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Email: jacilyn.lipford@dgs.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 786-0282
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Appointment of Banci Tewolde as Director of the Virginia Department of General Services
June 24, 2024
RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin is pleased to announce the appointment of Banci Tewolde as the new Director of the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), effective June 25, 2024. Ms. Tewolde, currently serving as the Associate Director with the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget, brings extensive experience and expertise to this important role.
AN EYE FOR HISTORY: Three-decade career comes to an end for DGS graphic designer whose work spanned commonwealth; DGS dissolves Office of Graphic Communications
May 31, 2024
In a little over three decades, Paris Ashton’s accomplished career with the Department of General Services’ Office of Graphic Communications has come full circle. Paris’ well-decorated office in the Patrick Henry Building sits steps from where she met with some of her first customers, the Library of Virginia, who used to be housed there. Then, she was a fresh-eyed designer with an impressive pedigree who was the office’s master of the Macintosh, a brand new technology destined to upend the industry. Today, she’s a proven entity with an office full of career-making creations facing another industry revolution with the explosive use of artificial intelligence in design. Paris is working her last days as the Director of the Office of Graphic Communications. When she retires on June 1, DGS will close the office, which has designed logos, promotional campaigns, posters, books and so much more for state agencies, colleges and universities since the 1980s.
Former General Assembly furniture, more available in Pocahontas Building surplus sale
May 10, 2024
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that items from the former temporary home of the Virginia General Assembly are available for purchase via an online surplus property sale.
Leaders of Virginia's State Laboratory win national awards
May 9, 2024
RICHMOND, VA. _ The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that the Association of Public Health Laboratories has honored the leaders of the department's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory, with two prestigious awards for their leadership in the Commonwealth and at the national level.
General Assembly Building Receives Project of the Year Award
April 25, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the General Assembly Building received another major honor, bringing home the Project of the Year Award from the Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE). DGS managed construction of the General Assembly Building, which opened in the fall of 2023.
General Assembly Building receives Impact Award for 2024
April 11, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the General Assembly Building received the Impact Award for 2024 from the Richmond Real Estate Group (RREG). DGS managed the construction of the General Assembly Building which was completed in the fall of 2023
Capitol Visitor Center and tunnel connecting General Assembly Building and Capitol opening to public on January 2, 2024
January 1, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS), working with the Clerks of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia, today announced the Capitol Visitor Center will reopen to the public on January 2, 2024, following a renovation.
Traffic flow changes on portion of Bank Street on December 18
December 7, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that beginning December 18, one-lane traffic on Bank Street between 10th and 12th streets will change from eastbound to westbound.
Damico to retire as Director of the Department of General Services
November 16, 2023
RICHMOND, VA _ The Department of General Services (DGS) announced today that Director Joe Damico will retire January 1, 2024, after serving more than 20 years with the agency. During his tenure, Damico led the agency's transformation of Capitol Square, as well as significant enhancements in the areas of procurement, real estate, capital outlay, laboratory services and other government operations.
Capitol Square Construction, Renovation Projects Receive Golden Hammer Awards
November 6, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced two DGS-managed Capitol Square construction and renovation projects received 2023 Golden Hammer Awards presented by Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design. The General Assembly Building won Best Overall project and DGS' renovation of Old City Hall won in the categories of Best Restoration and the special award category of Teens' Choice. For over 20 years, the annual Golden Hammer awards have recognized excellence in neighborhood revitalization projects in Greater Richmond through restoration, adaptive reuse, new construction, placemaking and historic preservation.
State public health laboratory, Henrico County Schools launch pilot program to promote life science careers
September 21, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. _ More than 50 Henrico County high school students and teachers joined scientists from Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory Wednesday to kick off an innovative program that brings together private and government scientists and experts, business and nonprofit leaders, and public schools to explore ways to create a pipeline of talent to fuel Virginia's growing life science industry.
