Edition Twelve
Edition 12: July 2024
Commissioner's Corner
Dear Legislative Partners:
As the summer heats up, DAS employees remain hard at work, providing the services necessary for state government to function at a high level. In this edition of DAS Newsline, we discuss the launch of the new supplier diversity data dashboard, Connecticut's decision to join the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge, and the innovative methods used by the DAS Procurement team to drive down the cost of goods and services, among other items.
I would also like to give a special shout-out to DAS BITS employees, under the leadership of CIO Mark Raymond. As you know, Connecticut was affected by the CrowdStrike IT outage last week. The BITS team jumped into action starting at 3:30 a.m. and did not rest until all major systems and employee machines were restored. I cannot thank our colleagues at BITS enough for their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity under high-pressure, challenging circumstances.
Sincerely,
Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
SBE/MBE Data Dashboard
This week, DAS launched a new dashboard on the Open Data portal sharing statistics on DAS’s Supplier Diversity Program. The dashboard highlights trends within the DAS Supplier Diversity Program that help the agency better understand and manage the program. For example, the dashboard can help identify geographical areas in the state that are underrepresented in the Program, and therefore where additional outreach could be useful. The dashboard also helps ensure transparency for the public around the Supplier Diversity Program, and it provides a space for those interested in working with small and/or minority businesses to find and contact relevant firms in their geographic location.
Connecticut's Supplier Diversity Program Data Dashboard (data.ct.gov)
CT Joins Better Climate Challenge
Governor Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge, becoming one of more than 50 organizations across the United States that are stepping up to the challenge and driving real-world action toward a low-carbon future. In joining the challenge, the state is committing to reduce portfolio-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within ten years and work with DOE to share successful solutions and decarbonization strategies.
DAS -- along with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Office of Policy and Management -- is one of three state agencies at the center of the state's climate efforts, especially through the GreenerGovCT initiative.
Renovated Barnard Hall Opens
On July 23, DAS Construction Services staff participated in the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Henry Barnard Hall at Central Connecticut State University. The project added 10,000-square-feet of space and updated the original circa-1950s structure, including new HVAC systems, window replacement, and sprinkler and fire alarm upgrades. Additions include new flexible meeting rooms; new faculty offices; a sky-lit central gathering space; and an outdoor terrace.
Saving Money Through Innovative Procurement
DAS Procurement is always looking for new and innovative ways to get the best possible value for taxpayers. Reverse auctions – where businesses compete in real time to outbid each other – are one tool we use to help drive down costs of goods and services.
Earlier this month, the procurement team held a virtual auction where HP, Lenovo, and Dell all competed virtually for the pricing of laptops, desktops, all-in-one computers, and related items. As vendors bid lower, the overall pricing drops, saving money for taxpayers.
Update on Digital Equity Efforts
Digital Equity Program Manager Lauren Thompson spoke with Government Technology magazine about building a people-centered program, maximizing federal funding and making sure residents have the tools they need to get online in Connecticut.
"We are a technology-rich state. Internet is 99 percent available, but we do have an adoption issue," Lauren said. "People need more than just getting a connection and device, but this is just the start of the work. Connecticut may have a large digital divide, but I think our plans are really going to get at the heart of what people need."
Take a moment to read the article to learn more about our digital equity work.
Connecticut’s Digital Equity Work Supports Regional Efforts (govtech.com)
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