People

DOD says health records program will move forward

Echoing earlier assurance from VA's CIO, DOD says that the departments are still working together on an electronic health records program, although its shape has changed from the original vision.

People

Congress, GAO take aim at DOD-VA health records program

The decision to change course on joint medical records after spending $1 billion raises concerns on Capitol Hill.

People

Encryption failures at VA put vets' data at risk

An IG review sparked by a whistleblower report finds officials approved the insecure transmissions.

People

VA departures open door to speculation

At least three people are rumored as likely to replace departing VA CIO Roger Baker. CTO Peter Levin, also stepping down, leaves another leadership role to be filled.

People

Boehner bashes VA for lack of progress on claims backlog

The VA's new system, deployed in 2012 with a goal of dramatically cutting claims processing time, has so far not lived up to its promise.

People

Peter Levin to leave VA

Days after CIO Roger Baker announced his planned resignation from Veterans Affairs, CTO Peter Levin reveals his intent to follow suit.

People

VA CIO Roger Baker stepping down

Internal announcement leaves exact date, next steps unclear.

People

DOD, VA shift medical record strategy

New short-term goals are intended to move closer to the objective of an integrated electronic health record.

People

New acquisition academy head lays out goals

Melissa Starinsky believes the weakness of federal acquisition training is not in the details of contracting.

People

VA paperless benefits rollout gains speed

In 2012, the first 18 VA offices switched to the new Veterans Benefits Management System, and the rest are expected to this year.

People

VA academy gets new leader

Former deputy director of the Office of Acquisition and Grants Management for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services takes the lead in acquisition training.

Digital Government

VA to build better small-business verification system

Department works to improve internal controls and steer work to veteran-owned firms.

Digital Government

Second VA official resigns in scandal

Official who had oversight of the planning and execution of the two human resources conferences in 2011 has stepped down.

People

VA turns to electronic payments to save money, improve work

New rule takes effect Dec. 27, makes previously voluntary system mandatory.

Digital Government

Agencies promise better investment oversight

GAO cites need for better analysis of legacy IT systems and the $54 billion spent running them in FY 2011

People

VA leaders defend chief of staff

Veterans Affairs leaders rebuff congressional calls for the removal of John Gingrich over his responsibility for spending abuses.

People

Military services falter on single-bid contract guidance

An audit finds that DOD agencies often award contracts to the only bidder without trying to expand competition, despite DOD's own guidance.

Acquisition

Agencies take action as GAO knocks strategic sourcing effort

After an audit found that agencies have made very little use of strategic sourcing, DOD and other agencies point to some reforms, pledge to make more.

People

VA cracks down on conference spending

The Veterans Administration has set new rules intended to prevent a repeat of the conference spending probe that culminated in its top human resources officer's resignation.