Provide quality, cost-effective support services for state agencies that help government operate more efficiently, effectively, and safely for all Virginians.

Being seen by our customers as a key partner in enabling their success, and to achieve the common goal of providing best-in-class government services to Virginia’s citizens.

The Department of General Services' values include:

• Integrity


• Fiscal Responsibility


• Customer Focus


• Quality Service


• Expertise

The Department of General Services' goals include:

• Lead the way in change and innovation


• Improve our customers' business processes


• Provide cost effective and efficient services


• Effectively develop, manage, and preserve state resources

The Department of General Services (DGS) is a service agency supporting the mission of government by delivering quality, cost-effective services. An agency with more than 700 employees, it is responsible for providing laboratory, procurement, real estate, engineering and architectural, facilities management, vehicle management, construction management, mail, and surplus property management and services. Primarily serving state agencies, institutes of higher education, local governments, and nonprofits, DGS also serves the businesses and citizens of Virginia. Refer to the Code of Virginia §2.2-1100 and subordinate Code Sections through §2.2-1181.

Procurement:

DGS launched its updated eVA electronic procurement platform in November of 2022, and the DGS Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) continues to make additional improvements for government and vendor users. In the fall of 2024, DPS will begin rolling out electronic invoicing in eVA, which will enhance the three-way match between purchase order, receipt and invoice and help facilitate prompt payment. DGS also continues to work with the administration on its procurement initiatives.

Construction:

DGS recently completed its high-profile Capitol Square projects, including construction of the new General Assembly Building, renovation of Old City Hall, and renovation and construction of Reid’s Row. DGS currently is managing over $1 billion in construction projects, including a new Department of Forensic Science/State Medical Examiner headquarters, a new Central State Hospital and several other projects for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, a new building for the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals,  and projects for the Science Museum of Virginia and Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, among others.

Real Estate:

DGS continues to improve the management of real estate in the Richmond-metro area by modernizing the portfolio management of DGS controlled facilities. DGS manages numerous high-profile real estate transactions, including acquisition of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing property, the sale of the Central Virginia Training Center property, and the sale of surplus portions of the Eastern State Hospital and Central State Hospital campuses.

Engineering and Buildings: 

 The Division of Engineering and Buildings recently implemented linking electronic construction contract documents to the electronic Building Permits issued to the agencies. The current Building Information Tracking System (BITS) continues to be improved to provide additional functionality, making the capital outlay and Building Official processes even more streamlined and efficient. The division continues to   improve M-R FIX to better inform policy makers, estimate statewide maintenance needs and equitably allocate Maintenance Reserve funds.

Laboratory Services:

Given ongoing challenges with the recruitment of qualified candidates for positions within the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), the laboratory will continue to proactively partner with universities and colleges within Virginia to offer internships to build interest in public health as a career. In support of state and federal data modernization efforts, DCLS will continue to work with state and federal agencies on improvements to laboratory information management systems to allow for the real-time electronic exchange of test orders and results.  

Facilities Management:

The DGS facilities management team recently began supporting the new buildings at the Capitol Complex: the new General Assembly Building, and the reopening of Old City Hall and Reid’s Row.  DGS is replacing its 20-year-old building access control system to upgrade security access to DGS buildings, and recently updated its cameras for security monitoring of the Capitol Complex.  Facilities management has been consolidated with other DGS business units to provide efficient services to Capitol Complex clients.

Fleet Management:

Government fleets continue to face availability issues because some manufacturers are not selling vehicles to government fleets or allocations are in place for certain models. Another concern is the manufacturers are scaling back their electric vehicle (EV) offerings; however, the U.S. Department of Energy has not modified the EPAct requirements from 1999 necessitating that 85 percent of the fleet needs to be alternative fuel. The lack of EV infrastructure also hinders the roll out of using EVs as our alternative fuel vehicles.

Director’s Office:

DGS is planning to carry out the 2025/2026 transition of power and inauguration. This includes preparing office space for the incoming Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor-elect and Attorney General-elect and their staffs to use immediately following the November 2025 election; moving the current Governor and family out of the Executive Mansion and the incoming Governor and family into the home; preparing permanent office space and moving the newly elected officials in following the inauguration; and project managing all infrastructure, logistics and overall coordination for the January 2026 inauguration.

Factors Impacting the Current IT

While a migration to a cloud provider would be ideal where an acceptable SaaS solution does not exist, as a largely internal service fund agency, DGS struggles to find funding to migrate our VM workloads to a cloud platform.

Proposed IT Solutions

COVGOV – Our 5-year strategy includes migrating VM loads to the Microsoft Azure cloud.

LIMS Re-Platform – Our LIMS platform is sunsetting and will require evaluation for replacement. This will include a determination whether to include clinical and environmental LIMS in the same application and available SaaS options which provide us the disaster recovery stance required.

DGS Portal/Mercury – DGS continues to expand the DGS Portal Mercury built on VITA’s Power Platform environment to include other administrative support offices and ultimately to support agency related needs such as access management and change management.

BITS Update/rewrite – DEB’s BITS application while functional, does not fully leverage available technology that would improve efficiency. As DEB processes change, BITS updates are required to reflect changing business requirements.

Fleet M5 – DGS is targeting to move this system to a SaaS solution as soon as possible to reduce support requirements and increase customer flexibility.

Payment Portal – DGS will review our technology to determine the best approach

Electronic Signatures – DGS will continue to work toward electronic signatures to replace antiquated paper forms and processes, standardizing on DocuSign where legal signatures or external signatures are required.

CRM – There is a strategic opportunity to enhance workflow in several business areas using a CRM system. This will also allow the Director’s Office to wholistically understand the interactions between DGS and its customers given our diverse business lines. eVA Billing Rewrite – the eVA Billing system has been in place twenty years and requires extensive support for operations. A rewrite will move it to newer technology and simplify the business logic.

