Cybersecurity
Senator wants VA to stop using SSNs
After a data leak involving Veteran information, a Wisconsin senator wants the agency to stop using Social Security numbers as identifiers.
Acquisition
VA makes awards in $22B IT contract
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced 21 contract awards on its Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation acquisition program.
People
CISO announces IT leadership shifts at VA
The Office of Information and Technology at the Department of Veterans' Affairs is undergoing a series of leadership changes, according to a March 7 memo obtained by FCW.
Modernization
VA leaders cite progress on health record interoperability
Top Veterans Affairs officials testified this week that electronic health record sharing with the military is operational, while putting the brakes on modernizing their own health records system.
People
Veterans Affairs deputy CIO to depart
Art Gonzalez, deputy CIO for Service, Delivery, and Engineering at the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to leave his position on March 5.
Cybersecurity
VA seeks more than $100M in new cyber funding
The VA's tech budget request includes a big increase for cyber, as well as money for shared services and health record interoperability.
Digital Government
VA chief lays out 2016 priorities, including IT improvements
Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald touted IT achievements in 2015 and laid out 12 priorities for 2016 in an appearance before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Digital Government
Hill watchdogs warn on shortcomings in VA's claims system
The Veterans Benefits Management System has improved responses to compensation claims, but government watchdogs are questioning the VA's claims of improvement, as well as overall agency management.
People
VA hires second-ranking IT official
Ron Thompson, a senior IT official at the Department of Health and Human Services, is getting the number two post at the Office of Information and Technology at Veterans Affairs.
Acquisition
Embracing failing grades and moving forward
After an abysmal performance on the FITARA scorecard, some CIOs are owning their terrible grades and focusing on how to make improvements.
Digital Government
Are agencies listening to their watchdogs?
Lawmakers quiz oversight officials about why agencies aren't taking their advice.
Digital Government
VA taking free advice from tech firms on scheduling
The Veterans Affairs chief and a Virginia lawmaker applaud the public/private partnership working on fixing the troubled VA medical scheduling system.
Digital Government
Pentagon and VA set to certify on health record interoperability
The 2014 defense bill required the VA and the Pentagon to get their acts together on sharing health data. The agencies' two giant health systems are about to certify that they have complied.
Digital Government
VA watchdog-in-waiting promises more whistleblower protections
The Inspector General nominee at the Department of Veterans Affairs told a Senate panel he could institute reform in the short time he'll have on the job.
Cybersecurity
OPM gets cyber hiring nod, DISA moves on classified mobile and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Digital Government
VA's troubled IT is a campaign trail topic
Technology issues don't play a prominent role in the presidential campaign, but some Democratic candidates are exploring one key issue in their Veterans Day messages.
People
VA names new info security chief
CIO LaVerne Council tapped agency insider Brian Burns for the key role of chief information security officer.
Digital Government
VA chief touts interoperability
The key to improving veterans' health care is electronic health records that are interoperable among VA, DOD and the private sector, VA Secretary Robert McDonald said.
Cybersecurity
VA says employment portal for veterans is secure
VA's online Veterans Employment Center is a showcase for the agency's agile development policies, officials say, but some are worried the site is luring cyber criminals.
People