Maryland Department of General Services

The Maryland Department of General Services is a government agency located in the United States in the state of Maryland. The Department is currently headed by Secretary Alvin C. Collins.^[1]

The agency manages, operates, and maintains multi-agency State facilities; assesses State-owned facilities and manages the renewal funds of those facilities; provides full spectrum real estate support to include acquisition and disposal of any interest in real property in the name of the State; master plans and manages space in State-owned and leased facilities; provides professional and technical services for the design and construction of State public improvements (except those of the Department of Transportation, Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the University System of Maryland); as a primary procurement agency, manages centralized procurement of materials, supplies and equipment used by State agencies; provides central support for State agencies relating to high-speed digital duplicating, mail processing and courier services; provides centralized inventory standards and controls; manages records of State agencies; and manages the disposition of State surplus property.

Mission

The mission of the Maryland Department of General Services is to provide leading-edge professional and technical services to keep State and local government working today and in the future. They do this by creating safe and secure work environments; designing, building, leasing, managing and maintaining facilities; leading energy conservation efforts; procuring goods and services; and providing essential functions such as fuel management, disposition of surplus property and records storage.^[2]

History

The oldest function of the Department of General Services is the care of buildings owned by the State. Prior to the expansion of State government in this century, most of Maryland's few State buildings were located within State Circle in Annapolis. Other space, in scattered locations, usually was leased as needed. In 1845, the State Librarian was delegated some responsibilities for hiring people to look after public buildings in Annapolis (Resolution no. 36, Acts of 1845). As early as 1849, an official referred to as superintendent of the public buildings was authorized to plant trees and repair gates and gutters (Resolution no. 81, Acts of 1849). Monies were appropriated in 1852 for the salary of the "Superintendent of the public buildings in the State House circle" (Chapter 199, Acts of 1852). The 1860 budget provided a salary for a Superintendent of Public Buildings and Grounds, but the position was not established by statute until 1888, although legislation in 1862 made the Governor responsible for appointing a competent person for upkeep of buildings and grounds, two watchmen, and a Keeper of the Steam House and Furnace (Chapter 341, Acts of 1860; Chapter 15, Acts of 1862; Chapter 175, Acts of 1888). The 1888 law specified the duties of the Superintendent of Public Buildings and Grounds; virtually the same text was used in the 1970 law that created the Department of General Services (Chapter 97, Acts of 1970). In 1920, a commission was appointed to look into leasing or building a State office building in Baltimore (Chapter 149, Acts of 1920), which later would require a buildings and grounds unit as well.

When the executive branch of government reorganized in 1970, the Department of General Services was created (Chapter 97, Acts of 1970). At that time, duties of the former Department of Public Improvements and State purchasing functions from the Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning transferred to the Department of General Services along with oversight of several previously independent agencies.^[3]

Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of General Services is the chief executive officer of the Department with responsibility for the Department’s programs, services, and budget. Pursuant to §4-403 and 4-406 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Secretary also advises and assists the Board of Public Works and other units of State government in matters which are under the jurisdiction of the Department. The Secretary serves as construction advisor to the State Board of Public Works and the Executive Department, chairs the Maryland Green Buildings Council, the Electricity Deregulation Advisory Committee, and the Government House Trust. The Secretary is also a member of the Priority Places Subcabinet, the Information Technology Board, the Procurement Advisory Council, the Maryland Food Center Authority, the Interagency Council for Public School Construction, the Chesapeake Bay Cabinet, the Hall of Records Commission, and the Maryland Security Council.^[4]

Emergency Management

This Unit serves as the DGS liaison with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) by acting on behalf of the Secretary in matters involving DGS and departmental resources in the event of a natural disaster or civil emergency. In such an event, DGS provides essential Emergency Support Functions such as engineering services, public works recovery, debris management, and supplemental resource support. The Deputy Secretary is coordinating the development of a DGS Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) which will ensure that in an emergency, they will provide the essential services that their customers and State citizens depend on in a timely and organized manner.

