| Overview | The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency responsible for providing vital services to America’s veterans. It offers healthcare services, benefits programs, and access to national cemeteries to former military personnel and their dependents. The VA’s mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans. |
| Leadership | Denis McDonough (Secretary) Donald M. Remy (Deputy Secretary) Dr. Shereef Elnahal (Under Secretary for Health) Joshua Jacobs (Under Secretary for Benefits) Matthew Quinn (Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs) |
| Key Divisions | Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Provides healthcare services to eligible veterans at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located across the country. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA): Oversees benefits programs such as disability compensation, pension, education, home loans, life insurance, and vocational rehabilitation. National Cemetery Administration (NCA): Provides burial and memorial benefits to veterans and eligible family members in VA’s national cemeteries. |
| Major Initiatives | Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM): Aims to replace the VA’s legacy health record system with a new, integrated solution to improve veteran care. Mission Act: Expands healthcare options for veterans, including access to community care providers. PACT Act: Enhances healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Veterans Experience Office (VEO): Focuses on improving customer service and experience for veterans accessing VA services. |
| Customers | Veterans: Provides healthcare, benefits, and memorial services to millions of U.S. veterans and their families. Federal Agencies: Collaborates with other federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deliver integrated services to veterans. Community Providers: Works with community healthcare providers to deliver services under initiatives like the Mission Act. |
| Cloud | The VA uses Microsoft Azure and AWS for cloud computing needs, including hosting the VA.gov website, managing healthcare data, and supporting telehealth services. The agency is also focused on cloud migration for improving the efficiency and accessibility of veteran services. |
| Tech | The VA is investing in emerging technologies such as AI for predictive analytics in veteran healthcare, telehealth solutions for remote care, and cybersecurity to protect sensitive veteran data. These technologies aim to enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and ensure data security. |
| Partnerships | Department of Defense (DoD): DoD Website – Collaborates on shared services, especially in healthcare and benefits administration. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS Website – Partners on health-related initiatives, including mental health services and public health research. Community Care Network Providers: Collaborates with private sector healthcare providers to extend care to veterans in their local communities under the Mission Act. |
| Collab | For CSPs: The VA collaborates with cloud service providers to enhance its cloud infrastructure, focusing on data security, scalability, and accessibility. Opportunities exist to support the VA’s digital transformation, particularly in expanding telehealth services and modernizing its IT infrastructure. For ISVs: Independent Software Vendors can partner with the VA to develop and integrate healthcare software solutions, particularly those focused on electronic health records, telemedicine, and veteran benefits management systems. For SMBs: The VA is committed to working with small and medium-sized businesses through its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). SMBs can engage in providing innovative healthcare technologies, IT services, and facility management solutions. |
| Conferences | National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE): Focuses on connecting veteran-owned small businesses with procurement opportunities at the VA. HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition: A leading health information and technology conference, where the VA discusses its health IT initiatives. FedHealthIT Innovation Awards: Recognizes innovation in federal health IT, including VA projects. AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Summit: Discusses the latest trends in health IT, with participation from the VA. VA/DoD Healthcare Conference: Focuses on shared healthcare challenges and solutions between the VA and DoD. |
| Website | https://www.va.gov |
Veterans Affairs
Overview The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency responsible for providing vital services to America’s veterans. It offers healthcare services, benefits programs, and access to national cemeteries to former military personnel and their dependents. The VA’s mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne…