Pennsylvania Department of General Services

07/25/2023

As part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to making government work for all, the Department of General Services has made significant strides in expanding state contracting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s small minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. Most notably, the Department has reduced the time it takes the Department’s Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) to certify a small business by 33%.

“When I took the post as Secretary of General Services, one of my first tasks was to evaluate the services and programs provided by the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, which aims to create a more fair and equitable landscape in the competition for state contracts,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “Reducing the Bureau’s certification time was a change that we realized we could implement immediately and would have a positive impact on the small businesses looking to work with the commonwealth. DGS is proud of this accomplishment and certain that it will create more opportunities for small and minority owned businesses.”

Learn more: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DGS_details.aspx?newsid=175

07/17/2023

Department of General Services-verified Small Diverse and Veteran Owned Businesses are invited to participate in JOC Networking Fairs facilitated by the commonwealth in September. This connection will benefit JOC Prime Contractor Awardees, DGS Verified Small Diverse and Veteran Owned Business Vendors, along with assisting in the fulfillment of Small Diverse and Veteran Owned Business Utilization Goals and JOC programmatic efforts.

Participation in the upcoming JOC Networking Fairs will afford attendees the opportunity to network and market their goods and services directly to awarded JOC Program Prime Contractors in a five-to-seven (5-7) minute pitch for General Construction, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Professional Design opportunities for each region of the commonwealth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/JOCRegionalEvents

Details and registration:

Western Region: 10:00AM – 1:00PM, September 12, 2023
Location: Comfort Suites Altoona, 140 Stroehman Drive, Altoona, PA 16601
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-order-contracting-joc-networking-fair-western-region-tickets-671129515447?aff=JOCWesternRegion

Central Region: 10:00AM – 1:00PM, September 13, 2023
Location: DGS Arsenal Building, Plaza, 1800 Herr Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-order-contracting-jocnetworking-fair-central-region-tickets-675326348287?aff=JOCCentralRegion

Eastern Region: 10:00AM – 1:00PM, September 19, 2023
Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Allentown West, 208 PA Rte. 100,
Breinigsville, PA 18031
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-order-contracting-jocnetworking-fair-eastern-region-tickets-675398032697?aff=JOCEasternRegion

07/12/2023

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is seeking to engage a qualified and experienced Offeror to provide consulting services and develop a Real Estate Comprehensive Plan to address both strategic short-term and long-term space utilization, while also providing recommendations for space consolidations for government operations.

Learn more about this opportunity: http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=6100058540

06/26/2023

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking public comment from Small Business (SB), Small Diverse Business (SDB), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), and Disadvantaged Business (DB) owners on their experiences with Pennsylvania’s government contracting system during four virtual public comment sessions being held as part of the 2023 Commonwealth Disparity Study.

The four public comment sessions will be held on Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 20. The comment sessions will provide a forum for SBs, SDBs, VBEs, and DBs to learn more about the Disparity Study process from the study consultant; ask questions about the study; and provide feedback on their experiences working in the state government contracting system.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/DGSDisparityStudy

06/12/2023

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is inviting the public to review an online summary presentation and provide comments on the land use feasibility study for the future disposition of the former State Correctional Institution (SCI)-Pittsburgh. The review and comments/questions submission period is currently open and runs through June 23, 2023.

Read more: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DGS_details.aspx?newsid=172

The feasibility study can be seen at bit.ly/SCIPittsburghStudy.

06/07/2023

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Reggie McNeil to serve as Pennsylvania’s 11th Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), making him the first African American to hold that cabinet position. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated McNeil on February 1, 2023.

As Secretary of DGS, McNeil oversees the Pennsylvania agency responsible for the procurement of goods and services, the management of non-highway capital projects, the management of the Commonwealth’s real estate portfolio, increasing and advancing contracting opportunities for small and diverse businesses, the expansion of energy sustainability and conservation activities, and the maintenance and protection of state-owned buildings and facilities.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of Pennsylvania as Secretary of the Department of General Services,” Secretary Reggie McNeil said. “I look forward to leading the agency and moving forward with Governor Shapiro’s goal to make us a ‘government that works for the people’ by cutting through the bureaucracy and red tape and delivering the services our citizens deserve.”