Legal Division

The Legal Division was established in accordance with legislation which requires the Attorney General to “act as the legal advisor to the Department.” At present there are six Assistant Attorneys General who function as “in-house counsel” to the Department and two additional attorneys in the Contract Litigation Unit of the Attorney General’s Office who devote time to DGS litigation and are funded out of Departmental funds on a reimbursable basis to the Attorney General. Duties of the Legal Division include responsibility for court cases, reviewing and preparing contract documents, and providing both formal and informal legal opinions on a regular basis to the Department’s Divisions.

Office of External Affairs

The Office of External Affairs directs public relations, legislative initiatives, business development, and customer service activities for DGS. The primary goals of this office are to promote DGS, provide legislative direction to the Secretary, and coordinate efforts to ensure that customer needs are met.

Public relations efforts include the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive program for the Department. Activities include proactive media relations, preparation of news releases, publications, speeches, and coordination of special events within the Department and in support of the Office of the Governor and DGS customer agencies.

The Office of External Affairs coordinates departmental policy and provides direction and support to the Secretary in matters relating to all branches of State government. This includes establishing the Department’s legislative agenda and analyzing the impact of proposed legislation; representing the Department’s position to the Governor’s Legislative Office, other agencies, and members of the General Assembly; and coordinating and reviewing mandated reports and studies. Currently, the Office is responsible for 23 mandated reports.

The Office is responsible for the development and assessment of the Managing for Results Initiative, ensuring that DGS’ mission, values, and goals are attained through the implementation of strategic planning, effective policies and procedures, and measurable objectives.

The Office of External Affairs is also responsible for business development and customer service. The DGS Services unit works within the Department to ensure effective coordination of customer agency needs. Customer agencies have a single point-of-contact within DGS to address any of their concerns, allowing DGS to help customer agencies carryout their missions in a more timely and efficient manner.

Facilities Operations and Management

The Facilities Operations and Maintenance Division is responsible for establishing policy and directing the statewide operation and maintenance of 55 buildings with 6.2 million square feet of space under the Department of General Services’ authority. The Division oversees two principal office centers - Annapolis Public Buildings and Grounds and Baltimore Public Buildings and Grounds - along with 15 regional Multi-Service Centers. Staffs at each of the complexes and the Multi-Service Centers provide both preventive and routine maintenance as well as major repairs, alterations, improvements, and housekeeping services to support other State agencies.

In the interest of reliability, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness, the Department accomplishes the majority of its mission by employing maintenance, trades and other special service personnel to support the operations, preventive maintenance and repair services. The Department is supplemented with specialized support by private contractors for a full range of facility services to meet State requirements.^[5]

Annapolis Buildings And Grounds

Annapolis Public Buildings and Grounds (APB&G) operates and maintains the State Office Center in historic Annapolis. APB&G oversees 26 State-owned buildings, 49 acres of landscaped areas and 24.5 acres of parking lots. The buildings house approximately 4,700 State employees and elected officials. Among the buildings the division maintains are: the State House, House and Senate Office Buildings, Legislative Services, Treasury, Revenue Administration, the five-building Tawes Office Complex which includes the Annapolis Day Care Center, the Maryland State Archives, Jeffrey Building, Shaw House, Courts of Appeals, and Maryland State Police Barrack “J”. APB&G is also responsible for maintenance and daily operations of the Crownsville Day Care Center, the Crownsville People’s Resource Center, and the Governor’s residence, the Government House.

Baltimore Public Buildings And Grounds

Baltimore Public Buildings and Grounds (BPB&G), which includes the Inner Harbor Complex, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 16 State-owned buildings. BPB&G houses approximately 8,400 State employees and maintains 100 acres of land and 22 acres of parking lots. Among the buildings the division maintains are: 201, 300 and 301 W. Preston, 2100 Guilford Avenue, the William Donald Schaefer Tower, Public Defenders Building, Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building, Saratoga Center, 2100 Guilford Avenue, 500 North Calvert, the Hilton Heights Community Center and the Woodstock Job Corps Center. BPB&G also oversees the State Records Management Center, State Use Industries offices and warehouse, the Motor Fuel Lab in Jessup, and the Maryland State Agency for Surplus Property in Jessup.