New General Assembly Building Complete, Public Opening to be held October 11, 2023
August 29, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Virginia General Assembly today announced completion of the new General Assembly Building and plans to open the building to the public in October. The Department of General Services (DGS), which managed construction of the legislative branch building, obtained a Certificate of Occupancy marking completion of the building in August. General Assembly members and staff, House and Senate Clerks and their staffs, and the Division of Legislative Services will move into the building over the next several weeks. During this time, entry is limited to legislative branch staff and maintenance and operations support teams.
DGS scientist wins national award for her work cutting turnaround time for TB test results from weeks to days
June 21, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Department of General Services today announced that the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) named Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) scientist Kathleen Milloy its 2023 Ed Desmond TB Laboratorian Award winner for her work to improve dramatically the turnaround time for TB test results at Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory.
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New General Assembly Building to open later in 2023
June 21, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Virginia General Assembly today announced it would not move into the new General Assembly Building (GAB) until later this year in anticipation of a possible special session.
DGS to Replace Walkways, Avenue Around Capitol and North Side of Capitol Square
May 25, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the start of a project to replace the walkways adjacent to the Virginia Capitol and the vehicular drive and sidewalks along the north side of Capitol Square.
Unique collaboration between VCU, Virginia's state laboratory aims to train future scientists
May 11, 2023
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Department of General Services (DGS) today announced a unique partnership between the university and DGS' Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory, to offer concentrated studies intended to prepare the next generation of scientists to work in public health laboratories. The two organizations will collaborate to offer a Medical Laboratory Sciences Master of Science with a concentration in public health laboratory sciences beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.
Capitol Visitor Center to Close Temporarily for Renovation
April 13, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS), working with the Clerks of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia, today announced the Capitol Visitor Center will close to the public effective Monday, April 17, and remain closed through December so DGS can complete renovations on the space.
Scaffolding to be Placed around Capitol Columns for Waterproofing Project
March 6, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the erection of
scaffolding on the columns of the Capitol's south portico as part of the ongoing Capitol waterproofing
project. The scaffolding will begin going up this week. The waterproofing of the columns is expected
to take approximately eight weeks, depending on the weather.
DGS Director Damico Elected Vice President of National Association of State Chief Administrators
February 3, 2023
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) today announced the election of Virginia Department of General Services Director Joe Damico as the new Vice President of the Executive Committee.
Capitol Visitor Center Reopens
January 4, 2023
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS), at the request of and working in conjunction with the Clerks of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia, today announced the Capitol Visitor Center has reopened for the 2023 General Assembly session.
Virginia Chosen to Establish Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence
October 25, 2022
RICHMOND, VA. _ The Department of General Services today announced its Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory, will partner with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Virginia (UVA) to establish the Virginia Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence as part of a nationwide effort to prevent and respond to infectious disease threats.
DGS Takes Safety Precautions at Capitol Square Following Dobbs Decision
June 24, 2022
RICHMOND, Va. _ The Department of General Services (DGS) announced today it is taking preparatory measures to secure Capitol Square to ensure the safety of the public and Capitol grounds following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Changes to Capitol Square Regulation Take Effect for Permitting, Use of Historic Grounds
May 26, 2022
RICHMOND, Va. _ Following a nearly two-year process to update rules that had been in place since 1970, the Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that an updated regulation governing the use of Capitol Square is in effect. The revised regulation establishes standards for the general use of the historic grounds as well as the processing, review, and disposition of permit applications for events on Capitol Square.
Association of Public Health Laboratories recognizes two Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services employees
May 19, 2022
CLEVELAND, OHIO _ The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that two Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) employees have received prestigious national awards from the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).
New Virginia ABC Facilities in Hanover County Win Awards
May 19, 2022
RICHMOND – The Richmond Real Estate Group (RREG) on Monday presented the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) with its 2022 Impact Award for the latter's new headquarters and distribution center completed last year in Hanover County.