Enterprise Applications – DGS will continue to position itself to take advantage of enterprise applications where possible. Potential opportunities are Cardinal HCM and Financials, and DHRM’s COVLC.

DGS continues to look for ways to decrease costs, create economies of scale, and provide efficient solutions that meet the needs of our customers, yet are flexible enough to change with them. We do so by creating opportunities for our development resources to acquire new skills or expand existing ones, ensuring cross-training and bench strength development as well as documentation. Most of the projects identified will be funded by cost avoidance or increased efficiency.

The Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) provides training and guidance to state agencies, localities, architects, engineers, other design consultants, and contractors on the proper application of the policies in the Construction and Professional Services Manual (CPSM) and the proper application of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). DEB training of Virginia Construction Contracting Officers (VCCO) includes the proper application of the Virginia Public Procurement Act for construction procurement, project management, contract administration, and fee negotiation. DEB training of design consultants includes the proper application of VUSBC technical and ADA90 handicapped accessibility regulations to state-owned projects. DEB training of contractors includes inspection requirements and submittal requirements for shop drawings, engineering judgements, and close out documentation.

The Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) provides specialized procurement training courses for executives, managers, purchasing professionals and other employees. The division serves as a resource for other state agencies and localities in the proper administration and application of the Virginia Public Procurement Act. DPS provides technical training on eVA and operational training on the Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual (APSPM) leading to four levels of professional procurement certification. Training is provided to vendors and suppliers on the use of eVA and the process of doing business with the Commonwealth. DPS also hosts the annual Public Procurement Forum, which provides three days of training for government buyers and an opportunity for buyers and vendors to engage.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) will continue to provide specialized workforce development training to support the strengthening of leadership skills at all levels including but not limited to group managers, senior leadership and bench level scientists. Trainings are intended to support conflict resolution, time management, communication, critical thinking, building effective teams and leadership. DCLS will continue to support the development and administration of educational curricula for the Public Health Laboratory Concentration offered as part of the Master of Science degree program at Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. This unique Concentration is one of four offered by VCU and has been developed by DCLS to support increasing the awareness of career opportunities within public health.

The Office of Communications offers internal training on the application of the Freedom of Information Act and other communication-related topics.

Building Construction and Renovation: DGS recently completed construction and renovation of the new General Assembly Building, Ninth and Broad Street Parking Deck, Old City Hall and Reid's Row. The Office of Facilities Management operates these facilities and provides tenant support as projects are completed. 

Building Security:  DGS continues to place a strong emphasis on building security and ensuring tenants are aware of building safety procedures, which have been reviewed and updated with the Expect the Check program. DGS is reviewing and updating building access systems and video surveillance infrastructure to modernize systems throughout the Capitol Complex in conjunction with the Division of Capitol Police.  

Tenant Support: DGS is committed to supporting tenants' needs as agencies evaluate their space requirements. While some agencies are expanding, others may reduce space by providing a more flexible office configuration. DGS provides design, construction and logistical support to agencies while actively managing the Capitol Complex owned and leased property portfolio. 

Recruitment and Retention of Agency Workforce: The Department of General Services’ workforce is aging with 26% of its employees eligible to retire within five years. This demands active succession planning and training programs.

Many of the agency's responsibilities require highly skilled staff with expert knowledge. Also, state law or accreditations requires some vocations to maintain mandatory professional licensure and/or certification. The increase in demand for qualified, experienced, highly skilled and/or licensed professionals has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of the agency in achieving its objectives because of the time required to recruit and train. In addition, retaining these highly skilled workers is challenging due to the larger wages that may be available in the private or federal government sectors.

With the advanced training required for scientists and engineers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and maintain this specialized workforce. Experienced engineers and laboratory scientists are integral to helping to fulfill the agency’s core mission. However, external competition for qualified scientists and engineers, as well as limited funding to support competitive salaries, creates a shortage.

The Department of General Services has an annual operating budget of approximately $280.3 million: $31.3 million (11.2 percent) is provided by the General Fund; $187.6million is internal service fund revenue from services provided to other state agencies; $61.4 million is from special, enterprise, or federal trust funds.

Because of the Department's multiple business lines, revenue is derived from a significant number of sources.  

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) conducts more than 9 million analytical laboratory tests a year using over 600 testing methods, including testing for every child born within the Commonwealth for 33 disorders as part of the Newborn Screening Program.

DGS operates and maintains about 6.45 million square feet of buildings and grounds at the seat of government, which includes the Executive Mansion and the State Capitol. The agency oversees 12 historically significant buildings or structures, including four National Historic Landmarks.

The Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) reviews over 4,400 annual project submittals that results in the issuance of nearly 600 building permits, over 380 certificates of use and occupancy, over 420 temporary structure permits, and over 100 capital budget requests totaling $4 billion.

The Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) oversees the operation of the Commonwealths’ statewide electronic procurement system, known as eVA. Since the beginning of the program in 2001, over 12.5 million purchases have been processed yielding orders in excess of $156 billion from approximately 12,400 government users.

The Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) oversees the state-owned portfolio of land and buildings, which includes 473,000 acres of land in over 1,400 locations; 14,000 buildings; and 263 million square feet of space.

The Office of Fleet Management Services (OFMS) oversees more than 2,900 vehicles in the Commonwealth’s central fleet. It also operates the State Motor Fuel Program and is leading the implementation of converting state vehicles to alternative fuels.

DGS manages approximately $1 billion in construction projects for agencies across the Commonwealth.

The Office of Communications runs the OnTheSquareVA statewide employee engagement program, which offers a variety of educational, recreational and social events for Virginia’s over 100,000 employees. The program runs from May through October and includes weekly food trucks, farmers’ markets and programmed events.

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Laboratory and Analytical Testing Services – The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) serves as Virginia’s public health, environmental, agricultural and consumer protection laboratory providing 24/7 analytical testing support to hundreds of public and private customers including local, state and federal agencies. DCLS’ core laboratory support functions include emergency response and public safety, newborn screening, disease prevention and outbreak response, environmental health and consumer protection, food safety and security, training and education, laboratory certification, quality assurance and safety, and integrated data management.

