DGS Blog
A Test Post
08/18/2023
Diversity – A Workplace Strength
Today, I am pleased to present a guest blog by Monique Anderson, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Fair Practices Officer
A recent (June 27, 2016) front page article in The Daily Record talked about how Maryland’s demographics have changed. The story was in the context of the Maryland Municipal League’s annual convention and the fact that “embracing diversity and the emergence of younger municipal officials” would be “major topics of discussion.”
Diversity is a realistic and reachable goal. Indeed, the private and public sectors, as Maryland’s municipal leaders demonstrate, reflect an increasingly diverse workforce. The Hogan Administration is committed to diversity in the workplace. At DGS it is a priority, and it is also a philosophy.
It is a philosophy rooted in the firm belief that diverse work teams are a strength. It is more than simply acknowledging differences in people. It recognizes the value of those differences and promotes inclusiveness. This philosophy acknowledges, respects and embraces diversity.
People who are different from one another in race, gender, age, culture and other dimensions bring unique experiences, perspectives and information to bear on the task at hand. Collaboration within diverse teams encourages ‘thinking outside the box’ and produces the better outcomes.
Change is a fact of life. This is also true for the workplace, where the social and cultural makeup of the workforce continues to change. We already know that this is a positive development, as a diverse workforce communicating varying points of view provides a larger pool of innovative ideas.
Maryland is Open for Business
Jack Howard gives an update on OBP’s strategic plan at the Secretary’s senior staff meeting in March.
Today, I am pleased to present a guest blog by Jack Howard, Director of the Office of Business Programs
At the March meeting of the Maryland Minority Contractors Association in Baltimore, a Board member said, “We are very pleased with the efforts that the Hogan Administration is making to provide access to opportunities for minority contractors, and we can clearly see that Secretary Bassette keeps her word.” It was the first time DGS representatives attended one of the Association’s monthly meetings.
The DGS attendees had invited representatives from contractors Harkins Builders and Gilbane Construction to join them. Harkins is the prime contractor on the $20 million Havre de Grace Military Readiness Center, which has a 30 percent MBE subcontracting goal. Gilbane is the prime contractor for the $85 million Enoch Pratt Library Renovation project, which has a 40 percent MBE subcontracting goal and a five percent veteran-owned business subcontracting goal. These two projects represent over $100 million in contracts, and DGS wanted the minority contractors to know about them.
Our first-time attendance at the meeting is one of many examples where DGS, under Secretary Bassette’s leadership, is transforming the way the agency does business. They reflect the Secretary’s commitment to the Hogan Administration’s overarching goal of changing Maryland for the better. Every division is implementing initiatives to make doing business with DGS more effective, efficient and customer-focused.
The Office of Business Programs (OBP) is one example.
In alignment with Governor Hogan’s goal, and to underscore his message that Maryland is open for business, Secretary Bassette has made expanding the pool of small, local, minority, woman and veteran-owned businesses competing for DGS contracts a priority. We kicked off this effort with last November’s first state agency-sponsored Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit, a joint effort of DGS and MDOT. The event drew over 400 businesses, who heard from project managers and procurement officers about current and upcoming projects. They also learned from agency experts about how to do business with the state.
The tremendous success of the business summit served as the launching pad for another new initiative implemented by OBP under Secretary Bassette’s leadership – business opportunities information sessions. These smaller events can be either industry or project-specific. OBP is working closely with various DGS divisions to coordinate and host the information sessions, with a particular focus on small, local, woman, minority and veteran-owned businesses. The sessions are designed to provide small businesses with actionable information about upcoming contracting opportunities, as well as provide training on submitting the proper bid documentation. The sessions also provide small businesses with the valuable opportunity to network with prime contractors.
In 15 short months, we’ve transformed the Office of Business Programs from business as usual to being more responsive to our customer’s needs. This includes not only the annual business summit and the regular business information sessions but also aggressive customer-focused strategies to increase awareness of DGS contracting opportunities. For example, OBP has partnered with MBE support organizations statewide and has created a notification database that includes over 2,000 small businesses.
Other initiatives are being developed. Examples include creating a more effective MBE compliance completion process that will more efficiently monitor, collect and track data on all prime and MBE subcontracting agreements, as well as implementing Secretary Bassette’s vision of creating a training and capacity building program for small businesses. The program will equip them with the necessary skills to secure and then successfully execute DGS contracts.
