DGS Delivers Smooth Operations

The FOM Team (L to R) Dan Campbell, Mark Mascarenhas, Joe Altemus, Barbara Bauman and Gary Gray with Secretary Bassette and Dep. Secretary Reichart.

With its core responsibility being facilities operations and maintenance for state government, General Services delivers a wide range of professional and technical services to sister agencies. Comprised of four divisions, Facilities Operations and Maintenance (FOM) often operates behind the scenes, ensuring that state buildings are operating smoothly and safely. Tenants can expect lighting, air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter, properly functioning elevators, emptied trash cans and litter-free hallways and grounds.

FOM is also responsible for building improvements, such as replacing damaged roofs, upgrading lighting for greater energy efficiency and savings, making mechanical repairs, and replacing inoperable equipment. Maintenance responsibilities also extend outside, where FOM is responsible for the grounds around state facilities. This is especially important in Annapolis, where DGS maintains the grounds around the State House, legislative buildings and Government House, otherwise known as the Annapolis Complex.

For example, in partnership with the State Highway Administration and the City of Annapolis, FOM assisted with enhancing the skyline view of the State Capitol on Bladen Street. This was accomplished by removing the old cable-style traffic lights and replacing them with energy-efficient LED pedestal traffic devices.

A little known fact is that FOM is on the job 24/7. “Much of the work is done after hours so we don’t disrupt the workday of our sister agency staff.” said Mark Mascarenhas, FOM Director of Operations.

Multi-service centers (MSCs) represent one FOM division. They are located statewide and are designed with convenience in mind for the citizens of Maryland. All 20 facilities offer multiple services under one roof. They vary from facility to facility, but citizens can find such services as District Court, Parole & Probation, Public Defender, State’s Attorney, Social Services, Natural Resources, Juvenile Services, Assessments & Taxation, State Fire Marshal and the Motor Vehicle Administration. Some locations have 24-hour court commissioners and extended hours for other services.

“Customer service is our number one priority,” said Barbara Bauman, Superintendent of the multi-service centers. “We are dedicated to providing a clean, safe and secure environment for our tenants and the citizens of Maryland.”