Summer 2026

Commissioner's Corner

Dear Legislative Partners,

This edition of the DAS Newsline celebrates the completion of new housing for veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Patriots Landing North and the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s 125th anniversary. We also share updates on the implementation of legislative changes to SBE/MBE contracting; highlight the many contributions of our Facilities and EEO teams behind the scenes; recognize the work of our Talent Solutions team to connect DESPP interns with careers in state service; and celebrate our inaugural DAS Commissioner’s Award.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, I want to thank you for your collaboration throughout the 2026 legislative session. Your engagement, questions and partnership helped us address complex issues and advance initiatives that strengthen state government and improve the services we provide. For an overview of legislation affecting DAS and the programs we administer, please review our 2026 DAS Legislative Summary.

I also invite you and your staff to attend the 2026 Connecticut Digital Government Summit on September 2 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Registration is free for public-sector participants, and the program will bring together state and local government leaders for conversations about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data, digital services, workforce development and the future of government technology.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of the DAS mission.

Sincerely,

Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
michelle.gilman@ct.gov

Supporting Connecticut’s Veterans at Patriots Landing North

DAS recently joined Governor Ned Lamont, Representative Kerry Wood, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing, and project partners in Rocky Hill to celebrate the renovation of Building 51 at Patriots Landing North. The renewed 22,000-square-foot facility on DVA's Rocky Hill campus will provide safe, modern, and accessible temporary housing for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their families.

The project includes accessible entrances, parking and restrooms; modern fire alarm and safety systems; improved ventilation and lighting; restored historic features; and renovated living spaces. DAS is proud to support this important investment.

Video: DAS celebrates Patriots Landing Ribbon Cutting (LinkedIn)

Celebrating 125 Years of the Office of the State Fire Marshal

The Office of the State Fire Marshal recently gathered with colleagues and fire service partners from across Connecticut to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The celebration recognized an office that has protected Connecticut’s residents and communities since the legislature authorized the appointment of the first State Fire Marshal in 1901.

Over the past century and a quarter, OSFM’s work has evolved alongside new hazards, technologies and community needs. Today, the office supports local fire marshals, develops and interprets fire codes, reviews building plans, conducts inspections, promotes fire safety education and oversees crane and demolition safety. While the work has changed, its mission remains constant: protecting life and property from the harmful effects of fire.

Read a detailed history of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (CT.gov)

Implementing Legislative Changes to SBE/MBE Contracting

DAS is implementing changes to Connecticut’s Small Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise contracting program authorized by the General Assembly in Section 200 of Public Act 25-168, in response to the state’s disparity study. The reforms are intended to better align the program with current market conditions and expand meaningful opportunities for certified businesses to compete for state work.

For goods and services, the previous fixed set-aside percentages have been replaced with aspirational spending allocation goals organized by industry category. Separately, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities is implementing the public works provisions, including contract-specific SBE and MBE goals and strengthened requirements for documenting good faith efforts.

These goals are not quotas and do not guarantee the award of a contract. The statute continues to require contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified bidder. Rather, the goals are intended to ensure that qualified SBEs and MBEs have a meaningful opportunity to compete. DAS continues to work with state agencies, vendors and other partners to provide the guidance, tools and resources needed to make and properly document good faith efforts.

Learn about spending allocation goals for goods and services (CT.gov)

Behind the Scenes at the Governor’s Residence

Before the doors opened for Connecticut Open House Day back in June, the DAS Facilities team was hard at work preparing the Governor’s Residence to welcome visitors. From tending the grounds and creating beautiful floral displays to cleaning, setting up public spaces and handling countless final details, the team helped ensure the historic property looked its best and was ready for the public.

Events like this are possible because of the care, craftsmanship and coordination of Facilities employees whose work often takes place behind the scenes. Thank you to the entire team for the pride they bring to maintaining the Governor’s Residence and state facilities across Connecticut every day.

Honoring Service During Military Appreciation Month

The DAS Equal Employment Opportunity Center of Excellence, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, recently hosted a Military Appreciation Month ceremony honoring past and present members of the United States Armed Forces.

The event featured keynote remarks from Dr. Carlita Cotton, a U.S. Air Force veteran and member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Trustees. The ceremony offered an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of Connecticut’s military community while reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting veterans, service members and their families.

A special thank you to our EEO team for organizing this event and the many other educational and commemorative programs they coordinate throughout the year. These events require significant work behind the scenes, but they provide enriching opportunities that broaden our perspectives and help all of us become better colleagues and public servants.

Read more about the event and available resources (CT.gov)

Celebrating Excellence Through the DAS Commissioner’s Award

DAS recently presented its inaugural Commissioner’s Award, created to recognize employees who exemplify the agency’s commitment to service, collaboration and excellence. Randall Porter of DAS Fleet Operations was selected as this year’s agencywide recipient for consistently going above and beyond in his work and service to others.

Nominated by his colleagues, Randall was recognized for his operational excellence, fiscal stewardship and commitment to finding practical solutions that improve service, increase efficiency and generate savings for the state.

DAS also celebrated the employees selected as honorees by their respective business units: Irene Garcia, BITS; Francisco Rivera, Business Office; Theresa Judge, Human Resources; and Leslie Cote, Procurement. Congratulations to Randall and all of this year’s honorees for representing the very best of DAS and Connecticut public service.

DAS Talent Solutions Continues Outreach

In addition to their ongoing outreach to prospective employees, the DAS Talent Solutions team recently met with interns from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to hear about their experiences, answer questions and discuss the many career opportunities available across Connecticut state government.

Internships are an important part of the state’s career pipeline, giving students and early-career professionals meaningful exposure to public service while helping agencies connect with the next generation of talent. By listening to interns and helping them understand how they can continue their careers with the state, DAS is working to make the State of Connecticut an employer of choice where talented people can begin, grow and build rewarding careers.

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