Read more: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DGS_details.aspx?newsid=171

06/01/2023

Today, Pennsylvania Department of General Services Acting Secretary Reggie McNeil and PA State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris announced contracting opportunities around plans to build the new Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Contractors are actively being solicited to provide their skills and experience to build this high-profile project. The opportunity to submit proposals will be available through August 1, 2023.

"This construction project will enable us to ensure the Pennsylvania State Police will have the necessary infrastructure and facilities to provide the highest quality of training for decades to come," Pennsylvania Department of General Services Acting Secretary Reggie McNeil said. "This project also presents the construction industry with the opportunity to participate in an estimated $200 million-plus project that will deliver value to Pennsylvania."

Interested contractors can view the solicitation online at https://www.dgs.internet.state.pa.us/suppliersearch, or visit http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/ and search for project number “DGS C-0211-0005 Phase 5 Rebid.”

More information: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/dgs_details.aspx?newsid=170

05/24/2023

Pennsylvania Department of General Services Acting Secretary, Reggie McNeil, and the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities Deputy Secretary, Kerry Kirkland, were at the Enterprise Center in Philadelphia on May 23. They were joined by the organization’s CEO, Della Clark, for an outreach and education event for small business owners looking to grow their business with the Commonwealth.

McNeil spoke to a crowd of small business owners and small business advocates on the importance of delivering results for small diverse businesses, a robust part of Pennsylvania’s economy, and how he is directing the department to support those efforts. He pointed to how BDISBO has

o shortened the time it takes to certify as a small business from 15 to 10 days;
o proactively notified small businesses of upcoming business opportunities with the Commonwealth;
o implemented a prompt pay policy that would require prime contractors to pay subcontractors within 10 of when they receive payment; and
o worked with state agencies to identify more opportunities for small businesses to work with the Commonwealth as prime contractors.

The Commonwealth spent $4.9 billion on state contracts last year, with nearly $1 billion going to small businesses. Acting Secretary McNeil reaffirmed that the actions being taken support the Commonwealth’s goal to spend more with small businesses moving forward. Visit dgs.pa.gov/bdisbo to learn how you can be a part of this great opportunity!

05/19/2023

Beginning today, the public is invited to provide comments on the service delivery and mission of the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. The public comment session is a required component every three years of the department's reaccreditation process through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.(CALEA).

To make the public comment period more accessible, members of the public can leave their comments directly at this link: https://cimrs2.calea.org/269. Comments can include recommendations for improvement, commendations for good performance, or evaluations and opinions of PA Capitol Police operations. The link will be active for the next 60 days.

Questions regarding the PA Capitol Police Department's accreditation can be directed to Cpl. Greg Budman, Pennsylvania Capitol Police Accreditation Manager, at 717-787-9636.

05/18/2023

Pennsylvania Department of General Services Acting Secretary Reggie McNeil and the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) team met with more than 70 small business owners earlier today at the Greenwood Plan & Cocoapreneur in Pittsburgh. McNeil touted the progress being made by the Shapiro-Davis Administration to improve the impact of BDISBO programs and increase opportunities for small businesses to contract with with the Commonwealth.

McNeil specifically highlighted how BDISBO has:

o Cut the time it takes to certify as a small business from 15 to 10 days;
o Started proactively notifying small businesses of upcoming business opportunities with the Commonwealth;
o Worked with state agencies to identify more opportunities for small businesses to work with the Commonwealth as prime contractors and sub-contractors.

The Commonwealth spent $4.9 billion on state contracts last year, with nearly $1 billion going to small businesses. Acting Secretary McNeil stated that all the actions being taken support the Commonwealth’s goal to spend even more with small businesses moving forward. Visit dgs.pa.gov/bdisbo to learn more about how you can be a part of this great opportunity!

05/16/2023

PA Department of General Services Acting Secretary Reggie McNeil joined the Bureau of Diversity Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities team and Leland Nelson and Shariah Brown of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA (AACCCP) to speak to small businesses owners about the importance, and benefits, of certifying their businesses with the Commonwealth. The event was held today at the Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg.

Nearly 40 small business owners heard from Acting Secretary McNeil on how last year the Commonwealth spent $4.9 Billion in goods services and construction with nearly $1 Billion going into the accounts of small businesses.