Architectural and Engineering Services – DEB is the State Building Official for structures and buildings on state-owned property (except for UVA, VT, and GMU). DEB provides professional review and expertise regarding architectural and engineering design, efficiency, compliance with accessibility standards, building code compliance, constructability and procurement.

• Construction Inspections – DEB conducts on-site inspections and virtual inspections for projects under construction, identifying deficiencies that require correction. During the substantial completion inspection, DEB determines whether the building or area of renovation is substantially complete and ready for occupancy.


• Construction and Professional Services Manual (CPSM) – DEB authors the CPSM, which contains policies, procedures and guidance that state agencies shall follow in the planning, design, and execution of both capital outlay and non-capital outlay projects. Procurement guidance included in the CPSM for building design and construction is provided consistent with the intent of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). The CPSM is updated by DEB annually to reflect recent legislative changes, updated legal interpretations and administration initiatives, and to improve communication and business operations.


• Capital Outlay Forms and Formats – DEB authors contract document forms and formats for professional services and construction to implement the intent of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) to procurement of professional services and building construction. Capital Outlay Forms and Formats are updated periodically to reflect recent legislative changes, updated legal interpretations and administration initiatives, and for business operations.


• Budget Development and Cost Control Services – DEB provides cost estimates for Capital Budget Requests budget development in support of the Department of Planning and Budget’s annual budget development and the Siz-Year Capital Outlay Plan Advisory Committee Pool Funding process. DEB provides change order review and recommendations for the Governor’s designee for change orders more than 25% of the original project cost.


• Training Services – DEB provides training seminars several times each year to agency personnel, architects/engineers, contractors and local government personnel on the application and use of the CPSM. Additionally, DEB provides VCCO training – advanced training with an emphasis on procurement and management of the Commonwealth’s design and construction contracts to state and local government personnel several times each year. DEB provides VCCO testing and recertification services for state employees who have completed the required VCCO training.

Procurement and Distribution Services - The Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) provides electronic procurement services to state agencies, localities, and institutions of higher education. This includes operating and maintaining eVA, Virginia's statewide electronic procurement system.

• Statewide contracts: Establishment of non-technology statewide contracts, providing customer assistance and procurement training, assisting state agencies with the application of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA), and distributing goods to agencies through the operation of the Virginia Distribution Center (VDC).

• State and Federal Surplus Property Services - The Division of Purchases and Supply operates the state and federal surplus property programs, including the collecting, disposing, and selling of state and federal surplus items (e.g. vehicles, desks, chairs, etc.).

Real Estate - The Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) strategically manages the Commonwealth’s broad portfolio of leases, disposes of unused assets and oversees other real estate transactions, such as property purchases and non-surplus conveyances including grants of easements. DRES also maintains real estate records through a software system, COVA Trax, of title and data on land, buildings and leases and reviews and reports on the utilization of facilities.

Vehicle and Fuel Management Services - The Office of Fleet Management Services (OFMS) provides vehicle management services to state agencies and localities, including vehicle maintenance and emergency services and the operation of the State Motor Fuel Program.

Facility Management Services - The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) provides building management, operation, maintenance and security for state-owned facilities and grounds at the seat of government.

Parking Services - The Office of Parking Services provides convenient, safe, clean, and structurally sound parking facilities near Virginia's Capitol Square for state employees and contractors.

Seat of Government Mail Services – The Office of State Mail Services (SMS) provides centralized mail processing for state agencies at the seat of government in and around the Richmond metropolitan area.

Construction Management - The Office of Construction Management for Special Projects (CMSP) provides project management services for construction projects for client agencies, both at the seat of government and throughout the Commonwealth. CMSP administers the planning, design, and construction of capital outlay special projects, from its beginning to its end. CMSP works closely with agencies, designers and the contractor(s) to control a project's time, cost, safety record, and quality. The Office of Planning, Design and Construction (PD&C) administers the planning, design, construction and renovation services for DGS-owned facilities at the seat of government.

eVA - Virginia's Electronic Procurement System:

eVA, the statewide electronic procurement system, leverages buying power, achieves administrative efficiencies, and provides a central portal to businesses for procurement opportunities that increases competition and delivers best quality and best value for state agencies, institutions of higher education, and local governments. As of June 30, 2023, there were 808 local government entities and 216 state agencies and institutions using eVA. As of June 30, 2023, eVA surpassed $156 billion in purchases of goods and services since the program’s inception in 2001.

The division also delivered vendor outreach training programs designed to educate Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned businesses on registration in eVA and other business opportunities, as outlined in Executive Order 35. In Fiscal Year 2023, more than 13,170 SWAM-certified vendors were registered in eVA.

Real Estate Management:

Managing the state’s property as a real estate portfolio allows the state to more efficiently allocate space, resulting in millions of dollars in savings and cost avoidance. There are 11,976 state-owned buildings with a total square footage of 263 million, and 1,429 state-owned tracts of land documented and managed by the agency's real estate information system. As of August 2024, there were 2,718 administered and non-administered building leases. DRES reviews requests for leased office space from agencies and institutions and assists them in developing space programs that meet their business needs and are efficiently designed and competitively negotiates lease terms according to current market conditions in order to minimize the occupancy costs for the Commonwealth. Since 2005, DRES’ involvement in agency lease transactions has resulted in cumulative savings and cost avoidance of $191.5 million.

Laboratory Services:

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services performs over 9 million tests to identify metabolic and hereditary disorders in newborn children, infectious agents in humans, animals and food samples, and toxic contaminates in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat. Each year, DCLS trains over 5,000 scientists, certifies nearly 400 laboratories, transports and accessions over 1 million samples, and prepares and distributes over 300,000 test collection kits across the Commonwealth. DCLS is accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for human testing, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for environmental testing, and in 2017 was granted ISO17025 accreditation for the testing of food samples.

