Message From The Director

Welcome to the Bureau of General Services (BGS) Web site. BGS provides a broad range of services to State agencies and the general public. Our divisions include: central fleet management; central services (postal, printing, surplus, warehouse); leased space; purchases; property management; risk management; and professional services, which is responsible for oversight of public improvements in the State, including public school construction.

We strive to serve our customers' needs in an efficient, friendly manner. Each division works continuously to streamline its processes. For example, the Division of Purchases has advanced use of the "p-card" for paperless purchases, reducing paperwork and transaction costs. Similarly, bids for goods and services are managed through an internet based bidding system.

We work cooperatively with municipalities across the State of Maine and strive to keep open communications with the varied industry groups that we interact with in our day-to-day business.

We are always mindful of energy conservation and have undertaken aggressive efforts to reduce energy consumption in State facilities, emphasize energy efficiency in building specifications, use alternative fuels, and when possible shift to renewable fuels. For example, the Bureau's Central Fleet Division has expanded the number of hybrid vehicles in the fleet, while the Property Management Division is working towards reducing the State's dependence on oil for building heat by increasing its use of B-10 fuel.

Smart growth principles guide our leased space and capital improvement programs. The Bureau focuses on locating State-owned and State-leased spaces in downtowns or designated growth areas. Additionally, State facilities and related agencies are co-located when feasible.

Historic preservation is a major focus of the Bureau's work. The State-owned property managed by BGS includes buildings and districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as well as National Historic Landmarks such as the Blaine House, where the Governor and his family reside, and the Kennebec Arsenal. As excess State property is disposed of, care is taken to assure the continued preservation of these irreplaceable structures and landscapes.

We invite you to look through the following pages to learn more about our services. We welcome your input and suggestions. Thank you for visiting our site and doing business with the Bureau of General Services.

BUREAU INFORMATION

DIVISIONS

Message From The Director