District Court/Multi-Service Center Facilities

Currently there are 15 Multi-Service Center/District Court (MSC/DC) facilities across the State. These facilities encompass more than 1.5 million square feet on 44.2 acres of landscaped areas and 18 acres of parking lots. The Multi-Service Centers are divided into five geographic regions. The Regional Manager for each region oversees daily operations and is responsible for contract procurement, maintenance, grounds keeping and snow removal for their buildings.

Portfolio Management

Portfolio Management tracks and matches vacant space in State-owned and capital lease properties with State agency requirements. The staff reviews the rent components paid to the leaseholders on capital leases, debt service, and operating costs. The unit identifies rent paid to DGS by agencies and determines if all federally and specially funded programs are properly assessed.

Energy Management

The Energy Management unit promotes energy efficiency and conservation initiatives to save energy, thereby reducing costs and emissions associated with facility energy use.

Facilities Planning, Design and Construction

Designing & Building Maryland's Future

The Department of General Services supervises and coordinates the design and construction of a wide range of state public improvements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually. DGS is committed to the fair and competitive selection of design consultants and construction contractors for capital improvement projects. Once awarded, the department manages each contract to deliver quality projects that are on time and in budget.

Architectural/Engineering Services

Architects and engineers are selected based on a consideration of qualifications and subsequent negotiation of fees with top qualified firms. All A/E projects with fees anticipated above $200,000 are advertised in eMaryland Marketplace.

Projects with Estimated A/E Fees in Excess of $200,000

A/E firms for contracts in excess of $200,000 are selected by members of the General Professional Services Selection Board (GPSSB), who are appointed by the Governor from both the private and public sectors. Firms submitting expressions of interest must present their qualifications, which are evaluated and ranked by a qualification committee of DGS and using agency personnel. The GPSSB will then authorize a Negotiation Committee to negotiate a fair, competitive and reasonable fee with the most qualified firm. If unsuccessful within 30 days, the negotiations are terminated, and the committee begins negotiations with the next most qualified firm.

Multiple Design Projects

DGS often enters into indefinite quantity contracts with total values ranging from $100,000 to $500,0000 with A/E firms to provide as needed services to the department. These firms are selected by procedures similar to the procedures established for projects with fees over $200,000, and are used on a rotating basis to handle smaller projects, studies, reviews and programs with fees less than $200,000.

Projects with Estimated A/E Fees $25,000 or Less

Interested firms in the fields of Architectural Design and Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineering Design must submit to DGS a letter stating their interest and area of expertise. When a project becomes available, DGS will select the next firm in rotation from the approved list. The final award will be based on the negotiated fee.

Design/Build Projects

Periodically, the design and construction of a project are combined into one contract award. The award of these contracts are based on a criteria that consists of Design/Build Team Qualifications, Design Aspects, Maintainability/Operability, Price, and any other criteria deemed pertinent to the project.

Construction

Construction contracts are awarded through competitive bidding. The contractor which submits the lowest responsive and responsible bid will be awarded the job.

Monitoring Bid Opportunities

All construction projects, over $25,000, out for bid are listed on the DGS website and on eMaryland Marketplace.

The Bidding Process

All relevant documents required for bidding projects are posted on and are downloadable from eMaryland Marketplace. These include detailed plans detailed project specifications and bidding instructions.

Contract Award

DGS submits all construction contracts above $200,000 to the Board of Public Works for final approval. Contracts below $200,000 are approved by the department's procurement review board.

Minority Business Participation

In accordance with Maryland procurement law, all state construction contracts must have at least 25 percent participation by certified minority business enterprises.

