies and standards for state agencies to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Project Management:
OCIO monitors and oversees major IT projects in the state to prevent overspending and inefficiency.

đź”· Major Chapters Likely in Agency 129

While the exact rule numbers may vary, here's how Agency 129 is typically structured internally:

1. General Provisions

Definitions of key terms (e.g., "agency," "broadband service," "vendor").

Scope and purpose of the office.

Rulemaking authority and internal structure.

2. Procurement of IT Services

How agencies must procure technology services.

Rules for RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and vendor bidding.

Requirements for cloud services, software licenses, hardware, etc.

3. Broadband Expansion

Process for awarding broadband grants.

Definitions for “underserved” or “unserved” areas.

Requirements for grant applicants and service providers.

Reporting and compliance procedures for broadband projects.

4. IT Standards and Security

Mandated security standards (e.g., encryption, firewalls).

Required certifications or audits for systems.

Risk management procedures.

Reporting of breaches or vulnerabilities.

5. Oversight and Audits

The OCIO's authority to audit IT systems and services.

Enforcement mechanisms (e.g., suspension of services, penalties).

Rules for resolving disputes between agencies and vendors.

6. Transparency and Public Access

Public access to records relating to broadband grants or IT procurement.

Confidentiality provisions for proprietary or sensitive data.

đź”· Example Concepts Within These Rules

Here are some specific ideas that the rules likely contain:

Vendor Prequalification: Vendors may need to be pre-approved to offer IT services to the state.

Grant Eligibility: Broadband providers might need to prove that they’re operating in a "broadband desert" to qualify for funding.

Security Baselines: All state systems may be required to comply with a baseline cybersecurity framework.

Digital Inclusion Initiatives: Rules may include strategies to improve access for low-income residents or marginalized groups.

đź”· Internal Functioning

Internally, the OCIO’s rules in Agency 129 guide how:

The Chief Information Officer delegates responsibilities.

Inter-agency coordination occurs on technology initiatives.

Emergency procedures are implemented during IT failures or cyberattacks.

đź”· Summary

Agency 129 – Office of the Chief Information Officer in the Iowa Administrative Code governs how the state manages IT strategy, services, and broadband expansion. The rules include detailed procedures for procurement, security, grants, and compliance. While technical in nature, they are essential for ensuring that Iowa’s digital infrastructure is efficient, secure, and equitable.

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