Modernization

IG says VA is falling short on data center optimization

The Department of Veterans Affairs is failing to meet key data center optimization requirements under the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act, a new government audit finds.

People

Gfrerer confirmed to lead tech at VA

After about two years of temporary officials, with tech problems piling up, the Office of Information and Technology at the Department of Veterans Affairs finally lands a Senate-confirmed leader.

Digital Government

My HealtheVet turns 15

After 15 years, the patient portal is embedded in the architecture of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Acquisition

VA to rebid failing GI Bill benefits contract

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a reset on a troubled software project needed to deliver education benefits to veterans, but can it get things on track in a year?

People

Unions sue VA over move to curtail official time

Three federal unions are suing Department of Veterans Affairs for its plan to alter its collective bargaining deal to move more than 400 employees off of union work.

Digital Government

Lawmakers balk at $350M addition to VA's health record deal

The $16 billion, 10-year electronic heath record software upgrade at the Department of Veterans Affairs is barely past the starting gate, but lawmakers are already worried about management and budgeting missteps that could put the project over budget and behind schedule.

Digital Government

VA.gov relaunches as front door to benefits, services

The digital services team at VA is managing an effort to unify agency offerings under a single online umbrella.

People

Senate Dems say federal agencies are bargaining in bad faith

Union talks are grinding to a halt across multiple agencies, and a group of Senate Democrats wants to know if it's because negotiators are taking their cues from invalidated executive orders.

Digital Government

A government contractor crosses over to USDS

Steve Kelman reports on what prompted Kelly O'Connor to take an rather unusual career turn.

Modernization

Has the DOD-VA interagency office outlived its usefulness?

As the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs work in parallel to implement the Cerner health record systems, Congress is worried about a single point of accountability.

Cybersecurity

VA looks to stabilize tech team

Senators stressed the importance of the coming electronic health record modernization project at the confirmation hearing for James Gfrerer, the nominee to lead the Office of Information and Technology at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

People

The shadow rulers of the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs is scrambling to modernize massive systems, reform its workforce and fill key leadership roles. According to ProPublica, a cadre of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago connections is secretly shaping those efforts and many others.

Cybersecurity

Trump picks Gfrerer to head VA IT

A career Marine Corps officer and cybersecurity specialist, James Gfrerer most recently worked for Ernst & Young.

Acquisition

DOD adds $1.1 billion to health record contract

The Military Health System is adding funds to its electronic health record contract to support a common baseline with the Department of Veterans Affairs and add advanced functionality.

Modernization

New VA office takes charge of electronic health record

The move was announced as the House Veterans Affairs Committee established a new subcommittee to oversee the $16 billion Vista replacement effort

Modernization

VA's new health record could yield savings – in 10 years

As the Department of Veterans Affairs embarks on a decade-long, $16 billion journey to replace its homegrown electronic health records system with a commercial platform, there's some hope that there will be savings on the post-implementation side.

Modernization

VA 'anywhere-to-anywhere' telehealth goes live

The journey to make telehealth routine for patients and practitioners in the VA system is as much about policy as it is about tech.

People

Trump names interim VA chief

Robert Wilkie is stepping aside from his role as acting secretary of Veterans Affairs while the Senate considers his nomination.

People

Vacancies Act rules won't hold up Wilkie nomination

The leaders of the Senate committee who will hold the confirmation hearing for Robert Wilkie to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs said they didn't expect the nominee's status as acting head of department to be a problem.

People

Trump picks Wilkie to lead VA

Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is being tapped for the top job at the agency.