About
The Department of General Services (DGS), established on July 1, 2025, unites the former Bureau of Facilities and Real Estate Services Division into a single agency dedicated to delivering high-quality public facilities and spaces for Howard County. With a focus on long-term stewardship, sustainability, and innovation, DGS serves as a trusted partner to County Administration and other agencies, ensuring that every project and initiative reflects the County’s values of efficiency, accountability, and community impact.
Department Overview
DGS maintains 2.9 million square feet of buildings throughout the County. DGS is responsible for all County-owned and leased space, including alterations, repairs, cleaning, heating, cooling, lighting, power supply, plumbing, floor covering, furniture and building security. The Department acquires property as prescribed by law and as directed by County Administration for future County programming and services. DGS manages the planning, design and construction for most County Government buildings. DGS works with the County Administration and other Departments to meet the County’s sustainability initiatives and be a model of good stewardship of community resources.
Our department includes below Major services:
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Director’s Office
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Bureau of Contracts & Security
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Bureau of Operation & Maintenance
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Bureau of Planning, Design and Construction
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Bureau of Real Estate Management
For additional information or assistance regarding County facilities and services, please contact the Department of General Services at 410-313-2700.
Ongoing Projects
Howard County Government is repurposing the historic 1842 former Circuit Courthouse, located at 8360 Court Avenue in Ellicott City, into a dynamic hub for Art, Theater, Culture, Cuisine, Community, and History. Vacated in 2020 with the opening of the new Circuit Courthouse, the landmark building overlooks Main Street and will be renovated to host the Howard County Center for the Arts, the Asian American Cultural Center (AAPI), the Roving Radish farm-to-table food program, a shared commercial kitchen, and offices for the County Council. This adaptive reuse will preserve the courthouse’s historic character while transforming it into a vibrant destination that reflects the County’s cultural diversity and community spirit.
The New Cultural Center (NCC) in Howard County is a vibrant arts and education facility that serves both local and regional communities. Anchored by Toby’s Dinner Theatre and home to the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, the NCC also features classroom, gallery, and rehearsal spaces, along with a flexible Black Box Theater for youth and emerging artists. Through its diverse programming and professional facilities, the NCC fosters creativity, education, and cultural development, making it a significant asset for Maryland.
The proposed Elkridge Community Center project aims to design and construct a 95,000 square-foot multifunctional hub equipped with a destination playground, meeting the evolving needs of the county's fastest-growing area, as identified in the 2020 census. The rapid expansion of Elkridge underscores the necessity for a local venue that offers diverse recreational programs and essential services on par with those found in Glenwood, Laurel, and Ellicott City.
The community center will serve as a cornerstone for social, educational, and athletic activities, fostering community engagement and providing a central location for residents to gather, learn, and play. This project not only reflects the county's commitment to growth and well-being but also ensures that the burgeoning Elkridge community will have a contemporary space designed for enrichment and connectivity.
Strategically positioned along the Route 108 corridor, this new state-of-the-art fire station is designed to enhance emergency response coverage for the surrounding community. The facility will include three dedicated apparatus bays for emergency vehicles, along with modern support spaces for first responders. Key features include an EMT training classroom, bunk rooms for rest and recovery, dayroom and kitchen areas for daily use, and a fully equipped fitness center to support firefighter health and readiness. This new station will play a critical role in reducing response times and strengthening public safety across the region.
Howard County is planning a new 24,000-square-foot swimming pool addition to the North Laurel Community Center. This exciting expansion will feature a competition-style lap pool, a children’s pool designed especially for young swimmers, and a therapeutic treatment pool. To complement the pools, the project will also include a variety of amenity spaces, creating a welcoming environment for recreation, wellness, and community gatherings.
Major Services and Organization Chart
The Director's Office manages the four bureaus, with 100+ staff. Responsibilities include day-to-day personnel management, coordination with HR in aspects such as performance evaluations, hiring, and discipline. Other responsibilities include management of the operating and capital budgets, budget and payments related to building ownership, operations, and construction, capital project management, energy conservation projects, management of the department’s safety program and apprenticeship program.
Members
- Director – Samantha M. Cobb
This bureau manages the contracts for the Department, including vendors, professional services and contractors, including the Management of custodial services falls within Contracts and Security’s responsibilities. The Bureau also manages the building security program for the County, closely working with the Administration, Department of Technology and Communications Services, Office of Emergency Management and the Howard County Police Department for installation and management of access control, visitor management and the oversight of security guard personnel.
This bureau is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of most County-owned and leased facilities. This responsibility includes building maintenance, technical expertise in the development of new facilities, control of energy use, performing infrastructure system improvements and providing building services where necessary.
Members
- Bureau Chief – David John
The Bureau of Planning, Design, and Construction is responsible for general planning and master planning of space needs for the County. Once needs are determined, this bureau manages the design and construction of County Government buildings through capital projects or existing space renovations.
Members
- Bureau Chief – Tae Jung
Real Estate Management is responsible for acquisition of land for the Capital Improvement Program, management of the Developer Agreement Program, obtaining lease space for County services, and the disposition of County real property assets.
Go to Bureau of Real Estate Management Web Site
Members
- Bureau Chief – Emily Iacchei
DGS Code and Standard
The following codes and standards shall apply to all design and construction projects procured by the Department of General Services (DGS). These requirements establish the minimum regulatory and technical framework governing the planning, design, documentation, construction, and inspection of County facilities. All Architect/Engineer (AE) consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment or material vendors engaged under DGS contracts are required to comply fully with the applicable federal, state, and local codes, as well as the standards identified below.
HoCO by design
Building Code and Standard
Howard County Code of Ordinances ( Check TITLE 3 - Buildings)
Procurement Related