Engineering & Buildings

DEB performs the legislatively mandated role as the Building Official for construction on state property. Specifically, DEB reviews over 4,400 submissions per year, approves approximately 400 building plans and specifications for compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other technical and procurement requirements and issues over 400 Certificates of Use and Occupancy per year. DEB administers the Commonwealth’s approximately $6 billion worth of active capital outlay program projects at the statewide level. DEB provides project cost review services to assist the Department of Planning and Budget and the General Assembly with capital budget requests and the capital budgeting process.

Taking a statewide leadership role to identify and introduce best business practices and innovative approaches in delivering services

• Perform a thorough review of the APSPM to determine which requirements are the result of legislation, which are the result of executive orders, which were recommended by audits, and which were added by DGS

• Review DGS-originated requirements to determine whether they are best practices

• Compare DGS-originated requirements to other best-in-class state procurement programs

• Assist the administration with its procurement process review and enact any changes that are recommended for improvement

• Review requests for leased office space from agencies and institutions.

• Assist agencies in developing space programs that meet their business needs and are efficiently designed.

• Competitively negotiate lease terms according to current market conditions.

• Identify vehicles that are uneconomical to repair and remove them from the vehicle inventory through the Surplus Property program.

• Survey agencies and institutions every two years as required by OFMS policy and procedures manual to document the need of the state vehicles.

• Educate agencies and institutions through their Agency Transportation Officers of the alternate vehicle options, including personal reimbursement and the short-term rental contract.

• Enforce policy by recalling vehicles that do not reach the annual minimum mileage requirements.

Manage processes to maximize productivity and to provide timely and fiscally responsible services.

• Assess existing equipment and either add more equipment or implement automation to increase throughput for Tuberculosis and Monkeypox

• Market the advantages of becoming a registered user to the DCLS newborn screening portal to retrieve test results

• Fill position vacancies and/or hire additional personnel

• Train additional personnel to perform testing

• Maintain and operate facilities economically by competing those contracted services needed to operate and maintain parking facilities

• Regularly review the cost of operation of all DGS-owned parking facilities within the DGS state employee parking program

• Monitor facilities’ usage (vacancies)

• Oversell assignments based on usage data

• Communicate with the agency to ensure that the information necessary to complete inspections is understood and available to inspectors.

• Provide the inspection on the date that the agency requested.

• Review requests for leased office space from agencies and institutions.

• Assist agencies in developing space programs that meet their business needs and are efficiently designed.

• Competitively negotiate lease terms according to current market conditions.

• Perform a thorough review of the APSPM to determine which requirements are the result of legislation, which are the result of executive orders, which were recommended by audits, and which were added by DGS

• Review DGS-originated requirements to determine whether they are best practices

• Compare DGS-originated requirements to other best-in-class state procurement programs

• Assist the administration with its procurement process review and enact any changes that are recommended for improvement

Understand our customers’ businesses, and identify and implement value-added business process improvements

• Perform a thorough review of the APSPM to determine which requirements are the result of legislation, which are the result of executive orders, which were recommended by audits, and which were added by DGS

• Review DGS-originated requirements to determine whether they are best practices

• Compare DGS-originated requirements to other best-in-class state procurement programs

• Assist the administration with its procurement process review and enact any changes that are recommended for improvement

• Assess existing equipment and either add more equipment or implement automation to increase throughput for Tuberculosis and Monkeypox

• Market the advantages of becoming a registered user to the DCLS newborn screening portal to retrieve test results

• Fill position vacancies and/or hire additional personnel

• Train additional personnel to perform testing

• Communicate with the agency to ensure that the information necessary to complete inspections is understood and available to inspectors.

• Provide the inspection on the date that the agency requested.

• Review requests for leased office space from agencies and institutions.

• Assist agencies in developing space programs that meet their business needs and are efficiently designed.

• Competitively negotiate lease terms according to current market conditions.

Demonstrate good stewardship of state resources by safeguarding the assets of the Commonwealth, making fiscally sound decisions, and developing and providing programs for certification and enhancement of expertise.

• Perform a thorough review of the APSPM to determine which requirements are the result of legislation, which are the result of executive orders, which were recommended by audits, and which were added by DGS

• Review DGS-originated requirements to determine whether they are best practices

• Compare DGS-originated requirements to other best-in-class state procurement programs

• Assist the administration with its procurement process review and enact any changes that are recommended for improvement

• Communicate with the agency to ensure that the information necessary to complete inspections is understood and available to inspectors.

• Provide the inspection on the date that the agency requested.

• Review requests for leased office space from agencies and institutions.

• Assist agencies in developing space programs that meet their business needs and are efficiently designed.

• Competitively negotiate lease terms according to current market conditions.

• Identify vehicles that are uneconomical to repair and remove them from the vehicle inventory through the Surplus Property program.

• Survey agencies and institutions every two years as required by OFMS policy and procedures manual to document the need of the state vehicles.

• Educate agencies and institutions through their Agency Transportation Officers of the alternate vehicle options, including personal reimbursement and the short-term rental contract.

• Enforce policy by recalling vehicles that do not reach the annual minimum mileage requirements.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) provides around-the-clock, high quality analytical testing services and support to local, state, and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety, and security of the public. The state laboratory also is the national training “Center of Excellence” for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides certification and accreditation for other laboratories. Performing over 9 million tests annually, 170,000 drinking and environmental samples tested, over 1 million samples received annually, over 350,000 test collection kits distributed, and more than 100,000 babies screened annually for 33 disorders.  

This service area directly aligns with the agency’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective laboratory services, enhancing the safety and security of all Commonwealth citizens.  