Maintenance and Repair Projects

The Office of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction procures all maintenance and repair projects statewide above $10,000. The procurement process mirrors that of capital construction projects.

Assessments

Assessments manages the State Facilities Assessments program which oversees maintenance standards and guidelines for 3,723 buildings owned and operated by 21 State agencies.

Public Schools

DGS participates in administering the Public School Construction Program with the Maryland Office of Planning, Department of Education and staff of the Board of Public Works. DGS staff reviews requests from each local education agency, participates in public hearings, reviews design documents for all public school projects receiving state participation in funding and recommends authorization for projects to be bid for construction.

Community Colleges

DGS coordinates with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning and the Maryland Office of Planning in administering the Community College Capital Improvements Program. DGS reviews facilities master plans for each institution, reviews programs and design documents for each project having state participation in funding.

Procurement and Logistics

DGS is a primary procurement agency with numerous responsibilities for purchasing a variety of goods and services statewide for State and local government agencies, as well as non-profit entities. The Division of Procurement and Logistics (P&L) is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of a variety of services offered by DGS.

The Department’s procurement office provides professional and technical support services to State and local government agencies; conducts central procurement of architectural and engineering services, commodities, construction, energy, facilities maintenance, and printing services. The professional procurement staff performs specialized contracting, bid/proposal administration, and bid security for all State government users except the University System of Maryland. The Technology unit administers Internet-based eMaryland Marketplace, a full-service interactive procurement system, and the Homeland Security eProcurement System for First Responders.

P&L is also responsible for the activities of the Business Enterprise Office (BEO), State Printing and Duplicating (SPD), and Records Management. BEO maximizes the business DGS conducts with minority-owned businesses participating in the State procurement process. State Printing & Duplicating provides central support for all State government activities related to graphic design and printing. Records Management stores more than 150,000 cubic feet of State documents at the Records Center in Jessup, and advises agencies on records management.^[6]

Construction, Architecture/Engineering and Capital Maintenance

Construction, Architecture Engineering (A/E) and Capital Maintenance procurement provides a broad spectrum of functions, including the administration of contracts for Construction, A/E services, construction-related services, and capital maintenance in a timely and cost effective manner.

Greening Maryland

As part of Governor O'Malley's Smart, Green and Growing initiative, DGS is greening the State's procurement process. As a point of departure, they have established a list of recyclable products which includes commodities and services throughout Preferred Providers, the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), and Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE). Items such as water, textiles, paper towels, various janitorial supplies, and recycled paper products appear of BISM's Master List. MCE offers the "Green Guard" furniture line as well as printing services as part of its environmentally friendly initiatives. Other DGS statewide contracts include environmentally friendly highway construction equipment. Also on contract are vehicle fuel (Ethanol E-85, Bio-diesel B-5, and ultra low sulfur) and building materials, tools, and supply commodities which include fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. DGS also includes U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED)silver rated specifications for new construction or major renovation projects; utilizes e-Cycling for electronic waste components; and has standardized DGS General Terms and Conditions for all solicitations to request the use of minimal and recyclable packaging. Also a preference is provided for all mercury-free products.^[7]

Facilities Maintenance Contracting

Facilities Maintenance provides procurement services to client agencies by conducting online interactive bidding using eMaryland Marketplace and award of contracts that support the day-to-day operations of agencies statewide. Typical services provided by these contracts are: janitoria, trash removal, uniformed guard, equipment repair and maintenance, pest control, ground maintenance and recycling. In addition to direct and comprehensive procurement services the Facilities Maintenance program provides advice guidance and training to its client agencies. Facilities Maintenance is also pro-actively involved in dispute resolution between agencies and contractors, as well as enforcement of contract terms to ensure contract compliance.

