Stabilizing and Streamlining Our Core Processes and Platforms

IT core processes and platforms form the backbone of VA.

The work we do behind the scenes supports critical functions across the Department and ensures smooth interactions between systems for a better Veteran experience. In 2017, we took a hard look at improving our core processes. From our help desk support to financial management, from providing laptops to employees to consolidating data centers, and from decreasing our physical building footprint to expanding our cloud footprint, we’ve made tremendous progress.

Strategic Sourcing

In 2016, OIT developed a strategic sourcing function to provide more accountable IT product and service procurement for VA and to help achieve compliance with FITARA, resulting from a call to action from Congress to deliver the latest technology at the best value. In 2017, we launched our strategic sourcing function by examining OIT practices that improve speed to market, improve compliance and quality for IT solutions, provide VA with access to industry innovation, and empower employees to deliver the best solution at the best value.

We worked with VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC) to obtain Source Selection Authority (SSA) delegation. This authority centralized IT award responsibility and accountability so that OIT could execute faster IT acquisitions and hold suppliers accountable, enhancing outcomes and delivering value. We developed a corresponding OIT SSA implementation plan that defined and published associated roles, responsibilities, activities, standards, tools, and a glossary in the OIT Process Asset Library.

Moving forward, we will continue to reinforce and enhance the Strategic Sourcing division and its capabilities, aligning the right staff to implement a successful strategic sourcing program. These improvements will help OIT provide, acquire, and manage the tools and services we need to support our business partners in delivering innovative, timely solutions that improve the Veteran experience.

For the third consecutive rating period, VA received a B+ grade from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform FITARA scorecard. VA is the largest and most complex agency to receive this high a rating. As we continue to enhance the Strategic Sourcing division and make progress toward data center consolidation, we’re focused on ensuring VA remains a government leader in accountability and FITARA compliance.

Honor Roll

VA received a B+ grade from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform FITARA scorecard. VA is the largest and most complex agency to receive this high a rating. By comparison, 14 agencies received a C grade, 3 received a D grade, and 2 received an F grade.