The statutory authority for DCLS is in §2.2-1103 through §2.2-1108

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) provides high quality laboratory testing services and support, 24/7, to a diverse group  of local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health and security of citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation. Laboratory services provided by DCLS include classical and advanced analytical testing, consultation, training, laboratory certification, sample collection guidance, courier service and drugs of abuse testing. Annually, DCLS performs over 9 million tests to identify hereditary and metabolic disorders  in newborn children, infectious agents in humans, food and animals, and toxic contaminates in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat. Each year, DCLS trains over 5,000 scientists, certifies nearly 400 laboratories, transports and accessions over 1 million samples, and prepares and distributes over 300,000 test collection kits across the state.

This service area directly aligns with the agency’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective laboratory services, enhancing the safety and security of all Commonwealth citizens. 

• Laboratory sample collection kits


• Courier service


• Testing of animal and human tissue for infectious or toxic agents


• Testing for food and water for infectious, radiologic or toxic agents


• Testing for threats to the environment and our food supply


• Testing for illegal acts and threats of terrorism


• Testing for consumer protection and label guarantees (e.g. motor fuels, animal feeds, fertilizers)


• Testing for the presence of suspected drugs of abuse

This service area is funded from multiple funding sources. The service area receives approximately 40% of its funding from general fund appropriations. General funds primarily support public health testing. Approximately 60% of the funding is revenue derived from fees for the testing of newborn babies for genetic diseases, fees for the testing of water from public water supplies, fees for testing samples from the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Corrections and the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, and from federal grants.

Virginia's Newborn Screening Program is a partnership between DCLS and the Virginia Department of Health to screen each baby born in Virginia for certain rare yet serious metabolic and genetic disorders. Babies with these disorders look healthy at birth but can suffer devastating consequences, even death, if the disorder goes untreated. Operating seven days a week, including holidays, DCLS provides screening for all time-sensitive disorders every day, to ensure timely reporting and follow up of results.

This service area directly aligns with the agency’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective laboratory services, enhancing the safety and security of all Commonwealth citizens.  Newborn screening testing is mandated by the Code of Virginia, Title 32.1 Health, Chapter 2 Disease Prevention and Control, Statutes 32.1 through 32.1-69.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is responsible for certifying and accrediting commercial and non-commercial laboratories to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations meant to protect the public's health and the environment. DCLS conducts on-site evaluations on a routine basis in accordance with Virginia's regulations to ensure these laboratories have the appropriate quality systems and analytical procedures in place to product accurate, reliable, and defensible test results. 

This service area aligns directly with the agency's mission to provide quality, cost-effective and timely laboratory services, enhancing the safety and security of all Commonwealth citizens.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) provides high quality laboratory testing services and support, 24/7, to a diverse group    of local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health and security of citizens of the Commonwealth and the Nation. Laboratory services provided by DCLS include classical and advanced analytical testing, consultation, training, laboratory certification, sample collection guidance, courier service and drugs of abuse testing. Annually, DCLS performs over 9 million tests to identify hereditary and metabolic disorders  in newborn children, infectious agents in humans, food and animals, and toxic contaminates in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat. Each year, DCLS trains over 5,000 scientists, certifies nearly 400 laboratories, transports and accessions over 1 million samples, and prepares and distributes over 300,000 test collection kits across the state.

This service area directly aligns with the agency’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective laboratory services, enhancing the safety and security of all Commonwealth citizens. 

The Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) provides a full range of real estate services to executive branch agencies that best meet their mission while avoiding unnecessary costs. DRES manages the Commonwealth's broad real estate portfolio of leases, sells or assists with redeploying underutilized real estate assets and oversees other real estate transactions as needed by state agencies. The division assists agencies and institutions to develop and maintain facility strategic plans, assessing current and future agency facility needs. DREFM also maintains the Commonwealth's real estate record management system, COVA Trax, tracking land, building and lease data, and provides an annual report to the General Assembly on how facilities are used.

This service area directly aligns with the agency’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective real estate services to help government run more effectively and efficiently for all Commonwealth citizens. 

The Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) is the Commonwealth’s one-stop provider of real estate services to state agencies, providing a full range of services in order to maintain high-quality, safe, efficient and economical facilities that meet the operational needs of our customers. DRES strategically manages the Commonwealth’s broad portfolio of leases, disposes of unused assets and oversees other real estate transactions, such as property purchases and non-surplus conveyances including grants of easements. With recent Code changes, DRES also maintains real estate records of title and data on land, buildings and leases, and it reviews and reports on the utilization of facilities.

DRES is supporting the mission of government and helps customers succeed by centralizing real estate functions and allowing agencies to focus on their core missions and service delivery. Consolidation of functions enables the Commonwealth to strategically analyze and manage, from an enterprise perspective, its real estate portfolio. Enterprise management of the portfolio allows cost savings and efficiencies through more competitive site selection and price negotiation, effective space planning and standards, efficient utilization of facilities, and timely disposition of surplus.

§ 2.2-1131 – Utilization Standards

§ 2.2-1131.1 – Establishment of performance standards for the use of property

§ 2.2-1136 - Review of easements; maintenance of real property records.

§ 2.2-1137 - Location, construction or lease of state consolidated office buildings.

§ 2.2-1140 - Assignment of office space.

§ 2.2-1146 - Division may lease certain state property; preparation of leases by Attorney General; disposition of rentals.

§ 2.2-1147 through 2.2-1156 - General statutes regarding real estate transactions by state departments, agencies and institutions.

• Facility search, evaluation and selection (leased property)


• Transaction negotiation and documentation (all types of property acquisition and disposal)


• Space programming and planning


• Lease vs. buy and other financial analyses


• Coordination and management of tenant improvement construction


• Lease administration


• Management of the Commonwealth’s lease portfolio


• Identification of surplus and underutilized properties, including Land Use Plan Review and Reporting


• Surplus real estate sales and leases 


• Procurement and management of appraisal and title services for all acquisitions and disposals


• Strategic planning, state-wide and at the customer level


• Real estate records management (records of title, buildings, leases, and project files)


• Real estate information database


• Automated transaction tracking

This service area is an Internal Service Fund and operates from a sum sufficient appropriation.    

