Volume 2, Issue 5
Volume 2, Edition 5: January 2025
Commissioner's Corner
Dear Legislative Partners,
As we welcome numerous new legislators and staff members this session, I would like to take a moment to introduce the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the essential functions we provide.
DAS serves as the nerve center of state government, responsible for a variety of critical functions that help our government operate efficiently. Our responsibilities include overseeing information technology, statewide human resources, procurement, real estate and construction services, fleet vehicle operations, school building grants, and much more. Additionally, the State Fire Marshal and the State Building Inspector are part of DAS, as well as the Commission for Educational Technology, which focuses on our state's digital equity initiatives. We also manage print, mail, and courier services.
To keep you informed about the activities and developments at DAS, our legislative and communications team sends out DAS Newsline each month. This digital newsletter will provide updates on major projects, initiatives, and other significant events within the department.
This year, we have identified three specific legislative priorities:
- An Act Concerning School Building Project Grants, aimed at removing outdated language, streamlining CTECS school building projects, and integrating the current stand-alone HVAC grant into the administratively approved list process.
- An Act Modifying Various Provisions Related to Real Estate and Construction Services, Building Officials, Accessible EV Parking Spaces, and Elevators.
- An Act for Technical Revisions to Certain Statutes Concerning the Department of Administrative Services.
Open communication and collaboration with the legislature are of utmost importance to me, and I look forward to engaging with you throughout the legislative session.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly or connect with our legislative liaison, Amanda Bellagamba, at amanda.bellagamba@ct.gov with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
michelle.gilman@ct.gov
P.S. As a reminder, we are holding a virtual open house on February 4 at 9am to introduce you to the department's important functions. An invitation will follow.
New Year DAS Update
2024 was an eventful and productive year for the DAS team. Commissioner Gilman shares some of the highlights, including:
- Completion of the new DEEP Western District headquarters and the new Central Connecticut State University Library Annex.
- Significant progress on the new Bullard Havens Technical High School.
- National recognition for the state's digital government program.
- $9 million in federal funding to support the state's digital equity efforts.
- Comprehensive safety trainings for all fleet vehicle operators.
- The launch of CT Gateway, the cloud-based procurement portal aimed at streamlining the user experience.
- And much more.
We are looking to build on our progress in 2024 as we work to start strong in 2025.
Video: Commissioner Gilman's 2024 Year-End Update (LinkedIn)
Construction Contractor Prequalification Application Now on CT Gateway
In November, DAS launched CT Gateway, a new cloud-based portal for those who do business with the state. Ultimately, CT Gateway will host the applications for several programs within DAS Procurement; starting immediately, the first application, Small/Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE), has been moved to CT Gateway, and recently, the Construction Contractor Prequalification application was also moved to the platform.
The applications on CT Gateway include several new, user-friendly processes:
- Streamlined, mobile-friendly application.
- Greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Realtime application status.
- Immediate inclusion in a web-based directory of certified S/MBEs.
Vacant State Building Sold; Set to Become Housing in Capitol Area
At long last, the sale of 18-20 Trinity Street and 30 Trinity Street in Hartford to Pennrose closed earlier this month. This transaction was years in the making and resulted from an open, competitive sale process undertaken by DAS.
This is an exciting outcome, as it will transform vacant office buildings into much-needed housing in the Capitol area. At least 20 percent of the new units will be designated as affordable.
This sale was a team effort led by the DAS Leasing and Property Transfer team and involving the Office of Policy Management, the Office of the Governor, Hartford-area legislators, the Capital Region Development Authority, the City of Hartford, and many others.
Meet DAS's Legislative Liaison
In September, Amanda Bellagamba became DAS's new legislative liaison, the agency's primary point of contact for legislators and staff.
Before joining DAS, Amanda served as associate director of government relations for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. She has also worked in the legislature as an assistant clerk on the Education Committee, a legislative aide, and a caucus policy analyst.
Learn more about Amanda 👇
Aspiring Leaders Development Program Kicks Off
Each year, more than 20 managers from across state government are nominated by their agency head and selected from a highly competitive pool to participate in the Aspiring Leaders Development Program.
Administered by DAS Learning and Development, Aspiring Leaders is designed to help managers become more effective team leaders by developing essential and contemporary skill sets such as emotional intelligence, innovation, agility, and resilience.
Congratulations to this year's cohort; we can't wait to grow with you over the next several months.
New Facilities Site Launched
DAS recently launched a new website to provide information on the properties managed by the agency. DAS administers the operations, maintenance, and security of state-owned buildings throughout the Hartford area and throughout the state, including Meriden, Mystic, New Britain, and Waterbury.
Overall, DAS administers approximately 10 percent of all executive branch state buildings, which totals approximately 5.5 million square feet of state-owned floor space in occupied and vacant state buildings.
The new site includes profiled pages dedicated to each managed facility and will soon be updated to include sustainability information. Please check it out and share it with anyone who might be interested!
DAS Continues Outreach Efforts
DAS Talent Solutions and Equal Employment Opportunity staff continued their outreach efforts, attending career fairs and other recruitment events. In addition, DAS Procurement staff attended events aimed at increasing participation in the Supplier Diversity Program and the Construction Contractor Prequalification program.
If anyone you know might be interested in a career in state government, please connect them to the executive branch's online employment center:
State of Connecticut Online Employment Center (JobAps)
Anyone interested in getting prequalified or participating in the Supplier Diversity Program should visit CT Gateway at ct.gov/ctgateway or by following the below link.
Commissioner Gilman Named NASCA Treasurer
DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman was selected last week by her colleagues to serve as treasurer of the National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA)'s executive committee.
Dedicated to engaging states in transforming government operations through the power of shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership, the treasurer's role puts Commissioner Gilman in a position to work more closely with peers from around the country.
Go Behind the Scenes with DAS
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