Commodities

Commodity Procurement is a service-oriented program dedicated to providing leadership, assistance, and support in the acquisition of equipment and supplies that enable State agencies to complete their missions. Additionally, Commodity Procurement continues to play an integral part in the State's preparation for Emergency Prepardness. By negotiating and enabling agencies to utilize the National Association of State Purchasing Officials' Hazardous Incident Response Equipment (NASPO/HIRE), U.S Communities and GSA contracts, the State is now better able to respond to the needs of Maryland communities in disaster situations and continues to explore innovative avenues to meet these needs.

Board of Public Works Administration

Board of Public Works Administration supports the Department by formulating and disseminating the Department's Action Agenda to the State Board of Public Works (BPW), advising the Secretary on matters related to the agenda, processing contract awards made through the BPW and the Departmental Procurement Review Board (DPRB) including bonding and insurance verification, and managing the Bid/Proposal Administration.

Business Enterprises and Technology Services (BETS)

The Business Enterprise and Technology Services offices have joined forces to provide better Statewide support for eMaryland Marketplace (eMM), the Small Business Reserve Program (SBR), and more personalized internal support for DGS users of the State's Advanced Purchasing and Inventory Control System. BETES is responsible for the coordination and administration of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program. The Office's primary mission is to ensure that the Department reaches the goal of 25 percent MBE participation.

Records Management

This program develops policies and procedures to efficiently manage the records of all departments and agencies in Maryland State government and assists State, county and municipal agencies in the establishment of records retention and disposal schedules. In accordance with law, a public records cannot be destroyed without scheduling and prior approval of the State Archivist. At the State Records Management Center in Jessup, the Unit provides efficient storage and service of inactive State records that must be retained for specified periods of time to meet administrative, fiscal, and legal needs. Additionally, the Unit coordinates the Statewide Forms Management Program among government agencies and prepares the annual Forms Management Activities Report for submission to the General Assembly.

DGS Printing and Duplicating

This Unit oversees and approves print, copy, graphic equipment, paper and supply contracts, and assists with the drafting of technical specifications for State agencies. As the control agency, DGS is responsible for the renewal and acquisition of copying equipment and service. Program responsibilities include development of statewide policy and procedures which support efficiency and effectiveness in the utilization of printing and duplicating resources. The program also provides coordination of work assignments to Maryland Correctional Enterprises and, as necessary, issues a contract for printing to other vendors.

Office of Real Estate

The Department of General Services is responsible for establishing policy, and directing and coordinating the acquisition, disposal, valuation and leasing of real property for all state agencies with the exception of the Department of Transportation which is responsible for its own acquisition and disposal. In all of its activities, the Office of Real Estate works in conjunction with other DGS master planning components to maximize the effective use of assets owned and leased by the state.^[8]

Property Acquisition

The Department of General Services acquires all types of property to fulfill the various programmatic needs of state agencies. Acquisitions range from commercial office buildings and prison sites, to homes for the developmentally disabled and park land.

The State may acquire either full or partial interest in property based on its intended use and available financial resources. Most acquisitions require two appraisals of the property to establish its fair market value for negotiating purposes.

When a state agency initiates a request to DGS to acquire property, DGS contacts the property owner. If the owner is willing to consider selling the property, appraisals are completed by independent appraisers selected by an open bidding process. Studies are also made regarding the nature of the property and other issues that may affect value, including environmental assessment findings, timber values, etc. Once the real estate appraisals have been reviewed and approved, negotiations begin.

Once the property owner and DGS agree on acceptable terms of purchase, a contract is prepared and presented to the Board of Public Works for approval. The board, composed of the governor, comptroller and treasurer, must approve all real estate acquisitions negotiated by the Department of General Services. Upon Board of Public Works approval, DGS handles the settlement of the property to complete the sale.

If the seller of the property and DGS cannot agree on the terms of sale, the state may acquire the property by exercising its power of eminent domain or condemnation (the purchase of land for public use). The state must first negotiate in good faith to acquire the property from the owner and offer no less than fair market value as determined by independent appraisals. Prior to filing in court, DGS must also secure approval both from the agency seeking the property and from the Board of Public Works.