This service area implements the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and provides a program and standards for the efficient and effective procurement of non-technology goods and non-professional services for government operations. It provides the policies and procedures to interpret the VPPA for public bodies in the Commonwealth and manages the Commonwealth's electronic procurement system, eVA. It oversees the Virginia Strategic Sourcing Initiative (VSSI), which focuses on developing and managing key strategic category contracts emphasizing spend management and collaboration between agencies, institutions, and other public bodies to leverage the buying power of the Commonwealth. It also provides customer assistance such as training, consulting, technical assistance and operational assessments targeted to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.

This service area aligns directly with DGS’ mission of delivering quality, cost-effective services, while also serving businesses and citizens.

§2.2-1100 of the Code of Virginia establishes the Department of General Services and its divisions, and establishes the authority of the department director.

§2.2-1109 through §2.2-1128 establish the Division of Purchases and Supply and its authority.

§2.2-4300 through §2.2-4377 of the Code of Virginia, known as the Virginia Public Procurement Act, enunciate the public policies pertaining to government procurement from nongovernmental sources.

Policies and procedures:

• Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual (APSPM), which interprets the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and provides non-technology procurement guidance to public bodies of the Commonwealth.


• Vendors Manual (VM), which interprets the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and provides non-technology procurement guidance to vendors and suppliers doing business with the Commonwealth.


• Electronic Procurement (eVA): Agenices and institutions of the Commonwealth are required to use the eProcurement tool, eVA, to execute their purchases. The Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) provides technical support and training to assist suppliers with publishing standard catalogs of goods and services. DPS assists using agencies with improvements to their business processes to take maximum advantage of eVA's available tools and functionality. 


• Virginia Strategic Sourcing Initiative (VSS):  DPS negotiates and publishes more than 300 statewide contracts for use by agencies and other public bodies of the Commonwealth. These contracts leverage the buying power of the Commonwealth and produce measurable savings in the area of spend management.


• Review of high risk contracts for non-technology goods and services

Customer assistance, consulting, technical support and operational assessments:

• Training: DPS provides technical training on its eProcurement solution and operational training on the APSPM leading to three levels of professional procurement certification. Training is provided to vendors and suppliers on the use of eVA electronic procurement and the process of doing business with the Commonwealth.


• Consulting and technical assistance: DPS responds to thousands of requests annually for advice and assistance related to both eVA and procurement policies set out in the APSPM and VM. The administration and legislature refer problem procurement issues to DPS for review and recommendations.


• Operational assessments: DPS conducts procurement management reviews and recommends cost savings initiatives and/or operational improvements in formal reports to management.

This service area implements the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and provides a program and standards for the efficient and effective procurement of non-technology goods and non-professional services for government operations. This portion of the program is primarily general funded.   

DPS's program to manage the statewide Electronic Procurement system (eVA) operates as an enterprise fund.  

Virginia Strategic Sourcing Initiative (VSSI) focuses on spend management and collaboration between agencies, institutions, and other public bodies to leverage the buying power of the Commonwealth and operates as a special revenue fund. 

The Office of Surplus Property Management, within the Division of Purchases and Supply, develops policies and procedures while providing guidance and assistance in the administration of the state and federal surplus property programs, which make surplus material and equipment available to public entities and the general public. In addition, this service area provides guidance to state agencies on recycling programs and opportunities.

This service area aligns directly with DGS’ mission of delivering quality, cost-effective services, while also serving businesses and citizens

§2.2-1124 Code of Virginia - State Surplus Property Program.

§2.2-1123 Code of Virginia and Federal Surplus Property Program Public Law 94-519, Federal Property and Administrative Act of 1949.

§2.2-4323 Code of Virginia - State Recycling Program.

• Recycling promotion


• Policy and procedure development and guidance


• Auctioneer services


• Internet surplus property sales


• Delegation of disposal authority


• Warehouse management


• Public store management


• Eligibility review and approval to receive surplus property


• Property screening and acquisition


• Audit and compliance surveys

This service area operates as two separate and distinct internal service funds. One internal service fund receives its revenue from fees associated with the disposal of state surplus tangible property. The other internal service fund receives service fees associated with the acquisition and distribution of federal surplus tangible property.

This service area implements the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and provides a program for the leveraged procurement and distribution of quality goods and achievement of freight efficiencies for government operations through the Virginia Distribution Center (VDC).

This service area aligns directly with DGS’ mission of delivering quality, cost-effective services to help government run more efficiently, effectively and safely for all Virginia citizens.

• Designated emergency operations site


• Staple foods


• Frozen foods


• Paper and plastic products


• Housekeeping and janitorial supplies


• Other select items


• Delivery of products


• Quality assurance & testing


• Green products


• Warehousing and inventory management support

Statewide Cooperative Procurement and Distribution Services operates through the VDC as an internal service fund paying expenditures with revenues collected from customers in exchange for products.

The Office of Parking and Badging provides convenient, safe, clean, and structurally sound parking facilities with approximately 8,200 parking spaces for officers, state employees, and contractors to park their vehicles at a low, reasonable cost for the Capitol Complex in the Richmond metropolitan area.

The Office of Parking and Badging also manages the Identification and Building Access Program, which provides identification/building access cards for state agencies’ employees and contractors in the metropolitan Richmond area. In addition, this section manages and maintains the Capitol Complex building access system.

The Office of Parking and Badging’s mission is to provide state agencies’ officers, employees and contractors who occupy DGS-owned and managed buildings with parking spaces convenient to their work place at a below-market rate. This enables tenant agencies to improve their business processes by offering low-cost, convenient parking to employees, potential employees, visitors and contractors doing business in the downtown area.

The Office of Parking and Badging’s mission is to provide state agencies' officers, employees and contractors who occupy or provide service in DGS-owned and managed buildings, identification and building access cards.