Maryland Capitol Police: A Life of Service
Today, I am pleased to present a guest blog by Maryland Capitol Police Chief Michael Wilson
Background
The history of the Department of General Services – Maryland Capitol Police (DGS-MCP) can be traced back to 1862, when an act of legislation made the Governor responsible for appointing a competent person for upkeep of state buildings and grounds. Two watchmen and a keeper of the steam house and furnace were assigned this task.
As state government grew, the Maryland Capitol Police expanded in numbers, duties and responsibilities. Today, it is one of five major law enforcement agencies in the state and has a dual-function role: providing police services (enforcing criminal and motor vehicle laws), and providing a safe and secure working environment by securing facilities with checkpoints and access control.
There are two detachments in the MCP: Annapolis Detachment and Baltimore Detachment. The Department is responsible for police and security functions at 30 state office buildings, 16 parking garages, and several surface lots located at each facility. Police and security officers provide security and protection to some of Maryland’s most valuable and historic critical infrastructures, including the following buildings in Annapolis:
- Maryland State Capitol (State House)
- Governor’s Mansion
- Miller Senate Office Building
- Lowe House of Delegates Building
- Legislative Services Building
MCP’s workforce includes 65 sworn law enforcement officers, 81 security officers and 12 police communications officers. Changes in job function, jurisdiction, and laws impacting the Department have challenged MCP to evolve into a more efficient and effective agency. In today’s society, with the threat of government terrorism (foreign and domestic), workplace violence, and active shooter aggression, our job has never been more important. MCP continues to strive for excellence in order to meet the demands and expectations of an ever-changing society.
Goals
MCP’s goals include preventing crime, securing facilities, increasing accountability and efficiency, and developing and maintaining a highly trained professional law enforcement and security agency. The Department strives to meet these goals by committing to our core values:
- Integrity
- Upholding public trust through honesty and trust.
- Maintaining the highest standards of ethical and moral character.
- Fairness
- Treating individuals with respect and dignity.
- Applying laws fairly and justly.
- Service
- Providing dedicated and compassionate assistance and service to customers.
- Promoting leadership and cooperation in support of DGS’s mission.
- Improving customer service, quality of life and partnership with sister agencies of DGS.
- Ensuring compliance of MCP rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Service to others
Our police and security officers are dedicated to maintaining a professional level of building security while providing responsive and courteous customer service. They are the “first line of defense” in protecting state facilities and providing a safe and secure working environment to fellow employees and customers doing business with the state.
To “protect and serve” are words that carry considerable weight and meaning. They require sacrifice and a commitment to a profession that demands service to others despite the dangers that are always present. Officers swear to a “Code of Ethics,” which states that they will serve the public, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation, maintain peace and order, and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
21st Century Policing
The Internet has significantly altered how the world gets its information. Anyone with a smart phone can take videos, upload them onto a social platform (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), and send them to anyone who has access to a computer, phone or any number of other electronic devices. This reality is changing the way information is shared and news is communicated. It is in “real time,” and the immediacy has resulted in profound changes in public expectations. This includes their expectations regarding public safety, and police agencies need to be cognizant of these changes.
Police agencies play a very public role in maintaining safety and security in the communities they serve because they are on the front lines of enforcing the law. Advances in technology have made it possible for cameras to be mounted in police cruisers and body cameras to be worn by police. As egregious crimes and/or police behavior are caught on these cameras, or by someone who happens to pass by, and broadcast around the world, public perceptions of the police change, and so do expectations. Police departments must respond and adapt. Already, they are focusing greater attention on training and establishing stronger ties with the communities they serve through community policing and service. I have great confidence that police agencies across the nation can change for the betterment of all the communities we serve.
Conclusion
Edmund Burke wrote “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
There is no higher calling than that of a law enforcement officer. Being able to positively affect someone’s life, particularly a complete stranger, is a blessing and a gift.
The book of Matthew states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” I have had the honor and privilege to serve with the Maryland Capitol Police for over four years. I continue to be humbled by the service and sacrifice of our police and security officers.
I would personally like to thank each and every member of our Department for their continued service and support. They have assisted in making a positive change within MCP. Our police and security officers continue to work hard to establish and maintain credibility and trust with others. They are outstanding examples of individuals who rise to the occasion, no matter the risks.
Chief Michael Wilson, Maryland Capitol Police
Commission to Modernize State Procurement – an Important Initiative
The Procurement Review Group (PRG) meets every Tuesday to review contract solicitations and contract renewal options. The purpose is to maximize opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), small businesses and veteran small businesses to participate in state procurement contracts. DGS has stepped up its outreach to small businesses to engage them in the procurement process.