The best thing is that the Commonwealth is looking to spend even more with small businesses this year! Find out more on how you can be a part of this great opportunity online at dgs.pa.gov/bdisbo

05/15/2023

May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day and marks the beginning of National Police Week. Established 1962, National Peace Officers Memorial Day pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the week runs from May 15-21.
Here at the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex, we recognize and celebrate the Courage, Professionalism, and Dedication displayed by the men and women of the PA Capitol Police. Under their watch, the Capitol Complex is a safer place for the thousands of people who work in and visit our Capitol on a daily basis. Please join us in thanking them for a job well done!

05/05/2023

The Department of General Services is looking for an emerging leader with an interest in public service, specifically in the DEI and economic development space. It’s the perfect opportunity to advance the success of Pennsylvania’s small businesses and gain valuable on the job policy experience! If you want to make a difference and have recently earned your master's degree, apply now for the 2023 William & Hannah Penn Fellowship: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3959136/william-and-hannah-penn-fellowship. Application closes on May 13th.

The Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) aspires to improve the diversity and inclusivity of contracting opportunities among small businesses, small diverse businesses, and veteran business enterprises. The Department of General Service’s Penn Fellow will work to increase small businesses access to state contracting opportunities, reintroduce legislation to codify BDISBO policy and programs, and write policy to cultivate small diverse businesses.

As a fellow, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded leaders and expand your network. You'll gain valuable experience in the field of public policy, economic development, project management, and more, with access to mentorship and support from experienced professionals.

The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in our communities. The knowledge and skills you'll acquire during the program will advance your diversity and inclusion public policy career opportunities and benefit all Pennsylvania small businesses.

05/02/2023

Today in Blair County, we broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art home for 200 Pennsylvania veterans and spouses.

But this isn't just a new chapter for the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home — it's a new symbol of our commitment to our veterans.

The new facility will provide new, larger living areas and community rooms for veterans who sacrificed for us, and answered the call to serve their country.

We will continue to fulfill our obligation to provide our veterans with the best possible care.

03/17/2023

Our Capitol Police ensure the safety and well-being of tens of thousands of commonwealth staff and visitors.

Apply by March 31: bit.ly/JoinCapitolPolice.

We're growing our force! 👮🏼👮🏿‍♀️👮🏽‍♂️👮🏾👮🏻‍♀️👮🏼

Learn more about our work protecting and serving the commonwealth's Capitol at dgs.pa.gov/police.

Apply by March 31: bit.ly/JoinCapitolPolice.

03/10/2023

Applications close on March 23. Apply today! 👇

Help us plan events and welcome Pennsylvanians to the Governor’s Residence.

Apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3948253/governors-residence-event-manager-administrative-officer-2

03/08/2023

Women make state government better for everyone. 💪

03/06/2023

When Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agencies no longer need something, we put it up for public bid:

🎧 Headphones
💻 Laptops
⌚️ Watches
🕶️ Sunglasses
🗄️ Cabinets
🪑 Chairs
🧼 Washing machines
🪜 Ladders
📰 Prints
🛣️ Asphalt millings — a lot of it

See what we have: dgs.pa.gov/surplus.

03/03/2023

Shout out to our employees on ! 🙌

We are proud of the work you do behind the scenes to help the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania serve Pennsylvanians.

Want to join our team? We're hiring at employment.pa.gov.

03/01/2023

Don't know the party's extension? We can help.

Here's the directory for Pennsylvania's executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government: dgs.pa.gov/About/Pages/Directory.aspx.

02/28/2023

COSTARS members have access to many statewide contracts.

Join our webinar today at 10 a.m. to learn how members can earn as they spend with the statewide credit card services contract: bit.ly/3SFvwU4.

Not a member? Check your eligibility at dgs.pa.gov/costars.

02/24/2023

Take a moment this weekend to discover a rewarding career with us.

Apply today at employment.pa.gov.

02/22/2023

Calling small businesses, including:

✅ Disability-owned
✅ Minority-owned
✅ Woman-owned
✅ LGBTQ-owned
✅ Veteran-owned

We're here to help you compete for commonwealth contracts.

Here are 3 steps to get recognized by us as a small business, diverse- or veteran-owned small business:

1️⃣ Self-certify as a small business (it's free): bit.ly/PASupplierPortal.