NAGC Names Virginia Department of General Services Dena Potter as Communicator of the Year
May 13, 2022
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 12, 2022) – The National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) announced Friday that Dena Potter, Director of Communications for the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), has been named its 2022 Communicator of the Year. In 2021, Potter held several high-profile communications roles, both with DGS and Vaccinate Virginia.
Capitol Visitor Center to Close for Waterproofing, Tunnel Projects
April 25, 2022
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS), at the request of and working in conjunction with the Clerks of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia, today announced the Capitol Visitor Center will close to the public effective May 2 so DGS can complete waterproofing and tunnel construction projects.
Governor Youngkin Announces Addition of Two New Disorders to Virginia's Newborn Screening Program
March 16, 2022
RICHMOND – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the addition of two new disorders to the Commonwealth's newborn screening program, which helps detect a variety of rare, life-threatening conditions in infants. Beginning March 16, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) will join a screening panel of metabolic and genetic disorders that range from the more well-known Cystic Fibrosis to many relatively obscure conditions that can cause severe sickness, physical or mental disabilities, even death, if not diagnosed early.
Portion of 9th Street closing March 17 through April 17 for construction
March 16, 2022
RICHMOND, Va. – Ninth Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic from Grace Street to Broad Street beginning March 17, and continuing through April 17, to accommodate construction of the General Assembly Building and the 9th and Broad Street Parking Deck.
Streets near Capitol Square to close for Inauguration on Saturday
January 11, 2022
RICHMOND – The inauguration of Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will take place at noon on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Virginia's Capitol Square. Several streets in and around the Capitol complex will be closed for the event.
Capitol Square Closed Monday through Saturday in Preparation for the Inauguration
January 8, 2022
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services will close Capitol Square from Monday, Jan. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 15, to prepare for the Inauguration of Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin on Jan. 15. When Capitol Square closes at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9, it will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan.16. The Capitol will remain open.
Governor Northam Dedicates Capitol Square Improvements, Honoring Service of Important Virginians
January 7, 2022
RICHMOND—Governor Northam today dedicated newly-renovated state buildings on Capitol Square and celebrated the completion of the 9th Street sidewalk enhancements and new North Drive entrance to Capitol Square. Governor Northam dedicated "Reid's Row," a row of three historic houses on Governor Street in honor of Dr. William Ferguson "Fergie" Reid, who was the first African American elected to the General Assembly after Reconstruction and who co-founded the Richmond Crusade for Voters in 1956. The houses were formerly named Reid's Row.
Capitol Square Complex Building Renovations, Entrance Project Dedications Scheduled
December 30, 2021
RICHMOND, Va.
WHAT: Dedication of two renovated state buildings and the North Drive & 9th Street projects on January 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. (223 Governor Street, Richmond, VA)
Governor Northam and the Department of General Services (DGS) will dedicate the former Reid's Row and Ferguson Building in honor of two historic Virginians and will celebrate the completion of the new entry and security enhancements at North Drive and the 9th Street sidewalk project.
DGS to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Updated Regulation for Capitol Square
October 7, 2021
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced it will hold a public hearing to gather comments on its proposed updated regulation for the use of Capitol Square. The proposed regulation would replace the current one that took effect in 1970, which contains outdated or irrelevant references and does not adequately equip the department or law enforcement to ensure the safety of participants or the grounds during events on Capitol Square. The proposed regulation establishes standards for the use of Capitol Square as well as the acceptance, processing, review, and disposition of permit applications for events on the historic grounds.
Governor Northam Announces App that Makes Small, Women-Owned, and Minority Owned Businesses More Accessible
September 29, 2021
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced the launch of the Start Small app to connect app users and state government agencies with nearby vendors. Start Small is free, mobile-friendly, and can be used by anyone.
DGS Statement on Supreme Court of Virginia Ruling on Lee Monument Removal Cases
September 2, 2021
RICHMOND, VA. – The Department of General Services (DGS) released the following statement on the Supreme Court of Virginia's ruling today clearing the way for Virginia to remove the state-owned Robert E. Lee Monument.
DGS Director Joe Damico Wins Prestigious National Walton Leadership Award
August 27, 2021
CORONADO, California – The Department of General Services (DGS) announced today that the National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) has awarded DGS Director Joe Damico the association's 2021 National Walton Leadership Award. The highly competitive national award recognizes a state Chief Administrator for their passion, outstanding service, leadership and commitment to state government.
DGS Completes Work on Capitol Skylight Replacement Project
August 5, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced completion of a project to replace the former skylight at the Capitol portico plaza with a new granite compass rose inset and a new lighting element that brightens the space where a sculpture of Thomas Jefferson stands inside the Capitol Visitor's Center.
DGS Begins Construction on Eastern Sidewalk of 9th Street, Closing Parts of Sidewalk
April 26, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that they are beginning construction on the eastern sidewalk of 9th Street, located next to the western fence line of Capitol Square beginning on April 28.
Additional Traffic Lane Closing on 8th Street due to DGS Parking Deck Construction
April 14, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that an additional lane closure on 8th Street will go into effect Saturday, April 17, as part of the construction of the parking deck on the block between 8th and 9th streets.
Sidewalks and Traffic Lanes Closing due to DGS 9th Street Parking Deck Construction
March 22, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that street and sidewalk closures around the 9th Street Parking Deck construction project go into effect the week of March 22.
DGS Scientist Discusses Public Health Infrastructure During Congressional Hearing
February 25, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that Dr. Marilyn Bibbs Freeman, Deputy Director of its Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), spoke on the importance of federal funding for public health at a U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee hearing yesterday. Bibbs Freeman emphasized how increased and sustained federal funding would lead to much-needed data modernization and workforce recruitment and retention within public health laboratories.
DGS Takes Safety Precautions on Capitol Square as Construction Increases
February 24, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that it will be changing Capitol Square hours and that parts of the grounds will be inaccessible due to increased construction activity. From March 1 through March 13, Capitol Square will be open from sunrise until 7 p.m., a shift from the current 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. hours. Starting March 14, Capitol Square will open at sunrise and close at 9 p.m.
DGS Awards New Contract for eVA Statewide e-Procurement System
February 17, 2021
RICHMOND, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced it has awarded a new contract for the Commonwealth's e-procurement system, eVA, to CGI. The new contract includes the transition to more user-friendly and cutting-edge procurement and reporting tools for state and local government users, businesses that supply goods and services, and public users who want to understand what public bodies are purchasing.
VIDEO: Governor Northam Highlights Progress of Capitol Square Construction, Renovation
February 15, 2021
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam and the Department of General Services (DGS) today released a behind-the-scenes video tour of three high-profile Capitol Square construction and renovation projects: the new General Assembly Building, Old City Hall and Reid's Row.
First Case of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant Identified in Virginia
January 25, 2021
RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) today announced that the first case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in a sample from an adult resident of Northern Virginia with no reported recent travel history. The B.1.1.7 variant, which first emerged in the United Kingdom in late 2020, is associated with increased person-to-person transmission of COVID-19.
DGS to Install Fence around Lee Monument to Prepare Site for Statue Removal
January 25, 2021
RICHMOND--The Department of General Services today will install fencing around the
Lee Monument grounds to ensure the safety of visitors and workers as part of DGS's plan to
prepare the site for the removal of the Lee statue.
DGS Prepares Capitol Square for Possible Civil Unrest
January 13, 2021
RICHMOND – In preparation for possible demonstrations around Richmond over the next week, and in light of the civil unrest in the nation's capital on Jan. 6, the Department of General Services is implementing precautionary measures to protect the employees, visitors, buildings and grounds at historic Capitol Square.
Contracts Awarded for Virginia's OneLab Network to Expand Commonwealth's Public Health COVID-19 Testing Capacity
November 10, 2020
Richmond — The Department of General Services and Virginia Department of Health today announced the awarding of contracts to three laboratories to participate in Virginia's new OneLab Network to expand the Commonwealth's public health COVID-19 testing capacity.
