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VA Technical Reference Model v 26.1

PAR Excellence

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	PAR Excellence is an inventory management technology that uses calibrated or weighted bins to capture data related to end user usage, stock replenishment, and other inventory related transactions in a supply closet. This technology captures transactions and usage data and keeps it stored on the user’s workstation, allowing them to run reports, analyze data, and manage inventory. Note: There is no specific webpage for this technology, thus the vendor`s website is used in its place. This technology uses Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server database to store and transmit all inventory data. The TRM decisions in this entry only apply to technologies and versions owned, operated, managed, patched, and version-controlled by VA. This includes technologies deployed as software installations on VMs within VA-controlled cloud environments (e.g. VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC)). Cloud services provided by the VAEC, which are listed in the VAEC Service Catalog, and those controlled and managed by an external Cloud Service Provider (i.e. SaaS) are not in the purview of the TRM. For more information on the use of cloud services and cloud-based products within VA, including VA private clouds, please see the Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) Portal at: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITECSO This entry covers the Desktop Edition of this technology and not any mobile versions. Please note that the implementation of mobile technology applications that operate on Mobile Operating Systems must be reviewed and authorized by the Mobile Technology and Endpoint Security Engineering Team: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/SysDesign/CS/MT/default.aspx Note: TRM only assess drivers with a software component, and not the hardware. This entry is for the evaluation of the software drivers that support the device.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has been assessed by the Section 508 Office and found non-conformant. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov. Please see reference tab for more information concerning product versions.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v25.6
Decision Date:	06/11/2025 at 03:28:03 UTC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	PAR Excellence Systems, Inc.
Cage Code:	N/A

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

You must be logged into the RSAA website prior to clicking the Attestation URLs or the URLs won't open.

Major versions and minor versions of that Major released on or after 09/14/2022 are NOT EXEMPT. Major Versions released before 09/14/2022 are EXEMPT as well as minor versions of that Major regardless of release date.

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
2015	10/01/2015
2016	10/31/2016
2.3	02/01/2018
3.3.x	02/27/2019
3.4.x	02/22/2022

Current Decision Matrix (06/09/2025)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VAIT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported.

Legend:

White	Authorized: The technology/standard has been authorized for use.
Yellow	Authorized w/ Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a] : This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[b] : VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unauthorized may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Unauthorized: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[c] : The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered Unauthorized, Conditions Required ^[a] .

<Past

CY2025

CY2026

CY2027

Future>

Release

2015

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]

2016

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]

2.3

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]

3.3.x

Authorized w/ Constraints
[12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21]

Authorized w/ Constraints
[12, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22]

3.4.x

Authorized w/ Constraints
[12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21]

Authorized w/ Constraints
[12, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22]

Note:

At the time of writing, version 3.4.0 is the most current version, released 02/22/2022.
A baseline configuration of this technology was developed by the BCM team. At the time of writing, the baseline version is 3.3.x and 3.4.x.

NOTE: Version 3.3.x verify TRM installations and version 3.4.x - only applies to PAR Excellence implementations in the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC).

Decision Constraints


[12]	New installations or major expansions of this technology that transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN) must complete a WAN impact review (yourIT Service Portal:[SNOW Service Requests]) prior to implementation to ensure proper compliance to VA network design and usage requirements.

[16]	Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities.

[18]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[19]	Only the current VA TRM-authorized version(s) and install package(s) for PAR Excellence provided on the user`s VA computer may be used with applications and websites that support the VA-authorized baseline configuration of PAR Excellence. Users must ensure that, Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server are implemented with VA-authorized baselines. Users must utilize authorized internet browsers, as Microsoft Internet Explorer has reached End-of-Life status. See Category Tab for details. Other authorized internet browsers are available. See Category Tab for details. This technology requires using a Universal Service Bus (USB) technology to transfer data into the records. As such, proper precautions need to be taken to protect data. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Veterans-Focused Integration Process Request (VIPR) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Digital Transformation Center (DTC), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non AWS or Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by DTC. Current VA implementation documentation states PAR Excellence uses a Microsoft SQL database which should be hardened and configured using VA authorized baselines. Deployments of the PAR Excellence system must follow the VA PAR Excellence Interim Implementation Standard.

[20]	Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 or its successor to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the storage device where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP). By September 22, 2026, all FIPS 140-2 certificate validations will be placed on the Historical List, please refer to FIPS Transition Effort for further guidance and timeline of changes.

[21]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request, visit the Product Marketplace. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[22]	Only the current VA TRM-authorized version(s) and install package(s) for PAR Excellence provided on the user`s VA computer may be used with applications and websites that support the VA-authorized baseline configuration of PAR Excellence. Users must ensure that, Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server are implemented with VA-authorized baselines. This technology requires using a Universal Service Bus (USB) technology to transfer data into the records. As such, proper precautions need to be taken to protect data. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Business Integration and Outcomes Service (BIOS) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Digital Transformation Center (DTC), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non-AWS or Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by DTC. Current VA implementation documentation states PAR Excellence uses a Microsoft SQL database which should be hardened and configured using VA approved baselines. Deployments of the PAR Excellence system must follow the VA PAR Excellence Interim Implementation Standard.

Name	Description
PAR Client	PAR Client maintains the information in the system.
PAR Express	PAR Express dispense inventory items from the supply locations to the patients.
PAR Vision	PAR Vision analyzes the data collected by the system.


Health Care Administrative	Health Delivery Support
Health Care Administrative	Health Administration

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This technology has a comprehensive set of documentation.
There are minimal other TRM-authorized technologies that provide the same functionality.
This technology may improve productivity for specific staff whose responsibilities include tracking inventory, ordering, requisitions, and restocking.
At the time of writing, no National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) vulnerabilities had been reported and no VA Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) bulletins had been issued for the latest versions of this technology.
This technology features customized layouts that users can adjust as needed.

Adoption Risks

This technology can integrate with and alter database technologies.
IPR/SAR Adoption Risk - The product can be configured to use Microsoft Azure cloud services.
IPR/SAR Adoption Risk - This technology uses Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server database to store all inventory data.
IPR/SAR Adoption Risk - The PAR Excellence system consists of a variety of subsystems with multiple configuration options.
The technology requires the purchase of licenses from vendor, which could potentially lead to vendor lock-in.
This technology involves the use Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections and proper security precautions must be taken when used.
This technology may transmit data over the VA Wide Area Network (WAN).
Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
The potential of vendor lock exists when utilizing proprietary vendor technology.
This technology may utilize external data connections.
The PAR Excellence system may consist of a variety of equipment, depending on the facility and its location. Equipment included with the solution may include touchscreen computers also known as kiosks, barcode printers, mobile handheld computers/scanners, and automatic dispensing systems. Some devices could be classified by the vendor as a mobile computer with an Operating System, VA has a requirement that all operating systems/mobile devices require a secure configuration baseline.
Components of the PAR Excellence VA implementation may use wireless technology.

Architectural Benefits

This technology has a secure configuration baseline.
This technology can use a VA-preferred database.

Architectural Risks

This technology is not portable as it runs only on Windows platforms.
This technology includes cloud-based functionality which has potential information security risks.

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (06/11/2025 at 03:28:03 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 26.1

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (06/09/2025)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

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VA Technical Reference Model v 26.1

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (06/09/2025)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Optional Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

Architectural Risks

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VA Categories

View the VA Categorization Framework