2️⃣ If you're also a diverse- or vet-owned small business, certify with either:

👉 Minority/Woman-owned: paucp.dbesystem.com
👉 Woman-owned: wbenc.org
👉 Minority-owned: nmsdc.org
👉 Minority/Woman-owned: certify.sba.gov
👉 Disability-owned: disabilityin.org
👉 LGBTQ-owned: nglcc.org
👉 Veteran-owned: veterans.certify.sba.gov

3️⃣ Once certified, complete your verification on userregistration.prismcompliance.com.

Learn how to qualify and what you need to get started at dgs.pa.gov/bdisbo.

Find commonwealth contract bidding opportunities at dgs.pa.gov/Materials-Services-Procurement.

02/14/2023

Is someone you know proposing on ?

Learn how to turn "yes" to "I do" at the beautiful Pennsylvania Capitol: dgs.pa.gov/events.

02/10/2023

Want a guided tour of the Pennsylvania Capitol?

Guided tours happen every 30 minutes on weekdays and every two hours on weekends.

Learn more or schedule a tour: pacapitol.com/book-a-tour.

Walk-ins are always welcome. And !

02/09/2023

We often lower flags as a sign of respect, mourning, or distress.

Sign up for alerts or learn how to display the flag at half-staff: dgs.pa.gov/About/Pages/Flag-Notices.aspx.

02/08/2023

Check out one of the 60 EVs we're rolling out to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agencies.

We partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to showcase these vehicles during the farm show.

Learn more about our goals to replace 25% of the state's passenger fleet by 2025: dgs.pa.gov/greengov.

02/07/2023

We're hiring!

💻 Admin officer
🔧 Auto mechanic
🏗️ Construction coordinator
📦 Commodity specialist
💡 Custodian
⚡️ Electrician
🚛 Equipment operator
🏛️ Facility manager
💨 HVAC mechanic
📨 Mail operator
🚨 Police officer
📜 Print technician

Join the team that keeps the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's government going: employment.pa.gov.

02/06/2023

Are you an authorized supplier in our COSTARS procurement network or curious to join?

Join us tomorrow at 10 a.m. to learn supplier best practices for increasing sales and streamlining the processes.

Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costars-webinar-your-portal-to-local-public-procurement-sales-tickets-477284409517.

02/02/2023

01/10/2023

🚨 ATTENTION: The Capitol Complex will be closed for Inauguration Activities on January 17.

The Main Capitol Building will be open to the public with limited access to the Main Rotunda area. For those members of the public choosing to visit the Main Capitol on Tuesday, January 17, the only public entrance will be the Main Capitol Rotunda entrance.

🚧 Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to through traffic from North Street to Walnut Street beginning January 11, through January 18, 2023.

State Government public-facing services in the Capitol Complex, such as birth and death certificates, will not be available due to the complex closure, so please call ahead to ensure that the office you plan to do business with is not closed on January 17.

For more info, including parking and shuttle options, visit https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DGS_details.aspx?newsid=165

01/05/2023

Enrollment for the DGS sodium chloride (road salt) contract for the August 2023 - July 2024 season is now open!

The deadline to register is March 15, 2023.

To locate the August 2023-July 2024 Participation Agreement….
- Visit dgs.pa.gov/COSTARS/Member-Information/
- Select the Members Area button
- Review the Participation Guidelines of the Statewide Contract for Sodium Chloride (Road Salt) found under the Newsflash section on the right-hand side of the page.
- At the top, center of the web page, select the orange link “SALT REQUEST SUBMISSION IS OPEN FOR 2023 SEASON. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT THE REQUEST.”

Please note: a new Salt Contract Participation Agreement must be submitted each year for inclusion on the sodium chloride contract.

12/28/2022

The DGS Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) will be hosting a series of Supplier Search Workshops in the new year.

The training focuses on the basics of the supplier search process including recognizing the UNSPSC Codes Structure, accessing the DGS Supplier Search Database, and Searching for Small, Small Diverse, and Small Veteran Owned Businesses to gain a better understanding of supplier search results.

The 30-minute sessions is offered via Teams, and meeting info can be found on our site at: https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Small%20Diverse%20Business%20Program/Pages/News-Media.aspx

12/22/2022

As many of us get ready for one of the biggest meals of the year, our "Resident Expert" - Pennsylvania Governor's Residence Butler Stef Goeke - took some time out of her day to show us a sophisticated, yet simple napkin fold that can add a little flair to you holiday dining atmosphere!