§ 2.2-1172 of the Code of Virginia authorizes Department of General Services, Division of Engineering and Buildings, with the approval of the Governor, to utilize any property owned by the Commonwealth and located in the Richmond metropolitan area for the purpose of providing parking facilities for officers and employees of the Commonwealth.

§4-6.04c of the Acts of Assembly (Appropriations Act) authorizes the Department of General Services to charge agencies and agencies’ employees for use of the parking spaces in state-owned facilities. Revenues received shall be used for payment of costs for the provision of vehicle parking spaces as determined by the Governor.

• Provide parking spaces to agencies’ employees, contractors and visitors within the Capitol Complex.


• Maintain, operate and secure state-owned parking facilities.


• Manage parking facilities improvement projects.


• Establish and manage the parking program operating budget.

Parking fees collected support the maintenance and operations, management and debt service expenses incurred from the state-owned parking facilities.

The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) provides for the operation, maintenance, security, construction, and renovation of Commonwealth-owned facilities at the Capitol Complex, throughout the metro-Richmond area, and at other select facilities statewide.

The mission of OFM is to meet the facility needs of various Commonwealth agencies in a professional, cost effective, and timely fashion. OFM optimizes delivery of services through contracted and in-house resources, streamlined work management systems, and qualityperformance. OFM proactively emphasizes customer service and responsiveness by operating multi-disciplined maintenance teams with high visibility to the customer and by maintaining effective customer service contact, all with the goal of achieving a high level of customer satisfaction. OFM strives to align its mission to that of the client agency to enable them to improve their business processes and to be successful in their mission.

• OFM delivers services using a diverse combination of contract and in-house resources. These services consist of the following: custodial, security, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, masonry, plastering, roofing, HVAC, fire and mechanical systems monitoring and maintenance, elevator, utility, grounds, stock room, procurement, planning, project management, inspection, estimatin, construction, facilities work order management software, and construction contract administration.


• OFM maintains, operates, repairs, conserves/restores, and secures the facilities under DGS control at Capitol Square and select facilities in the metro-Richmond area.


• Provides project management of capital improvement programs for DGS and select state agencies statewide.


• Provides for any furniture needed by the governor for the Executive Mansion.


• Provides temporary office space for newly elected statewide officials during transition and provides support for the move-in and set up of the First Family in the Executive Mansion.


• Provides support to the Governor's inauguration and other special events in and around Capitol Square. Manages and maintains the Capitol Complex building access system.

This Service Area operates as an internal service fund. It receives revenue from rent payments, maintenance service agreements, and miscellaneous special maintenance charges.

The Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) performs thte legislatively mandated role as the State Building Official for state facilities (except UVA, VT, and GMU). DEB establishes CPSM policy for the procurement and administration of construction and for the procurement and administration of architectural and engineering services relating to construction (except for UVA, VT, GMU, VCU, CWM, JMU, CNU, and VCCS), and training in the application of those procedures. DEB provides assistance to the Department of Planning and Budget and the Six-year Capital Outlay Plan Advisory Committee for capital budget development and for administration of the Commonwealth’s capital outlay process.

This service area aligns directly with DGS’s mission to provide quality, cost-effective services to other government entities. Specific examples:

• A centralized staff of professional architects and engineers provides cost-effective design review and building official services to most state agencies by reducing the overhead that would be associated with agency-based review groups.


• Interpretation and application of building codes by independent, third-party, centralized staff removes bias from the review process to help   assure the safety and security of building occupants. (Agency-based review groups may be subject to schedule and other pressures to “short cut” the review process, possibly placing building occupants at a greater risk.)


• DEB performs review services on a full-time basis for a wide variety of projects, many of which are repeated across the various higher education campuses. This centralized group routinely encounters and addresses complex code issues. The frequency and variety of code issues contributes to a knowledge base which allows a centralized group to react in a timely and efficient manner.


• With several professionals in each discipline, complex Code issues can be discussed and uniform interpretations developed to ensure quality review services.

§36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia states the Department of General Services, acting through the Division of Engineering and Buildings, shall   function as the Building Official for state-owned buildings and structures built on state-owned property, with the exception of certain higher    education institutes. The department shall also review and approve plans and specifications, grant modifications, and establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to serve as the Building Official. Furthermore, DGS shall provide for the inspection of state-owned buildings and enforce the Building Code and standards for access by the physically disabled.

§2.2-1132 of the Code of Virginia defines the authority for the Division of Engineering and Buildings to provide assistance in the administration of capital outlay construction projects, review and approval of plans and specifications, and acceptance of completed projects.

§2.2-1132 also gives the Division of Engineering and Buildings the authority to establish standards of construction for the Commonwealth, and with the advice of the attorney general, the authority to establish standard contract provisions and procedures for the procurement and administration of construction and for the procurement and administration of architectural and engineering services relating to construction, which shall be used by all departments, agencies, and institutions of the Commonwealth, with the exception of certain higher education institutes.

§2.2-1159 gives the Division of Engineering and Buildings the authority to establish standards for persons with physical disabilities for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state funds, other than school funds, necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings.

Part 2, §2-0 of the Appropriation Act defines DGS’s authority for the review of capital projects plans and estimates to ensure agencies avoid unnecessary expenditures. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure overall project costs are reasonable in relation to the purpose intended, regardless of discrete design choices.

§2.2-1516 of the Code of Virginia states that DGS will provide support to the Six-Year Capital Outlay Plan Advisory Committee in gathering and analyzing requests from agency's for capital outlay projects.

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• State Building Official technical and administrative services


• Architectural and engineering technical assistance to agencies, authorities and localities


• Project technical review and inspection services


• Building committee participation in agencies’ proposal reviews, firm interviews, evaluations, and selection recommendations for procurement of Construction Managers at Risk, Design-Build Contractors, Prequalified Contractors, and A/Es.