Before joining the Hogan Administration last January, I operated my own small business for more than 20 years — a management consulting and business development firm that assisted government agencies and contractors in identifying qualified small, local and minority businesses to participate in projects. I was no stranger to government procurement inefficiencies and delays.
So it was great news when Governor Hogan announced on February 10 that he had signed an executive order establishing the bi-partisan Commission to Modernize State Procurement, which will conduct a comprehensive review of Maryland’s procurement code and regulations.
The Governor’s action is another example of his commitment to changing Maryland for the better, a goal that we’ve embraced at DGS. It’s not business as usual at the department. We’re eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies and implementing innovative ideas to be more responsive to our clients, including the small businesses that want to compete for and win state contracts.
When he made his announcement, the Governor noted a lack of competition resulting in too many single-bid contracts. Procurement and Logistics and the Office of Business Programs undertook initiatives last year to increase the pool of small, local minority, woman and veteran-owned businesses competing for state contracts. Those efforts culminated in the first, annual Business Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Training Summit, which DGS and MDOT co-hosted last November.
The focus was on expanding state contract opportunities for local, minority, woman and veteran-owned businesses and prime contractors. Over 400 business people from around the State attended to learn about the more than $1 billion in available contracts from DGS and MDOT. Professional training on how to submit a winning bid was also offered.
This year, we’re building on last year’s innovative procurement and small business ideas, as well as the tremendous success and momentum from the Business Summit. In January, the Office of Business Programs hosted the first of what will be monthly, smaller industry-specific business information sessions where businesses can learn about contracting opportunities in their fields. The first session was for roofing contractors; the February session will focus on HVAC, plumbing and energy services contract opportunities.
I’m proud of the progress DGS has made in proactively reaching out to small businesses to make them aware of contracting opportunities with the state and to encourage them to compete for those contracts. At the same time, I agree with Governor Hogan’s assessment that Maryland’s procurement code and regulations are fundamentally flawed. As he said in his February 10 announcement, “Over the past year, it has become apparent that Maryland’s procurement system is a patchwork of archaic laws and processes that are inefficient, ineffective, and result in wasted taxpayer dollars.”
We look forward to the Commission’s final report, due to the Governor no later than December 1st this year.
Reflecting on 2015
(Originally posted February 1, 2016)
On the first anniversary of my appointment as Secretary of General Services, I want to reflect on the past year. It was both challenging and exciting. As I think about what we accomplished in my first year, I recall the hard work and good deeds from DGS employees.
With Governor Hogan calling on state agencies to help him change Maryland for the better, DGS employees stepped up and identified ways that we could work better, faster, smarter. DGS Delivers became our new tag line, and the employees delivered on a commitment to improve DGS at every level.
Employees in every division started finding ways to work more efficiently and effectively. They identified and eliminated redundancies. Silos started coming down, and divisions started communicating more regularly with each other, determining how to work together for better results. New systems and processes were implemented to make the delivery of services more responsive. There is more to be done, but we got off to a good start.
It was also my good fortune to observe a personal quality DGS employees share – a spirit of volunteerism and giving. When Governor Hogan announced a new volunteer program for state employees last June, called “Maryland Unites,” DGS employees responded. A group organized by the Office of Personnel volunteered at Moveable Feast in Baltimore, where they helped to prepare nutritious meals for adults and children living with life-threatening illnesses. Members of the Maryland Capitol Police, including Chief Wilson, helped sort, pack and assemble food donations at the Maryland Food Bank.
DGS employees stepped up again during the Maryland Combined Charities Campaign donating their time and talents and making generous contributions to their favorite charities. Bake sales, with treats baked by DGS employees, and a Fall Fun Fest, featuring games and contests, contributed to the campaign’s tremendous success. We raised nearly $33,000, representing 98% of our goal.
To close out the year and in the true spirit of giving, employees brought donations of children’s clothes and toys to the DGS holiday party. Distributing their gifts to the children of struggling families was a rewarding experience. I could see on the smiling faces of those children that the generosity of DGS employees made a positive difference in their young lives.
I look forward to working with employees to build on the successes of 2015. I will continue to seek innovative ideas for delivering services better, smarter and faster. And we will build on the tremendous success and momentum of last November’s Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit by reaching out to small, local, woman, minority and veteran-owned businesses and providing them with information about doing business with the State and the training to compete for and win contracts.
