Volume 2, Issue 8
Volume 2, Edition 8: April 2025
Commissioner's Corner
Dear Legislative Partners,
As we enter the final full month of the long legislative session, I would like to thank all of you for your engagement and support of DAS’s mission.
In this edition of DAS Newsline, we discuss our recent visit to Fairfield to tour schools that are receiving HVAC upgrades, celebrate the opening of a major solar installation at facilities across the state, highlight our work to commemorate Earth Week, and more.
Sincerely,
Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
michelle.gilman@ct.gov
Investing in Indoor Air Quality
On April 25, DAS joined Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Senator Hwang, Representatives Leeper, McCarthy Vahey, and Keitt, and local officials for a tour of Fairfield schools, which are currently undergoing HVAC upgrades, thanks in part to the state's indoor air quality for public schools program.
This year, DAS proposed legislation to include HVAC upgrades in the Non-Priority List program. This change would allow districts to apply for funding on a rolling basis throughout the year, just as they would with projects such as roof replacements or fixes to code violations, ensuring that our schools have the necessary resources to maintain safe and healthy learning environments.
Indoor air quality is critical to students’ ability to learn, and this proposal remains a top priority for DAS.
DOC Goes Solar 🌞
On April 24, DAS joined Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz to announce that seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at correctional facilities in a suite of projects that will generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the facilities.
The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.
The projects are a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction and DAS, along with the Connecticut Green Bank and TotalEnergies. They were financed by the Connecticut Green Bank in partnership with TotalEnergies. The company will own, operate, and maintain the systems through a power purchase agreement executed by DAS.
DAS Celebrates Earth Week 🌎
In honor of Earth Week, the teams from DAS Procurement and the Commissioner’s Office rolled up their sleeves to sow native wildflower seeds in the flower beds at 450 Columbus Boulevard and participated in clean-up activities to support our neighbors at the Connecticut Science Center.
This was not just a great team-building opportunity, but also a chance to make a lasting impact on our environment and create a more vibrant habitat for pollinators this summer.
Digital Opportunity Projects
DAS recently announced that we are now accepting notices of intent from organizations and stakeholders working to advance digital opportunity efforts across Connecticut. Organizations are asked to submit their interest in receiving funding to support digital navigation programs over the course of five years through the forthcoming $5 million Connecticut Digital Opportunity Grant.
This is not the application form but rather an indicator of interest, which will be reflected in the program guidance and application when they become available later this spring.
Please feel free to share this information with any organization that may wish to apply for funding.
Fire Safety Education
Getting kids involved in the fire safety conversation is a critical way to keep our communities safe for generations to come.
This year, DAS Commissioner Gilman and State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert participated in the CT Fair Plan's 41st Annual Fire Prevention Poster Program Award Luncheon. Fourth and fifth-grade students from across the state created posters highlighting important fire safety messages.
Marshal Volkert presented her own county-winning poster that she made as a fifth grader. It was a great opportunity to engage with students and teach them to be advocates for fire safety from a young age.
Raymond Testifies on Capitol Hill
On April 1, Connecticut Chief Information Officer and DAS Deputy Commissioner Mark Raymond testified at the United States House Committee on Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee hearing on the importance of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.
"State and local governments serve as stewards of civil society, working to ensure community stability, predictability, and the well-being of the residents we serve," Raymond testified. "State and local public servants are the teachers in our classrooms, the police officers that respond to distress, the doctors and nurses that care for our neighbors suffering with addiction. They protect the water we drink, the food we eat, and much more. All these services are provided with the assistance of technology that must also guard people's most sensitive data. These services are vital to protect and ensure they can continue to operate safely amidst an ever-increasing set of direct threats. It is important to note that those who deliver these services often do not have the appropriate funds to adequately protect the technology and data within their care alone."
DAS Continues S/MBE Outreach Efforts
In April, DAS procurement attended outreach events in Bridgeport, Hartford, Groton, and online to assist small and minority-owned businesses in becoming certified with the state's supplier diversity program or pre-qualifying as construction contractors.
Upcoming supplier diversity-related events include:
Groton Business Resource Fair
Wednesday, April 30; 9 AM - 12 PM
Chelsea Groton Bank, 904 Poquonnock Road, Groton
Event Registration (Eventbrite)
Women-Owned Business Day
Tuesday, May 6; 9 AM - 1 PM
Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford
Event Registration (WBDC website)
Minority Construction Council Partnership Awards Dinner
Tuesday, May 6; 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville
Event Registration (MCC Website)
Trumbull Business Resource Fair
Tuesday, May 20; 9 AM - 12 PM
Trumbull Library, 33 Quality Street, Trumbull
Event Registration (Eventbrite)
DAS Certification and Prequalification Hands-On Clinic
Wednesday, May 21; 10 AM - 12 PM
The District, 470 James Street - Suite 106, New Haven
2025 Hands-On Certification Clinic
Wednesday, May 21; 12 PM - 2 PM
The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov
To learn more about recent and upcoming procurement events, visit the Procurement Events webpage (ct.gov).
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