The Department of General Services (DGS) Capital Improvements Program supports the planning, design, construction, renovation, and replacement of facilities required by the operating departments of the County government. In addition, the program provides for the scheduled replacement of roofs, internal systems (such as air conditioning), and other components in all buildings owned by the County government.In addition to general government projects directly under the supervision of DGS, the Department conducts site selection and design/construction coordination for facility-related projects required by other County departments: including Libraries, Recreation, Fire/Rescue, Police, Correction and Rehabilitation, and Transportation. These projects make use...

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The Department of General Services (DGS) Capital Improvements Program supports the planning, design, construction, renovation, and replacement of facilities required by the operating departments of the County government. In addition, the program provides for the scheduled replacement of roofs, internal systems (such as air conditioning), and other components in all buildings owned by the County government.

In addition to general government projects directly under the supervision of DGS, the Department conducts site selection and design/construction coordination for facility-related projects required by other County departments: including Libraries, Recreation, Fire/Rescue, Police, Correction and Rehabilitation, and Transportation. These projects make use of DGS design and construction management expertise and are discussed in sections of the CIP covering the specific programs of the other departments.

The DGS Capital Program continues to reflect an emphasis on systemic replacement programs. Significant expenditures include heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and roof replacement as they are the two most expensive components of a building. Projects such as Energy Conservation: MCG are an investment in lower operating costs through improved and more efficient lighting and other energy-consuming systems.

In addition to systems replacement and improvement programs, DGS builds, repairs, and renovates structures used by County agencies. When operating departments propose renovations to their buildings (such as libraries or fire stations) for improved operational use, DGS also assesses the condition of the physical plant and building systems. Generally, if a decision is made to renovate a specific facility, all work will be included within the project. If less than a full-scale renovation is needed, work required for roofs, HVAC, electrical systems, and modifications to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be budgeted within the respective systemic projects.

The Technology Modernization project, administered by the Department of Technology Services, provides for the replacement, upgrade, and implementation of Information Technology (IT) initiatives that will ensure ongoing viability of key processes, replace outdated and vulnerable systems, and produce a high return in terms of customer service and accountability. Major new IT systems launched through this project include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), 311/Constituent Relationship Management (CRM), related Business Process Review, an Enterprise Integrated Case Management System (EICM) for the department of Health and Human Services, and the Active Network (ActiveNet) upgrade for Recreation, CUPF, and M-NCPPC.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Continue to replace aging County building roof systems, parking lots, HVAC and electrical systems, and elevator systems.
• Increase funding for HVAC replacement to comply with new Clean Air Act refrigerant requirements.
• Increase funding for Life Safety Systems to address obsolete Fire Alarm system in the Judicial Center, Judicial Center Annex, and Executive Office Building.

PROGRAM CONTACTS

Contact Angela Dizelos of the Department of General Services at 240.777.6028 or Bruce Meier of the Office of Management and Budget at 240.777.2785 for more information regarding the County Offices and Other Improvements capital budget.

CAPITAL PROGRAM REVIEW

The recommended FY19-24 CIP for DGS includes 20 capital projects totaling $260.3 million. This represents a $63.2 million, or 19.5 percent, decrease from the $323.5 million included in the Amended FY17-22 program. The cost decrease is due primarily to the completion or substantial completion of two projects, the Council Office Building Renovation and the Public Safety System Modernization.

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