Appears In
Transparency and accountability are foundational elements for government agencies to build public trust, ensure ethical practices, and promote effective use of taxpayer resources. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information and Technology is laser focused on these values as we execute against our mission of providing world-class IT products and services to VA and to the Veterans, caregivers, and families VA serves.
VA, along with all other federal agencies are assessed and graded on their overall Information Technology (IT) performance as part of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA). The goal of the assessment is to reduce costs, improve cybersecurity, and enhance IT performance while providing good customer service across the Federal government. As a testament to VA’s strong stewardship of IT investments, our overall FITARA score increased from a C grade to a B on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s biannual scorecard released in September 2024. This significant achievement, along with receiving A grades in key areas such as IT functionality, risk assessment, and our transition to the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) telecommunications contract, reflects our unwavering commitment to Operational Excellence and our dedication to enhancing the quality of services provided to Veterans.
Why This Achievement Matters
VA is the nation’s largest integrated health care provider and we safeguard critical data for over 9.1 million Veterans across a vast IT landscape. This includes:
- Providing care at over 1,360 healthcare facilities, including 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,193 outpatient sites of care
- Protecting 500,000 desktops that interface with 1,000+ systems
- Blocking more than 6 billion malware threats annually
The recent improvement to a B grade marks an important milestone, one achieved through the dedication of multiple teams across VA to streamline processes, implement cost-saving practices, and enhance the overall experience for those who have served our nation.
“Our journey to improve our FITARA score is about more than just numbers; it’s about crafting a better narrative for Veterans,” says Martha Orr, Deputy Chief Information Officer for Compliance, Risk, and Remediation; Chief Risk Officer; and Chief Audit Executive. “Each enhancement in our IT management practices is a chapter in a larger story of commitment and care. By striving for excellence, we are ensuring that Veterans receive timely, reliable services that honor their sacrifices. This ongoing pursuit not only strengthens our operational capabilities, but also empowers us to tell a story of transformation — one where technology serves as a bridge to better outcomes, ultimately enriching Veteran lives.”