The Attorney General's office handles the process of eminent domain, according to procedures established by law. In court, the state must prove the public necessity for acquiring the property and justify its financial offer to purchase. The property owner is entitled to a jury trial. A negotiated settlement can be agreed to at any point during the proceedings subject to Board of Public Works approval.

Property Disposal

The State owns extensive acreage throughout the state, which is sometimes required for roads, utility lines, buffer areas, or other uses to assist nearby community development. In other cases, property is no longer needed by the state in the short or long term.

To dispose of state property, the using agency notifies the State Clearinghouse that it no longer needs the property. If there are no other governmental agencies interested in utilizing the property, and if it is determined that the state's interest is better served to dispose of it, the Board of Public Works declares the property to be surplus and approves it for disposal.

The Department of General Services is responsible for determining the method of sale and establishing the value to be received by the state. DGS negotiates the terms of the sale with the purchaser and brings the completed transaction to the Board of Public Works for final approval.

Lease Management and Procurement

DGS oversees the state's leasing activities between state agencies and commercial and government landlords. Leasehold agreements are in place for offices, warehouse space, boat slips, storage areas and other rental needs.

Leases are procured in accordance with the State Finance and Procurement Law, DGS issues a Request for Proposal (RFP), which describes the desired space, including size, purpose and general location. RFPs are advertised on the eMaryland Marketplace web site and in local newspapers.

RFP responses are scored as Competitive Sealed Proposals, a procurement method that combines price and technical evaluation to insure the best possible dollar value. After the initial evaluation, landlords may be asked to clarify their proposal and submit a "Best and Final Offer." To insure fairness, proposals are kept strictly confidential during the evaluation process. All leases must receive final approval from the Board of Public Works before they can be executed.

DGS conducts, when necessary, inspections of leased properties to ensure that landlords and agencies are complying with lease terms. The department will step in to enforce the lease should resolution at the facility level prove difficult.

Office of Administration

The Administrative Division encompasses Personnel, Fiscal Services, and the Information Technology Group (ITG). Each unit is tasked with support of Departmental operations.^[9]

Personnel

The Personnel operation directs, manages, and coordinates all areas of human resources and collective bargaining for the Department. This includes setting policy and procedural guidelines to ensure compliance with State personnel law and regulations. Other activities include: recruitment and hiring, salary determination, position classification and promotion, employment counseling, health benefits, employee assistance, medical referrals, reporting of accident leave, employee’s leave bank, mandated drug testing, budget and staff projections, ADA compliance, grievance resolution, EEO and Affirmative Action compliance, complaint resolution, arbitration of employer/employee disputes, training initiatives, various employee awards programs, and representing management before the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Fiscal Services

Fiscal Services is divided into three primary units: statewide capital projects accounting, operating accounting, and budget management. The Unit provides accounting and budget management services to the Department. This includes: providing guidance to management on various fiscal and budgetary matters; representing the Department’s views on fiscal and budgetary issues to outside agencies and the public; accounts payable; accounts receivable; payroll; leave keeping; fixed asset management; forecasting of revenues and expenditures; budget preparation; and accounting and financial reporting.

Information Technology Group

ITG is responsible for automation of DGS processes to support departmental activities. Responsibilities include vendor and product selection, systems development, systems installation and integration, data center operations, system maintenance, and end-user support.

Inventory Standards And Support Services

Inventory Standards and Support Services oversees statewide management of inventory of materials, supplies, and State personal property. This program provides agencies with technical automated inventory control assistance, establishes procedures, and auditing programs to assure compliance with State regulations and control standards. The program is the disposal authority for disposition of excess and surplus personal property. This Unit is responsible for the Department’s Fleet Management Program and the Statewide Automated Fuel Dispensing and Management System with 97 refueling stations located in Baltimore City and every Maryland County.

DGS Police

DGS Police Officers and Security Officers offer around-the-clock security for the Annapolis and Baltimore State Office Centers.^[10]

Baltimore Detachment

The Baltimore DGS Police Detachment provides law enforcement and security for 11 buildings, six State parking lots and four parking garages and has concurrent jurisdiction for traffic enforcement throughout the City of Baltimore. The buildings include 201, 300 and 301 W. Preston Street, the Fifth Regiment Armory, the William Donald Schaefer Tower, the Public Defender Building, Saratoga State Center, Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building, 2100 Guilford Avenue, 500 N. Calvert Street, and 201 St. Paul Street.

Annapolis Detachment

The Annapolis Detachment of DGS Police provides security to 19 buildings, including the Maryland State House, the Revenue Administration and the Goldstein Treasury Buildings, as well as the Lowe House Office Building, the James Senate Office Building, and the Miller Senate Office Building. In addition, the detachment covers five parking garages and 11 surface parking lots. Annapolis officers also handle both scheduled and unscheduled demonstrations held on State property and coordinate closely with the Annapolis City and Maryland State Police Departments on traffic enforcement and other security matters.

DGS Special Initiatives

State House Renovation Project

DGS completed a major infrastructure repair project that closed the Maryland State House for eight months. Work included repairing an aging heating and cooling system, replacing outdated plumbing systems showing signs of significant degradation, and removal and updating of unsafe electrical wiring throughout the nation's oldest operating capitol. Pipes, some more than 40 years old, were in danger of bursting. The sprinkler system was upgraded and a new ground floor public ladies restroom was added. The State House, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Maryland, is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.

Capital for a Day

"Capital for a Day," a program launched by Governor O'Malley in 2007, takes the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of monthly events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities. The Governor brings his entire cabinet to the select location where they meet with their local counterparts to hear any concerns they may have. The Governor then holds a cabinet meeting at a central location in the city or municipality designated as CFAD.

Maryland Green Building Council

The Maryland Green Building Council, created by the 2007 Maryland General Assembly and staffed by DGS, is charged with evaluating high-performance building technologies. Additionally, the Council provides recommendations on the most cost-effective "green" building technologies that the State might consider requiring in the construction of State facilities.

Partnering with Local Government

DGS participated in the annual Maryland Municipal League and Maryland Association of Counties summer conferences. The Department's exhibit, entitiled "Real Leadership, Real Results," highlighted the many ways in which DGS impacts Maryland including building with "Green" technology, leading energy saving efforts, strengthening minority business and ensuring cost-effective use of resources.

DGS in the Community

As part of its community outreach programs and Governor O'Malley's Smart, Green and Growing initiative, DGS partnered with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to launch the "State Center Community Farmers' Market." The June–October market brings affordable farm-fresh, locally-grown, healthy produce to State Center. Farmers' markets provide a source of income for farmers and also provide the community with a meeting place where residents can catch up with each other while purchasing farm-fresh, nutritious, local products.

Smart, Green and Growing

Under Governor Martin O'Malley's Smart, Green and Growing initiative, the Department of General Services is helping to ensure that Maryland State Government is leading by example. The Department is involved in a variety of initiatives and opportunities that, together, add up to a well balanced approach to support the creation of a smarter, greener, and more sustainable future for Maryland State agencies.

Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy

The State has the tools to move forward with future solar, wind and biomass projects. A DGS indefinite quantity contract (IQC) allows the State to develop and enter into long-term power purchasing agreements with qualified renewable energy contractors as part of Maryland's future electricity purchasing portfolio.

Green Building

Three State-owned High Performance green buildings were recently completed and there is progress on eight new green State projects that are funded and currently under design or construction.

Green Procurement

DGS is greening the State's procurement process. As a point of departure, the Office of Procurement has established a list of recyclable products which include the following commodities: office supplies, water, textiles, paper towels, various janitorial supplies, paper products, traffic barrels, barricades and cones, pallets, re-refined lubricating oil and more.

References

External links

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