Linda Kent
Public Affairs Director
(360) 972-6413
DES Communications
(360) 407-8200
Updated Dec. 28, 2020 10:10 a.m.
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DES has been activated by the state Emergency Operations Center, which means redirecting some agency resources to support the coronavirus response. We appreciate your understanding if services and responses to inquiries are slower than normal at this time.
Services are operating normally except where noted below.
PPE COVID-19 Response
Capitol Campus
Public meetings and records
Employee Assistance Program
Contracting & Purchasing
Fleet
Real Estate Services
Surplus
Training
The state is working to obtain PPE from all available sources, including private sector manufacturers and distributors due to the critical importance of PPE in protecting front-line workers from infection and allowing progress under the Safe Start reopening plan.
The DES contracts team is sourcing and purchasing needed PPE items that the Department of Health has identified. If you have something to sell and want to engage in a business relationship with the state, please follow these instructions to complete the online vendor registration process.
The DES Business Resources team takes in bulk donations of items identified by Health, and also delivers PPE items to local jurisdictions as directed by the State Emergency Operations Center.
Visit the state's PPE webpage to learn more.
DES is not currently issuing Capitol Campus event permits in compliance with the phased reopening plan for Washington State as well as the need for new health and safety protocols for the campus.
People may submit permit applications for future consideration. However, we do not have enough information at this time to predict when DES will begin regularly issuing event permits again. This is due to the unpredictability of when gatherings may be allowed in Thurston County and when new health and safety protocols will be in place on the Capitol Campus.
DES is issuing display permits for Capitol Campus displays. All permitted displays must follow display policy guidelines. Please note, in compliance with Washington Safe Start Plan, DES will not issue permits for any gathering, event or activities associated with any display.
DES is not issuing permits for banners on the Capitol Way pedestrian bridge due to coronavirus-related employee safety considerations.
When in doubt, call the agency before you visit.
Most buildings are only allowing entry for employees who have a badge. These buildings have instructions for the public posted on their front doors.
The Legislative Building is closed to the public and all tours are suspended.
DES has suspended the following until further notice:
Daily cleaning and disinfecting the Capitol Campus includes restroom surfaces. Targeted cleaning and disinfection are available upon request to building tenants. If you need additional support, contact the Property Manager or Work Management Center at (360) 725-0000.
Current parking procedures for the Capitol Campus:
Visitor parking |
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Monthly parking fee |
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Day passes |
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Parking assignments |
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Contact the Parking Office
The Parking Office is temporarily closed to walk-in traffic, however, you can contact staff members who are working from home: parking@des.wa.gov, (360) 725-0030, Parking Office webpage.
For questions about the OPMA or Public Records Requests, contact us at publicrecords@des.wa.gov.
State agency procurements for goods and services directly related to the state's response to COVID-19 are excepted from competitive solicitation requirements through January 31, 2021. Agencies making coronavirus-related purchases must prepare a log of their purchases using the Coronavirus Special Market Conditions Purchase Template. You only need to fill out (and submit) the template if you are purchasing items that would normally require competition. View the purchasing exception FAQs.
Employees should check with their agency's leadership to determine if there are additional tracking requirements for costs related to the COVID-19 response. The exception applies only to Washington state agencies, boards, commissions and higher education institutions. It does not apply to local jurisdictions or school districts.
DES is providing access to master contracts that may be helpful in response to COVID-19:
Contracts for cleaning services |
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Contracts for state Language Access Plan |
Many health and instructional materials have been translated into 26+ different languages and are posted on the Department of Health's COVID-19 Educational Materials page. State agencies may utilize the following DES master contracts to comply with other aspects of the state Coronavirus Response Language Access Plan as well: |
The DES Fleet Operations Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Fones Road in Olympia has resumed normal operations for customers of Thurston and Mason Counties.
Fleet Operations is closely following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and recommendations. For service, schedule an appointment online or call (360) 664-9200.
For minor repairs... |
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For all other services… |
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For those outside of Thurston and Mason counties… |
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As an essential service, Consolidated Mail Services (CMS) is operating on its normal schedule.
CMS is following all CDC guidelines and protocols.
If you have questions about your specific business needs, contact CMS customer service at CMSmail@des.wa.gov.
The Surplus Operations program has resumed online auctions for vehicles, heavy equipment and other miscellaneous items including computer monitors, cell phones, tires. Auction previews and pick-ups are by appointment only.
The in-person retail store remains closed. For more information, visit the Surplus Operations Hours & Location page or call (360) 407-2270.
A vibrant roster of classes are being offered and delivered virtually, including Leading Others and Inclusive Leadership: Mitigating Implicit Bias in Hiring.
To learn about all current training options, search the LMS website catalog for "wa-state virtual" or search the Training and Development webpage for "virtual."
Our Online Learning Resources for Workforce Development page provides timely and relevant on-demand learning experiences across nine learning pathways. LinkedIn Learning subscriptions also provide access to thousands of courses taught by industry experts.
If you have questions, email traininginfo@des.wa.gov or refer to the Online Learning Resources for Workforce Development page.