In November 2024, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-48 to help protect Texas from cybersecurity threats and foreign interference. This order affects how we work, travel, and do business at UTMB.
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Who Is Considered a “Foreign Adversary?”
The order identifies the following as foreign adversaries:
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Nicolás Maduro regime (Venezuela)
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Buying Goods or Services
If your department is buying anything for UTMB, here’s what’s new:
- Vendors must confirm they’re not linked to any foreign adversary.
- This includes their parent companies or subsidiaries.
- They must also not appear on certain federal restriction lists, as outlined in the executive order.
What’s Required?
- A signed attestation from the vendor
- A representation and warranty in UTMB’s standard contract
Get details and access the Attestation Form from the UTMB Procurement website.
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International Travel
Work Travel
Travel to the countries listed as foreign adversaries for work purposes is not allowed. Also, UTMB employees cannot accept gifts or travel reimbursements from these countries.
Personal Travel
You can still travel personally to these restricted countries, but you are required to:
- Submit a Pre-Travel Notification Form
- Complete a Post-Travel Briefing Form
The information is being collected specifically to comply with the order and will be retained according to records retention laws. Based on the information you provide, the Office of Institutional Compliance may contact you with additional questions.
Email questions to: researchsecurity@utmb.edu
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Gifts
No matter the value, gifts and other incentives from foreign adversaries to UTMB or its personnel are strictly prohibited. Check IHOP 06.05.05 and IHOP 06.05.06 for more details.
If you’re offered a gift, including travel reimbursement, contact:
researchsecurity@utmb.edu
(800) 898-7679 -
Foreign Talent Programs
UTMB research personnel (and other employees) are strictly prohibited from taking part in any talent recruitment programs sponsored by foreign adversary nations.
If you are involved in any foreign talent program, you are required to disclose it. You also must certify that you are not part of a malign program when applying for federal research funding.
Please review IHOP 06.05.01 and IHOP 06.05.03 for definitions and important details.
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Critical Infrastructure Roles
Executive Order GA-48 requires state agencies and universities to protect critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal data from foreign threats. Critical infrastructure includes:
- Communication systems
- Cybersecurity systems
- Electric grids
- Water treatment facilities
- Hazardous waste systems
New Job Requirements for Critical Roles
UTMB will now include the ability to protect this infrastructure as a minimum job qualification for certain roles. This applies to new hires and current employees in areas like IT, cybersecurity, telecommunications, utilities, environmental health and safety, facilities, water treatment, electrical systems, and hazardous waste (defined in Section 117.001(2), Business and Commerce Code).
Security Reviews
Applicants, employees, and contractors in these roles must also be regularly reviewed to ensure they do not pose a security risk due to criminal history or ties to foreign adversaries.
If you have questions about Executive Order GA-48, please contact ResearchSecurity@utmb.edu .