Leadership: A Culture of Service
One of the goals I have for the Department of General Services is to achieve organizational excellence through a culture of service based on respect, trust and transparency, as well as communication and collaboration.
Achieving organizational excellence in any business is challenging and requires leadership and commitment from management. This reminds me of a book I read on the concept of servant leadership titled, The Servant, A Simple Story about the True Essence of Leadership, by James C. Hunter.
Twenty years ago, I took part in a leadership development workshop. Participants were required to read Mr. Hunter’s book, which helped all of us set our sights on the same goal by focusing on the meaning of true leadership and recognizing that a true leader chooses authority over power to motivate others to do their jobs.
“Authority is about who you are as a person, your character and the influence you’ve built with people,” the author explains. True leadership is about humility and serving and giving. Such a leader treats employees with dignity and respect and acknowledges their contributions to the success of the organization.
The inspiring words Pope Francis shared during his visit last week to the United States underscored for me the difference between authority and power. To paraphrase what he said of power: To think that power confers upon leaders the freedom to impose upon others their point of view or their line of thinking is wrong.
If DGS employees are going to advance the goal of organizational excellence, then they must first share that goal and believe it is attainable. This is achieved through the exercise of authority – not power. The same is true for Governor Hogan’s Administration. He has instilled in his frontline team not only the leadership principles necessary to change Maryland for the better but also the certainty that we can, and we will.
As public employees, we are all servants. A culture of service philosophy at DGS will get us to our goal of organizational excellence. I have encouraged my senior staff to read Mr. Hunter’s book, embrace servant leadership and share lessons learned with their staffs, so we can effectively “Change DGS for the Better.”
In closing, I leave you with a few inspirational words that I strive to incorporate into my life and job every day:
“Be honest, Work hard. Say ‘thank you’ and ‘great job’ to someone each day. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.”
YouthWorks is Preparation for the Future
Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford talks to YouthWorks students about the positive experience gained from a summer job.
At the YouthWorks Kick-off last Monday, I looked out at the 64 students participating in the program and I felt confident about the future. Sitting there were potential future CEOs, community leaders, public officials – maybe even a Secretary of the Department of General Services!
Indeed, as our guest speaker, Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, noted, he never thought he’d be Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor when he got his first summer job as a dishwasher.
The students include 23 interns who have been placed in various divisions within DGS, 24 interns placed at the Maryland State Department of Education’s Baltimore City headquarters, and 17 students placed at the Department of Human Resources. YouthWorks started on June 25 and runs until July 31. The program gives Baltimore City youth between the ages of 14 and 21 opportunities to work with mentors who are helping them develop positive work habits and job readiness skills. And the students are getting training in financial literacy and guidance in developing a personal career portfolio.
The program’s slogan, “Summer Jobs Launch Careers,” speaks to the future, because the YouthWorks experience is also a launching pad to adulthood. The students are instilled with a work ethic that will serve them well throughout their lives, as well as responsibility, accountability and respect for authority.
I’m so excited about DGS’s participation in this program. We’re making it a worthwhile experience that the students can look back on and say it made a positive difference. Maybe five or ten years from now, one of these students will return as a DGS employee.
Governor Hogan Showed Strength of Character at Press Conference about Cancer Diagnosis
Governor Hogan at a recent press conference in the State House. (Photo courtesy of Executive Office of the Governor)
It’s not the easy things in life that define us. It’s the challenges – those experiences that at first glance appear insurmountable. They reveal the true character of an individual. When Governor Hogan told Maryland last Monday about his cancer diagnosis, both his uncompromising integrity and inspiring leadership were on full display. The transparency, directness and even humor in his remarks spoke to his strength of character.
The Governor’s determination to face the cancer head-on with confidence that he will overcome was an inspiration – but not a surprise. This is the Governor I’ve come to know and for whom I’m proud to work as Secretary of General Services. That’s because I’ve observed the same strengths time and again in the five months since he took office. At Cabinet meetings and Board of Public Works meetings, I’ve listened to him articulate the challenges confronting our state and have watched him get down to the business of overcoming them.
With the goal to “Change Maryland for the Better,” Governor Hogan selected knowledgeable, experienced professionals to help him achieve this objective. Choosing the right people to help get the job done is another sign of leadership. But leadership is also about trusting and empowering your team to carry the message forward in both word and deed, and the Governor has given his team the clear direction and necessary tools to do just this. DGS has embraced his message, and we, too, are changing for the better.
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