Perceptions of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) brand are an accumulation of impressions formed every time a person engages with our organization. These encounters can take many forms, such as seeing the OIT logo, looking for information on our website, participating in a presentation, or interacting with staff. The ways in which we shape these impressions — how our materials look, how we talk about ourselves, and how we make people feel when they encounter OIT — comprise our organizational brand.

Mission

To collaborate with our business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans.

Vision

To become a world-class organization that provides a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology.

Each point of contact becomes part of the collective OIT brand awareness. Each interaction is meaningful. Together they lead to reactions: choices on what to think about OIT and how to act on those opinions. Based on these impressions, people decide whether to trust us, use our services, support us, partner with us, or even join us.

Communication means connection.

When our brand is weak and our messages are unclear or misunderstood, we fail to connect with our audience. A fundamental part of accomplishing our mission is to put Veterans at the center of all we do and ensure they have the best experience possible. Through our brand, we can ensure that the impact information and technology have on the ability of VA to serve Veterans and their families is visible, appreciated, and supported. This is why our brand is important.

This website is a guide for representing OIT’s brand and for communicating our sacred mission and our compelling story — providing a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology.

Policies

Branding policies have been established at the U.S. Government, Department of Veterans Affairs, and OIT levels to ensure a consistent message. Here is a list of policy documents, best practices, and resources.

OIT Brand System

This brand system will be the foundation of all OIT documentation and websites at every level. Any existing, localized procedures or documentation must be updated to comply with this guide. Document types not covered directly in the OIT Brand System must be updated to comply wherever possible. Recommendations for inclusion in the brand system should be sent to IT Strategic Communication (ITSC).

Websites should begin transitioning to the design elements outlined within the US Web Design System and VA.gov design system as soon as possible while meeting the requirements of the VA Web Governance Board. All OIT-related public-facing websites will be hosted within the DigitalVA website (digital.va.gov) or an approved location (technology dependent) and must be approved by IT Strategic Communication.

Core Policies

Accessibility and Section 508 – The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Information and Technology are committed to the accessibility of its electronic information and technologies for individuals with disabilities by meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Learn more about VA Section 508. All documents and websites, regardless of audience, must be fully accessible. Visit the DigitalVA Accessibility Guide for additional information.

Plain Language – The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed into law on October 13, 2010. The law requires that federal agencies use “clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.” Plain language website. Authoritative Reference: VA Directive 0001.

VA Public Affairs Guidelines– The VA Public Affairs Guidelines provide a concise framework for addressing public relations issues. They should help you more effectively plan for crises and events that could generate interest from stakeholders or the news media.

AP Stylebook – The AP Stylebook provides a guide to capitalization, abbreviations, spelling, numerals, usage, and chapters on the Internet, business, punctuation, and media law. A brief guide to AP styles is available here.

Generally speaking, VA adopts the AP style for written correspondence, particularly regarding news copy. VA has its own style for writing, which may supersede the AP styles, and the variances can be found in the VA Public Affairs Guidelines or the Executive Secretary guidance.

VA 6102 – Internet and Intranet Services – Establishes policy for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees in establishing, managing, maintaining, and presenting information on VA’s internet and intranet sites and sites operating on behalf of VA and non-VA entities contracted to operate for VA, and related services reflect evolving best practices for customer service, technology, and security. Visit the Web Governance website for the latest information.

VA Tier 1 Graphics Standard – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tier 1 Graphic Standards showcase significant elements of the VA brand identity system and provide guidelines for their correct use in creating new components of the VA brand identity. The purpose of establishing a brand identity is to make more accessible communication products that are well-designed and consistently provide clear and accurate information to Veterans about VA benefits and services. Authoritative Reference: VA Directive 0023 and| VA Handbook 0023.