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DGS Announces October 3 Public Surplus Sale
October 1, 2026
The Department of General Services (DGS) will hold a one-day public surplus sale on the first floor of the James Monroe Building, offering steep discounts on office furniture.
The sale will take place on Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 101 N. 14th Street, Richmond, Va. 23219. Free public parking is available at 190 N. Old 14th Street, Richmond, Va. 23219. To access the parking lot, visitors should turn onto N. Old 14th Street from Broad Street and enter the first lot on the left. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. All items are cash-and-carry.
DCLS Digs In: A Hands-on Day at Shalom Farms
July 23, 2026
The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) got a jump start on our month of service by trading lab coats for dirt and sunshine during a volunteer day at Shalom Farms, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthy food across Central Virginia. Employees spent the day harvesting okra, preparing garden beds, and toured the farm’s test garden – an area where new crops are trailed to determine whether they are viable for larger-scale production. While sampling delicious fresh, sun-ripened blueberries, staff learned how these small experimental plots help guide future planting decisions.
DGS Delivers New Central Laboratory for DFS and OCME
July 23, 2026
In June, the Department of General Services (DGS) joined the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Commonwealth’s new Central Laboratory in Hanover County. The event marked the culmination of a multiyear effort to deliver a modern, flexible, and expandable headquarters for both agencies.
DCSS Completes Capitol Square Healthcare Clinic Relocation to the Madison Building
July 23, 2026
The Capitol Square Healthcare Clinic for State Employees officially relocated in June to a clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed space in the Madison Building. The new facility, located in the building’s upper basement, was purpose-built to enhance patient care and create a welcoming environment for the Commonwealth’s workforce.
Launching a Career in Trades: Inside Charles Plummer’s Internship Experience
July 22, 2026
Charles Plummer IV is one of the newest interns in the Trades Task Force Program—an initiative administered by the Division of Capitol Square Services (DCSS) that gives young adults hands-on experience in skilled trades and opens pathways into maintenance and technical careers. His journey reflects the DGS’s commitment to workforce development and preparing the next generation of trades professionals across the Commonwealth.
Ensuring DGS Stays Connected: A Look at ISS with Musa Muti
July 22, 2026
On May 25, Musa Muti marked an impressive milestone – 10 years with the Department of General Services. In that decade, he became a cornerstone of the Information Systems and Services (ISS) team, known for his calm expertise, his commitment to service, and his ability to keep DGS connected – literally.
A Visit to the Virginia Distribution Center: Inside a Modern, Efficient, and Surprisingly Flavorful Operation
July 22, 2026
The Virginia Distribution Center (VDC) is one of DGS’s quiet powerhouses – an operation most DGS staff never see, yet one that keeps schools, correctional facilities, state agencies, and public institutions supplied every day. A visit to the facility reveals not only a sophisticated logistics hub but also a story of innovation, quality assurance, and a surprising amount of taste-testing. Did someone say mystery pudding?
DGS to Hold One-Day Public Surplus Sale on May 30
May 19, 2026
The Department of General Services (DGS) is opening its Darbytown Road warehouse to the public for a one-day surplus sale offering steep discounts on office furniture, building materials, and unique items from state facilities.
The sale will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1910 Darbytown Road, Richmond, Va. 23231. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. All items are cash-and-carry and buyers are responsible for moving and transporting their purchases.
2026 Building Excellence Awards
May 8, 2026
As part of Public Service Recognition Week, the Department of General Services (DGS) is proud to present the Building Excellence Awards, a recognition honoring employees who exemplify our core values and consistently go above and beyond in service to the Commonwealth. These awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional integrity, fiscal responsibility, customer focus, quality service, and professional expertise in their daily work.
Behind the Scenes of a Major Agency Move: How DGS Makes the Impossible Look Routine
April 17, 2026
Coordinating an agency move is never as simple as packing a few boxes and calling a truck. On Capitol Square, moves happen constantly — a desk relocated, a file cabinet shifted, a picture hung. These day-to-day requests keep the Division of Capitol Square Services (DCSS) busy on a normal week. But when an entire agency relocates, the scale, planning, and precision required grow exponentially.
OnTheSquareVA Returning with Packed Season of Events
April 17, 2026
OnTheSquareVA will return this year with a full slate of activities, expanded offerings, and a return to its home base outside of the Madison Building. The 2026 season will run from the first week of May through the end of August, bringing weekly opportunities for state employees to engage with their coworkers through recreational, educational, and social events.
Preparing the Executive Mansion Grounds for Garden Week
April 17, 2026
As Historic Garden Week approaches, the Executive Mansion grounds are getting special attention from Tony Griffin and his talented team. As the yellow tulips drop their last petals and the pink blossoms of the redbuds fade, the crew is already hard at work continuing to bring the property’s historic gardens and beds to life this spring.
Showcasing the Stories Behind Virginia’s Historic Buildings
April 17, 2026
DGS is expanding our efforts to better tell the stories behind the Commonwealth’s most significant buildings. New display cases—now installed on the third floor of the Patrick Henry Building and outside the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite in the Oliver Hill Building—highlight the history of these structures and the remarkable individuals for whom they are named.
OPS Welcomes New Chief Procurement Officer
April 17, 2026
Nicole Hicks has been selected as the new Chief Procurement Officer for the Department of General Services’ Office of Procurement Services (OPS).
The Team Behind the Barbara Johns Building
March 6, 2026
The Barbara Johns Building (BJB) is one of the Department of General Services’ most distinctive buildings – a place where historic grandeur meets modern sustainability. Originally built in 1904 as Hotel Richmond, the building has undergone major transformations, including a 2016 renovation that restored its marble floors and stained-glass skylights. Renamed in 2017 to honor civil rights pioneer Barbara Johns, it now holds a prestigious LEED Gold certification.
Women’s History Month Spotlight: The Virginia Women’s Monument
March 2, 2026
At the Voices from the Garden: The Virginia Women’s Monument, more than 200 names are etched into the glass Wall of Honor, and 11 life-sized bronze statues stand to acknowledge the brave, creative, and wise contributions of Virginian women across four centuries. These women shaped our culture, country, and the Commonwealth.
The Refreshing of the Patrick Henry Building
February 26, 2026
For the first time since 2005, the historic Patrick Henry Building (PHB) has undergone a sweeping transformation. The thoughtful refreshing was designed to pivot a structure originally built for books into a space that truly serves people.
Tewolde to continue serving as DGS Director
February 26, 2026
In case you missed the news, we are excited to announce that Governor Abigail Spanberger reappointed Banci Tewolde as the Director of the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS).
Weathering The Storm: How Our Divisions Kept Virginia Moving Forward
February 26, 2026
January brought one of the most severe snow and ice storms the Richmond Capitol Region has seen in years, creating hazardous road conditions and bringing much of Virginia to a standstill. In face of these challenges, our teams demonstrated resilience and an unwavering commitment to service.
Black History Month Spotlight: The Faces of Capitol Square
February 26, 2026
Do you ever wonder about the names on the buildings or the faces on the statues you pass by every day?
Learn more about the impacts Barbara Johns and Oliver Hill made on the Commonwealth and beyond.