Volume 2, Issue 9
Volume 2, Edition 9: May 2025
Commissioner's Corner
Dear Legislative Partners,
As we approach the final days of the legislative session, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our legislators for your unwavering partnership and support throughout this journey. Your commitment to our collective goals has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of this session, and we recognize the hard work and dedication you have shown during these critical times. Together, we have made significant strides, and as we face the final stretch, we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to achieve the best outcomes for the State of Connecticut and the residents we all serve.
In this edition of DAS Newsline, we discuss the Business Outreach Team's efforts to certify small and minority-owned businesses, celebrate the first solar installation on DAS-owned buildings, highlight progress in important construction projects, and more.
Sincerely,
Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
michelle.gilman@ct.gov
Continued Business Outreach
Throughout the month, DAS's Business Outreach Team (BOT) has been everywhere, attending events across the state to speak with small and minority-owned businesses about the benefits of certification. In April, 96 businesses received S/MBE certifications, and the BOT is working to build on that success by meeting businesses where they are and making the certification process as seamless as possible.
Please share the link below with any S/MBEs in your district that could benefit from State of Connecticut certification.
Get certified as a Small or Minority Business Enterprise (ct.gov)
DAS Is Going Solar 🌞
On May 20, Commissioner Gilman and the DAS team went to the roof of the Morgan Street Garage to sign an agreement under the Non-residential Renewable Energy Solutions program to move forward with our first-ever solar installations at DAS-owned facilities.
This space, along with three other locations in Hartford and Wethersfield, will soon be the home of a new solar array, which will provide power for state facilities and reduce our carbon footprint.
We will provide additional updates as these projects progress.
Jenkins-Waggoner Greenhouses Completed
On May 22, the DAS team celebrated the renovation of the Jenkins-Waggoner Greenhouses at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). This project, administered by DAS Construction Services, involved updating two greenhouses, each measuring 1,450 square feet, at CAES's facility in New Haven. The greenhouses, which were originally built more than 85 years ago, have been modernized to be more energy-efficient. These improvements will allow CAES scientists to have better control over the growing conditions for their experimental work.
Electrical Fire Safety
As part of her Fire Safe CT community risk reduction efforts, State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert teamed up with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and local fire officials to emphasize the importance of electrical safety toward the prevention of structure fires. Please feel free to share this video or any of the other resources on the Fire Safe CT website with anyone who may benefit.
BITS Supports our Veterans
To ease the potential transition into a residential facility, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has partnered with the Department of Administrative Services Bureau of Information Technology Solutions (DAS/BITS) to create virtual tours of residential facilities for veterans, making it easier for potential residents to explore the campus remotely and envision themselves in their new living space no matter how far away they are.
To bring the campus experience to life, the team developed immersive 360-degree virtual tours using Kuula, a platform designed for creating and sharing interactive panoramic experiences. The tool allowed for a user-friendly, mobile-accessible walkthrough of the campus and housing units. A standout feature of the project is the “Meet Frank” segment, where a resident veteran shares his experience living on campus, offering an authentic perspective and building trust in the services provided.
“Living here at Rocky Hill is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I’ve been here almost five years now, and in that time, I’ve quit drinking, quit smoking, and stayed on that even course. This place helped me get straightened out,” proudly shared Frank, resident veteran.
Learn more about this important project:
Bullard-Havens Progress
On May 9, the DAS team had the opportunity to join Governor Lamont, Representative Rosario, Representative Baker, and CTECS staff for a behind the scenes look at the brand-new Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport.
The progress has been remarkable: The new school is projected to open in the late fall, and the DAS-administered project is expected to be completed on time and on budget.
Go Behind the Scenes with DAS
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