The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) was established in 1974 by consolidating specialized support services required to operate state government into a single agency.

The department provides services to state agencies through the recruitment, selection, and retention of state employees; administration and design of state-owned buildings; procurement of goods and services; management of state property; coordination and promotion of equal access to state employment and contracting opportunities; negotiation and interpretation of the state's collective bargaining contracts; and provision of statewide oversight, leadership, and direction for all activities related to information technology (IT).