12/20/2022

Need ? COSTARS has you covered. Choose from a wide range of equipment contracts to fit your needs. For more info on our COSTARS program and how you can participate, visit: dgs.pa.gov/costars

12/19/2022

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) is the commonwealth’s leading agency on creating an inclusive, equitable, and fair contracting environment for small, small diverse, and veteran businesses looking to do business with the commonwealth.

Through their programs and policies, more than $4 Billion has been spent with these businesses since 2015, with a record-high annual total of $955 million being spent in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022!

None of this would have been possible without the nearly 5,000 registered businesses that BDISBO not only advocates for but partners with. Recently Phoebe Coles, owner of Community Marketing Concepts, Inc. in , spoke about the importance of being able to partner with BDSIBO.

Learn more about BDSIBO online at https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Small%20Diverse%20Business%20Program/Pages/default.aspx

12/16/2022

Department of General Services Director of Capitol Projects construction, Mike Hudzik, joined Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn and other dignitaries to cut the ribbon on the $8.7 Million Washington Crossing Historic Park renovation and restoration project. The project covered 17 buildings in the park and provided several exterior and interior upgrades that will enable the park to be enjoyed for years to come.

“The Department of General Services strives to ensure that the agencies we work for, and with, are able to realize their goals and desires when it comes to the projects that we manage for them,” said Mike Hudzik, Director of Capital Projects Construction for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. “Thanks to our collaborative efforts with DCNR, we were able to assist them in restoring and creating an appealing, relaxing and educational outdoor space for those who live in and visit Bucks County.”

Are you interested in being part of the construction of facilities like the one celebrated today? The Department of General Services is looking for Assistant Construction Project Coordinators. This position assists in managing capital improvement projects for Commonwealth Agencies within DGS' multi-billion-dollar portfolio! Apply now at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3814505/construction-project-coordinator-eastern-region

12/08/2022

More than 450 vehicles no longer used by commonwealth agencies will be put up for auction on Tuesday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road. An in-person preview of vehicles begins on today and will run through Sunday, December 11.

This auction will feature a number of vehicles seized by state law enforcement agencies including: 2014 Ford Ta**us; 2011 BMW X5; and 2007 Lincoln MKV, 2001 Chrysler 300M and a 1994 Buick Park Avenue.

The December auction is the final auction of 2022. More information on this auction, registration information, payment conditions and a complete listing of vehicles is available on the DGS Auto Auction Information page at dgs.pa.gov/Vehicle-Management/InformationForPublic

12/06/2022

Yesterday, the annual Tree Lighting ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda.🎄

The tree, a 20-foot Douglas Fir from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Carbon County, is decorated with more than 900 LED lights and more than 700 handmade ornaments donated by students and seniors throughout the commonwealth coordinated by Pre-K for PA and the PA Department of Aging.

The governor and first lady were joined by Department of General Services Acting Secretary Joe Lee and Bishop Audrey Scanlan of the Central Pennsylvania Episcopal Diocese. The Central Dauphin High School Choir performed several Christmas carols and Santa Claus made an appearance.🎅

In addition to the Rotunda Tree, there is a 20-foot Douglas fir – also from Crystal Spring Tree Farm – outside on the Capitol steps.
The Rotunda tree will be lit daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the Capitol Steps tree will be lit daily from 5 p.m. to midnight through January 6, 2022.

12/01/2022

When it comes to bringing the holiday spirit to the Capitol, DGS is willing to do the heavy lifting to make it happen…literally!

Staff from the bureaus of Maintenance Management and Facilities Management work together to bring the tree into the building, set it up and get it decorated just in time for the official tree lighting on December 5.

Nothing brings more joy and happiness to DGS than seeing the smiling faces of those who work in and visit the capitol when they see the finished product!

If you are interested in pursuing a career that brings people joy all year round, then check out the latest opportunity with our Bureau of Facilities Management as a Maintenance Repairman 1. In this position, you’ll help maintain and preserve the buildings and other operations in the Capitol Complex. Painting, door framing, emergency equipment testing, and more. This job has variety, and the work is rewarding. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3809763/maintenance-repairman-1