DGS – Dept. of General Services (Arsenal Building) – Harrisburg, PA

Department of General Services – Arsenal Building

Procurement and Capital Projects Hub

The Department of General Services (DGS) at 1802 Herr Street occupies the historic Arsenal Building, a key operational center for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This facility serves as the headquarters for the Bureau of Procurement and the Bureau of Capital Projects. As the central purchasing arm of the state, the Bureau of Procurement manages the acquisition of materials, services, and supplies for all state agencies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and transparency in public spending. The Arsenal Building is the focal point for vendors and contractors looking to do business with the state, hosting bid openings, pre-proposal conferences, and managing the COSTARS cooperative purchasing program.

Public Works and Construction

Alongside procurement, the Arsenal Building houses divisions responsible for the planning and execution of Capital Projects. This includes the design and construction of state-owned facilities, from office buildings to state parks and correctional institutions. The professional staff here includes engineers, architects, and project managers who oversee the Commonwealth’s physical infrastructure. They ensure that all public works projects meet rigorous safety standards, environmental regulations, and budgetary constraints. The DGS also champions the inclusion of small and diverse businesses in state contracting through this office, providing resources and certifications to help smaller enterprises compete for government contracts.

Access and Business Hours

The DGS Arsenal Building functions primarily as an administrative office rather than a walk-in public service center. Visitors are typically vendors, contractors, or agency representatives attending scheduled meetings or submitting official bid documents. The facility operates under strict government hours, and while the lobby is accessible for document drop-off during the day, appointments are strongly recommended for meeting with specific procurement officers or project managers. The building is equipped with security measures, and visitors must present valid identification upon arrival. Unlike the main Capitol Complex, the Arsenal offers an adjacent parking lot, making it more accessible for those delivering proposals or attending conferences.

Supplies and Logistics

Historically and functionally, this location has been associated with the state’s logistical operations. It works in tandem with the Bureau of Supplies and Surplus Operations to manage the state’s inventory. The DGS plays a crucial role in the lifecycle of state assets, from initial purchase at the Arsenal to final disposition. By centralizing these complex functions at the Herr Street location, the Commonwealth ensures a streamlined approach to government operations, saving taxpayer dollars and maintaining the efficiency of state services.

• Location: Historic Arsenal Building, 18th & Herr Streets.
• Key Function: State Procurement and Capital Project Management.
• Services: Bid submission, vendor relations, COSTARS management.
• Access: Restricted to authorized visitors and business appointments.

For any business seeking to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of General Services at the Arsenal Building is the gateway to opportunity and the engine of state operations.