• Project cost review services


• Capital outlay budget development and cost estimating


• Capital outlay administrative support services


• Emergency support services (e.g., inspecting state facilities for safe re-occupancy following a natural disaster)


• Training services

This Service Area operates as an internal service fund. It receives revenue from fees collected for review services performed.

The Commonwealth of Virginia launched the Seat of Government Mail Consolidation Initiative in May 2006 in order to centralize mail processing for state agencies at the seat of government in and around the Richmond metropolitan area. This initiative consolidates mail services, creating-cost saving opportunities and increased security for agencies.

By providing quality and timely service, this service area supports the agency mission of delivering cost-effective, timely, and safe services to its customers.

• Mail security screening


• Interagency mail pick-up and delivery


• Postage metering


• Mail consulting on operations


• Mail security training


• Express mail


• On demand pickup and delivery of treasury check disbursements


• Package pick-up


• Mail permits and post office box management of keys, payments and access


• Electronic certified mail


• Presort mail services


• Courier service


• Shipment of voter materials and election supplies


• Annual national change of address processing for the State Board of Elections

This service area receives a general fund appropriation for 100 percent of its operating costs.

Provide executive management, administrative and technical support services.

We enable our customers to provide timely and cost-effective services.

• Executive leadership


• Business planning and performance monitoring


• Financial management


• Procurement management


• Human resources


• Technology consulting


• Communications/Public Relations


• Information consulting


• Applications development and maintenance


• Legislative coordination


• Management of Governor’s OnTheSquareVA employee engagement program

Funding for the services in this service area is provided primarily by the general fund. Cost allocations are made to all of the non-general fund areas within the Department of General Services. The service area also receives some cost recoveries from the other state agencies that receive services from this service area.

Provide executive management, administrative and technical support services.

The Office of Communications manages all internal and external communications for DGS, as well as assists the Secretary of Administration, Governor’s Office and other stakeholders with communications issues management. The Office runs the Governor’s OnTheSquareVA employee engagement program. Every four years, the Office of Communications serves as project manager for transition and inauguration, managing the establishment of transition offices for the three statewide elected officials, the move into and out of the Executive Mansion, the move into permanent offices, and coordination for all infrastructure and activities for the Inauguration.

The Office of Human Resources provides programs and consultation services to DGS managers and employees regarding policy, employment/recruitment, benefits administration, classification/compensation, performance management, employee relations, transactions and record keeping.

We enable our customers to provide timely and cost effective services. Code of Virginia 2.2-1100 thru 2.2-1102

HR: This service area supports the agency mission and the strategic goals of DGS divisions through guidance, consultation and training on Human Resource related issues that address emerging trends in the workforce and the impacts of those trends on our Divisions and employees.

• Executive leadership


• Business planning and performance monitoring


• Financial management


• Procurement management


• Human resources


• Technology consulting


• Communications/Public Relations


• Information consulting


• Applications development and maintenance


• Legislative coordination

The Information Systems and Services (ISS) office provides and utilizes technologies that enable the agency to provide a broad spectrum of services to citizens, partner agencies and businesses throughout the Commonwealth. DGS continues to implement technologies that enable web-based and self-directed services. The standard development is .NET with an Oracle or SQL server back-end. The ISS team provides a full spectrum of technology support to over 60 applications including development, quality assurance, security, systems analysis and design, training, ongoing operations, and more.

This service area relies on general funds in its mission to develop and implement more than 60 internal applications that support the agency's core business functions.  

To provide statewide vehicle management services using current best practices and technology to ensure safe, efficient operation of vehicles owned by the Commonwealth.

This service area aligns with the agency mission by delivering quality, cost effective vehicle management services.

The Director of DGS has been given the authority and responsibility for the purchase, use, storage, maintenance and repair, and disposal of all vehicles within the centralized fleet. This authority and responsibility is in accordance with Chapter 11, Title 2.2-1178 of the Code of Virginia.   Under Executive Order 89, this authority extends to all vehicles owned by the Commonwealth. The Director of DGS has delegated the responsibilities for implementing approved policies and procedures to the director of the Office of Fleet Management Services (OFMS).

• DMV registration, licensing, and titling services


• 24/7 emergency roadside service


• Short-term vehicle rentals through Enterprise Rental car contract


• Long-term vehicle assignments


• Vehicle management services through the OFMS Vehicle Management Control Center


• Automotive preventive maintenance and unscheduled repair services


• Vehicle gas, propane and E85 refueling at the OFMS facility


• Bulk fuel, fuel card and consignment fuels through statewide motor fuel contracts


• Statewide compressed natural gas and propane fuel, infrastructure, and vehicle conversion contracts

To provide statewide vehicle management services using current best practices and technology to ensure safe, efficient operation of vehicles owned by the Commonwealth.

This service area aligns with the agency mission by delivering quality, cost effective, timely, and safe and secure vehicle management services.

The Director of DGS has been given the authority and responsibility for the purchase, use, storage, maintenance and repair, and disposal of all vehicles within the centralized fleet. This authority and responsibility is in accordance with Chapter 11, Title 2.2-1178 of the Code of Virginia. Under Executive Order 89, this authority extends to all vehicles owned by the Commonwealth. The Director of DGS has delegated the responsibilities for implementing approved policies and procedures to the director of the Office of Fleet Management Services (OFMS).

• DMV registration, licensing, and titling services


• 24/7 emergency roadside service


• Short-term vehicle rentals through Enterprise Rental car contract


• Long-term vehicle assignments


• Vehicle management services through the OFMS Vehicle Management Control Center


• Automotive preventive maintenance and unscheduled repair services


• Vehicle gas, propane and E85 refueling at the OFMS facility


• Bulk fuel, fuel card and consignment fuels through statewide motor fuel contracts


• Statewide compressed natural gas and propane fuel, infrastructure, and vehicle conversion contracts.

This service area operates as an internal service fund (100 percent non-general fund supported) and receives no general fund appropriations. It receives funding from the fees charged to state agencies and institutions for using fleet vehicles.