Pennsylvania Department of General Services – Harrisburg, PA

About the Department of General Services

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) acts as the business manager for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in the historic North Office Building within the Capitol Complex, DGS is responsible for a vast array of support services that keep state government functioning efficiently. Established in 1975 through the merger of the Department of Property and Supplies and the General State Authority, it oversees the state’s purchases, buildings, and vehicle fleets.

Core Functions and Divisions

DGS manages billions of dollars in procurement and construction, serving as a central hub for state agency operations.

• Procurement and COSTARS: The Bureau of Procurement manages statewide contracts for goods and services. The COSTARS program allows local governments and non-profits to leverage the state’s purchasing power.
• Public Works and Construction: Oversees the design and construction of non-highway capital improvement projects, including renovating state parks and office buildings.
• Vehicle Management: Manages the Commonwealth’s large fleet of vehicles, including maintenance and auctions of surplus vehicles to the public.
• Real Estate and Facilities: Acts as the real estate agent for the state, managing leases and maintaining state-owned buildings, including the Capitol Complex.
• Capitol Police: The PA Capitol Police, under DGS jurisdiction, provide law enforcement and security for state buildings and personnel.

Doing Business with PA

For businesses, DGS is the entry point for state contracting. The Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) actively works to ensure small and diverse businesses have fair access to contracting opportunities. Suppliers must register through the PA Supplier Portal to bid on contracts.

Visiting the North Office Building

The North Office Building is part of the Capitol Complex. Visitors may need to pass through security screening similar to other government buildings in the complex. While many services like bidding are handled online, the executive offices remain a hub for administrative decisions.