Texas A&M AgriLife pilots national model for information technology access

Researchers at universities requiring advanced information technology expertise could soon gain new opportunities to access comprehensive, affordable solutions, thanks to a pilot initiative led by Texas A&M AgriLife Center for Managed Technology Services.

The Center for Managed Technology Services, a part of Texas A&M AgriLife Information Technology, has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Over the 24-month project, the center will pilot a scalable, cost-effective model that uses a cost recovery service block framework to deliver proactive managed technology services at East Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas A&M University–San Antonio.

“Many universities with smaller or growing research programs operate with limited access to specialized technology expertise, which can hamper their research capabilities,” said Tim Ramsey, founding director of the center and director of information technology for the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Through our service block model, the center bridges the gap between researchers and technology by offering human capital in commoditized time blocks, ensuring that expertise is accessible, equitable and sustainable.”

A scalable, affordable approach

Unlike traditional models that rely on permanent hires or costly consultants, Ramsey said the center’s service block framework enables universities to purchase affordable units of expertise — 52 hours at a time. This structure provides flexible access to specialists in areas such as endpoint management, platforms and infrastructure, software and applications, data analytics, application development, and integrated cybersecurity.

“In rural communities, qualified personnel may not be available, and in larger cities, they may not be affordable,” Ramsey said. “But by offering services in affordable blocks of time, we allow these universities to expand their research opportunities while maintaining predictable costs.”

In the project’s first year, participating institutions will receive fully sponsored services to support onboarding and training. In the second year, they will transition to a cost-recovery model designed to demonstrate long-term viability.

“This project reimagines how research technology services can be delivered equitably and sustainably,” he said. “By treating research support as a shared, scalable service, we can reduce administrative burdens, accelerate discovery and open doors for more institutions to participate in major research opportunities.”

One of the project’s deliverables is a publicly available Pilot-to-Scale Blueprint, designed for use by other universities across the country.

“Through this effort, our Center for Managed Technology Solutions program is helping to build a more competitive and accessible U.S. research ecosystem,” Ramsey said.

Center for Managed Technology Services

Ramsey, also a doctoral student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, researches the intersection of managed technology services, leadership development and research human capital building in higher education.

He originally helped establish the unit in early 2021 as the AgriLife Research Cloud, ARC, focused on supporting research infrastructure. As the demand for services grew. the center expanded its scope and rebranded as the Center for Managed Technology Services to better reflect its role in providing comprehensive managed technology services that adapt to the needs of researchers across Texas A&M AgriLife and beyond.

The center now delivers proactive, integrated technology services that bridge the gap between advanced research needs and available expertise, helping faculty and institutions pursue their missions with confidence.