I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family. I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the trailblazing work of our team at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in 2022, and to look forward to continued progress in the new year. I’m pleased to share a few highlights from the past year.
First, I’m incredibly proud of our HR statewide team as they recruit and retain a diverse, hard-working, and committed state workforce. In the executive branch, we now have more employees working than at any time since 2016. Given the competitive workforce challenges, we have also leaned in to promote high-need jobs, particularly in direct care. This campaign began in the fall and will continue into the New Year.
Our DAS procurement team, including our small and minority business program, has interacted with hundreds of businesses and helped to make it easier to work with the state. The team has also expanded outreach and education activities, streamlined the registration process, and worked closely with state, municipal, and non-profit partners to support their procurement needs.
Our Bureau of Information Technology Services, or “BITS” has helped agencies with a multitude of initiatives from website development to enhancing cybersecurity to streamlining services at multiple agencies includung the Departments of Motor Vehicles, Labor, and Social Services. Expanding our online footprint has ensured residents get the services they need while spending more time with their families, enjoying our State, and growing their careers rather than standing in line.
Our Construction Services team continues to support the maintenance and development of safe, cost-efficient, and sustainable state facilities. In 2022, the team’s portfolio included a new health and human services teaching lab at SCSU, new or renovated technical high schools in process and stabilization of the Capitol-area heating and cooling loop. The school construction grants team has also worked closely with local school districts to coordinate funding requests including those under the new air quality program.
DAS really is the “agency’s agency” and touches so many different pieces of our government. I can’t close without thanking our Business Services team which provides fiscal oversight, operations support, and numerous services to DAS and our agency partners.
Again, I want to share a heartfelt thank you to our DAS team, and all our government, business, and non-profit partners. 2022 has been an amazing year of accomplishment, and I look forward to making more progress with all of you in 2023!
Happy New Year!
Michelle H. Gilman
Commissioner
Department of Administrative Services
