Centralizing Control Over State Infrastructure
The Department of General Services (DGS) functions as the state’s primary architect for non-highway capital construction. From the initial drafting table to the final contract execution, the department’s Capital Programs bureaus—formerly known as Public Works—coordinate and oversee the lifecycle of state-funded assets. Their portfolio ranges from prisons and laboratories to critical infrastructure like dams and sewage treatment plants.
By centralizing these operations, the Commonwealth seeks a specific outcome: reducing change order rates and reducing the number of claims filed against the state. These projects are governed by the protocols outlined in Part IV of the Procurement Handbook.
Enforcing Financial Discipline
Budgetary control is anchored by the Capital Project Funding Guide. This document dictates how Capital Programs personnel, client agencies, and external design professionals monitor expenditures throughout the lifecycle of a DGS Capital Programs project. It serves as the methodology for both re-adjusting existing project budgets and allocating resource allocations for new projects.
The DGS also maintains oversight of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E). The department keeps a list of these components and their associated funding streams, providing a basis for purchasing approvals both during and after the active construction phase.
State Agencies Must Follow Delegation and Compliance Processes
State agencies seeking to manage their own improvements must follow the Request for Delegation process. This allows institutions to apply for the delegation of Public Improvement Project (PIP) funding for design, construction, or both. Every application for new or additional funding undergoes a review by the DGS Capital Planning Coordinator through a structured workflow process.
Compliance is mandatory. Agencies are required to use specific administrative tools, including the MD 105.5 Tax Exempt Form. These requirements extend to procedures for emergency declarations and sole-source design services.
Performance Benchmarks for State Property
The Commonwealth ties its project success to performance standards. These criteria are designed to limit financial risk and increase the number of construction projects completed on time and on budget. For real-time updates on active projects and evolving procurement policies, the DGS maintains a central portal. This portal remains the point of contact for agencies looking to align their projects with the state’s long-term capital improvement goals.
