Modernization

VA's most important 2017 decision

A senior VA official told FCW that the decision, expected in July, to retain or move off of the homegrown Vista health record system is the most important move the agency will make this year.

Digital Government

The real story about COTS for the VA

An advocate for the VistA system warns a rush to commercial electronic health records could come with serious risks.

Modernization

VA chief swears off software development

In his most pointed comments on IT to date, David Shulkin, secretary of Veterans Affairs, said that the agency will move to off-the-shelf software.

People

Council to take leadership post at MITRE

The former VA CIO is joining MITRE as senior vice president and general manager of the group's Center for Connected Government.

People

New bill would give VA expanded authority to fire employees

The chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee is looking to give leaders at VA new authority to fire employees across the organization.

Cybersecurity

VA seeks permanent CISO

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to hire a permanent IT security lead.

Modernization

Veterans panel chairman wants faster action on VA scheduling

After the Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to pursue multiple scheduling projects, the chairman of VA's authorizing committee said the agency should have a single system in place.

Acquisition

VA moves ahead with homegrown scheduling IT

The Department of Veterans Affairs will test an internally developed scheduling module at primary care sites nationwide to see if it's ready to service the entire agency.

Acquisition

Decision time for scheduling tech at VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs is on deadline to decide whether to test a homegrown scheduling solution for patients.

Digital Government

Congress presses VA to go commercial on IT

The Department of Veterans Affairs must decide whether to keep and improve its home-grown Vista heath record system or move to a commercial provider. Legislators are growing tired of waiting for an answer.

Modernization

VA shakes up infosec ranks

Veterans Affairs Acting CIO, Rob Thomas, announced a realignment of senior IT security executives.

People

Shulkin pledges no 'learning curve' as VA secretary

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee conducted a bipartisan hearing to elevate current VA Undersecretary for Health to lead the agency, while elsewhere in the legislative chamber, panels were at odds over other Trump cabinet picks.

People

VA watchdog seeks CIO

The office of the inspector general for the Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to hire a deputy assistant IG for its management and administration division who will also have CIO responsibilities.

People

Obama appointee to lead VA under Trump

Dr. David Shulkin, the Department of Veterans Affairs current undersecretary for health, was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the agency.

Cybersecurity

EPA looks to VA for new CISO

Sean Kelley, a deputy CIO at the Department of Veterans Affairs, will lead IT security at the Environmental Protection Agency.

People

Search for new VA chief continues

The Trump transition team has a few key appointments yet to make, including the next chief of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Modernization

IG: VA wasted more than $7M in poorly-planned tech refresh

Technology buyers at the Department of Veterans Affairs wasted more than $7 million in software licenses and hardware in an uncoordinated tech refresh, according to the agency's internal watchdog.