As we near the end of the 2019 legislative session, I want to thank the many agency staff who serve a role in the legislative process and ultimately help state government move forward. Whether that role includes drafting language for proposed bills, doing research, costing, tracking legislation or being involved in testimony before committees, each part is significant and demonstrates state employees’ commitment to public service and the public good.

Our recent loss of Senator Jackie Winters reminds us that our individual actions matter. Senator Winters lived an extraordinary life that was equally committed to public service. Like her, our day-to-day actions form the substance that we will leave behind, our legacy. 

I extend my thanks to each one working so tirelessly this session, and to those whose work begins after session, when agencies work to implement new laws, rules and procedures. Thank you for your commitment and service.      

Katy Coba, DAS Director and State COO

Oregon is getting a new web-based eProcurement processing system called OregonBuys. This powerful tool will replace the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) and will be the statewide procurement solution for all state agencies.

OregonBuys features end-to-end automated processes from request through payment, including:

• Workflows and approvals.
• Solicitations.
• Bid submission.
• Purchase orders.
• Invoicing and reporting.

The new tool will also interface with R*STARS, the state’s accounting system, and the Certification Office For Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) certification system. The best part? No more manual steps and a modern online marketplace shopping experience. 

Initial project planning is now underway and current plans are to sunset ORPIN in early 2020. ORPIN’s historical information will remain available after the transition.

Want to know more? Subscribe to the OregonBuys Project newsletter to stay up to date, or visit the OregonBuys toolkit website.

To help agencies fulfill a requirement that all their employees are trained in basic public records management (upon hire and once per biennium thereafter), DAS recently launched an online public records training module. The course covers basic records management, including an overview of public records laws, retention and disposition, access, and an overview of the public records request process. The course is available to all state employees through the state’s learning management system, iLearn. Agencies are not required to use the DAS course to fulfill the training requirement, but it is available as an option.

DAS developed the course in consultation with the Secretary of State (SOS) Archives Division. DAS and SOS encourage agencies to use a mix of public records training resources available to them, including the DAS course, SOS courses that are also available through iLearn, as well as DOJ client training for staff members with direct responsibilities over records management.  

For more information about state government's public records request process, contact Elizabeth Craig, DAS Communications Director. 

A wellness survey sponsored by PEBB and the Oregon Public Health Division is an opportunity for state employees to provide input on how to foster a work environment that supports their health. Employee responses will help identify opportunities to improve workers’ benefits and state policies and will help agencies in creating two-year wellness plans.

State employees this week received an email about the online survey, which will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All answers are completely confidential.

Visit the FAQ page to learn more.