Mission, Values & Tenets
The objectives of this monthly professional development series include developing exceptional leaders across DGS and fostering a culture of continuous improvement from the top down.
What is Leadership CORE?
From press conferences to commercials, this bureau is the full-service multimedia and marketing provider for Commonwealth agencies. It transforms ideas into creative, compelling content for agency websites, social media, and broadcast news outlets.
What is Commonwealth Media Services (CMS)?
Like a good bowl of this food with the same name, this DGS initiative brings together the right ingredients—space, people, and purpose—to create workplaces that are efficient, balanced, and functional. It's a first of its kind initiative in Commonwealth history!
What is SOUP - Space Optimization Utilization Project?
The implementation of this executive order led to DGS directing an accessibility study of the Capitol Complex, providing free menstrual products in bathrooms, expanding the availability of single-use restrooms, and identifying space that could be used for childcare options
What is the HIRE EO?
Weddings, rallies, and light requests - oh my! DGS has got you covered, just give Walt and Justin a call in this office!
What is the Special Events Office?
According to its website, DGS values these three things: Our team, Quality and Innovation, and ___________________
What is customer care?
In architecture, this piece distributes weight and keeps structures standing—much like how DGS supports the rest of state government.
What is the keystone?
Turns out DGS and its current leader have something in common—both trace their roots back to this year.
What is 1975?
Being “grounded in policy” at DGS often means anchoring decisions in this statutory framework for procurement and contracting.
What is the PA Procurement Code?
DGS cut the ribbon of this historic Harrisburg building in 2023. Since, it has won an award from Preservation Pennsylvania, who recognized the project for excellence in adaptive reuse, highlighting how the "transformation unites sustainability, stewardship, and smart government investment."
What is the Forum Building?
POP QUIZ:
“In 2030, DGS is the ______ ______ backbone of the Commonwealth.”
What is trusted service?
“In 2030, DGS is the trusted service backbone of the Commonwealth.”
As part of the Crow Dispersal Program, this department uses the U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved method of discharging exploding shells and whistling devices to deter crows from roosting. The use of these methods is non-lethal and not harmful to people, crows, other animals, or the environment.
What is Capitol Police Department (CPD)?
This bearded gentleman, most recently portrayed during the 2025 SECA Halloween Costume Contest, served as the first Secretary of DGS.
Who is Ron Lench?
This quinquennial analysis of whether diverse businesses face any barriers in the Commonwealth’s contracts and procurements most recently stated that the Commonwealth quadrupled its small business utilization.
What is the disparity study?
Any Commonwealth employee without an assigned parking space in the Capitol Complex should park here. This includes full-time telework employees, employees working on site during collaboration days, and employees visiting the Capitol Complex for special events and meetings.
What is the Overflow Parking Lot?
Speaking of self-care, this free service is designed to assist commonwealth employees and their family members in resolving a wide variety of personal problems that may impact the employee's job performance - from mental health challenges to legal issues.
What is State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP)?
What is the Bureau of Procurement?
Printing of the PA Manual, originally known as Smull's Legislative Handbook, was taken over by the Commonwealth in this year.
What is 1923?
This law ensures DGS’s efforts to right-size space and modernize facilities protect accessibility, reduce legal risk, and reflect the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusive workplaces
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Here, you would have found a special exhibit of photographs from the Charles “Teenie" Harris Archive at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Teenie Harris, a Pittsburgh native, spent his career documenting Black life in and around Pittsburgh. Happy Black History Month!
What is the Governor's Residence?
Jaren sends Chris an email. Chris doesn't respond. After 24 hours, Jaren calls Chris. Chris doesn't answer. When Jaren sees Chris in the office, he pops in to follow-up on his communication attempts, and to share his request. What tenet is Jaren practicing?
What is overcommunication?
DGS's PA Standards Laboratory (PSL) provides services that use this science of measurement, encompassing both theoretical and practical determinations of units, calibration, and accuracy.
What is METROLOGY?
Nestled on the corner of Front and Maclay Streets, the Governor's Residence has been a good neighbor to the community. But did you know the first Residence was located on this Harrisburg street in 1858?
What is South Second Street?
The Prompt Pay policy was implemented in 2023, requiring prime contractors to pay small diverse business (SDB) and veteran-owned business (VBE) subcontractors within this number of days of receiving payment from the Commonwealth.
What is 10 days?
What is Finance and Risk Management (FARM)?