DGS Begins Serology Testing for COVID-19 at State Public Health Lab
August 27, 2020
RICHMOND – The Department of General Services today announced the state's public health lab, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), has begun serological testing for COVID-19 to help public health officials track exposure to the disease statewide.
Light Pole Struck, Falls on Barbara Johns Building Awning
August 12, 2020
RICHMOND – This afternoon a mobile crane struck a light pole near the corner of 9th and Broad Street, causing it to fall onto an awning on the Barbara Johns Building.
Capitol Square to close for Tropical Storm Isaias
August 3, 2020
RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of General Services today announced that Capitol Square will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 4, due to expected high winds and isolated and heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaias.
Capitol Square Closed July 4 Holiday Weekend
July 2, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services, working in collaboration with the Division of Capitol Police, will close Capitol Square during the July 4 holiday weekend.
Lee Monument Grounds to Close Overnight for Safety Purposes
June 22, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – While there have been many successful and peaceful events on the Lee Monument grounds since late May, concerns are mounting for the safety of those in attendance of the events and for those living and working within the immediate area, especially at night. The substantial increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic in and around the monument and intermittent blockages to vehicular traffic within the intersection pose serious safety risks. In addition, such legal violations as vandalism, trespassing on nearby private properties, littering, public urination and excessive noise have steadily been on the rise.
Department of General Services Installing Barriers around Robert E. Lee Monument
June 17, 2020
Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of General Services is working diligently to plan for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue, as directed by Governor Northam. This work will continue while we await the outcome of litigation.
Capitol Square Reopened to Public
June 15, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services, working in collaboration with the Division of Capitol Police, reopened Capitol Square to the public Monday with limited entrances and hours.
State to Inspect Lee Monument to Ensure Safe Removal
June 8, 2020
Richmond, VA – The Department of General Services issued the following statement about removing the Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond.
DGS statement on Governor Northam's order to remove Lee Monument
June 4, 2020
Richmond, VA – The Department of General Services issued the following statement today regarding Governor Ralph Northam's order to remove the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond.
Capitol Square closed until further notice
May 31, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services, working in collaboration with the Division of Capitol Police, will keep Capitol Square closed to the public until further notice.
Capitol Square will not open to the public on Saturday, May 30, 2020
May 30, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services, working in collaboration with the Division of Capitol Police, will not open Capitol Square to the public on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The decision to keep Capitol Square closed was made after multiple surrounding buildings were damaged during civil unrest Friday, May 29.
Virginia Sells Center for Innovative Technology Office Building complex in Northern Virginia
May 14, 2020
RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today announced the sale of the Center for Innovative Technology Office Building in Northern Virginia. Proceeds from the property sale will be directed toward efforts to drive research and job creation in emerging technologies.
DGS to close Capitol Square Wednesday for reconvened legislative session
April 17, 2020
Richmond, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) will close Capitol Square Wednesday, April 22, for the outdoor meeting of the Virginia House of Delegates during the constitutionally required reconvened session of the General Assembly. The House will meet outside and use social distancing standards required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capitol Square entry prohibited temporarily to prevent gathering amid COVID-19 pandemic
April 16, 2020
RICHMOND – The Department of General Services, working with the Division of Capitol Police, temporarily prohibited entry into Capitol Square on Thursday to disrupt an unpermitted event that could have posed a risk to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virginia Uses Genetic Technology to Combat COVID-19
April 6, 2020
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Department of General Services' (DGS) Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is one of the first public health labs in the nation to use genetic technology to help public health officials better understand and track the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
Virginia's Public Health Laboratory Begins Testing for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19)
March 2, 2020
Richmond, VA – The Department of General Services (DGS) today announced that its Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia's public health and environmental laboratory, has begun testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The laboratory tested two suspected cases over the weekend, and results for both were negative.