Elevating Software Excellence
VA's Software Factory Model (SWF) combines advanced tools and methods to deliver fast, innovative, and secure software solutions, enhancing services for our Veterans. The model ensures a superior software delivery experience rooted in our promise of being better, faster, and safer.
Estimated Savings
Better
Streamlining technology to simplify our systems and minimize technical debt, ensuring our software reliably meets the needs of Veterans and their families.
* Last updated June 2024
Intake Cycle Time Reduction
Faster
Utilizing a unified Intake process with standardized procedures and tools to quickly deliver effective solutions to Veterans and partners.
* Last updated September 2024
Implementation of SaaS Re-use
Safer
Prioritizing simplicity, userfriendliness, and robust security in every step of our software development to protect Veteran data.
* Last updated June 2024
Explore the Software Factory Model
Think of VA's SWF Model as a factory line, but instead of producing physical goods, we’re creating high-quality, efficient software solutions. Below is a more detailed breakdown of what each component does:
The Intake process acts as the strategic “front door” to the Software Factory Model, evaluating and routing requests to the optimal development pathway.
The SaaS Software Factory streamlines software delivery by providing off-the-shelf scalable applications requiring minimal management.
The PaaS Software Factory uses flexible and scalable platforms, enabling teams to build, deploy, and manage applications easily and efficiently.
Software Factory Utilities are a robust suite of tools that support and enhance the development process across all Software Factory Model components.
The Custom Dev Software Factory tailors software development to unique needs where out-of-the-box solutions cannot meet specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions about the SWF model, how to use it, and what it means for VA.
What is the Software Factory Model?
VA’s Software Factory Model (SWF) is an integrated approach developed to help the Office of Information Technology (OIT) build and deliver better, faster, and safer software applications to our customers and Veterans. The SWF model combines tools, practices, and self-service capabilities to enhance software delivery and meet evolving needs, upon which development teams can quickly create and deliver products.
How is the SWF Model helping VA deliver software better, faster, and safer?
- Better: The Software Factory Model enables VA to consistently deliver software solutions better aligned with the needs of our organization, employees, and Veterans. By leveraging the “factories” concept, we can standardize and streamline development processes, enhance quality, and improve overall user experience.
- Faster: The model’s factory approach accelerates the delivery of software applications. Standardized frameworks and reusable components reduce questions related to software projects and encourage efficient development. This means reduced development cycles, quicker time-to-market, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing business demands.
- Safer: Security is a top priority for VA, and the SWF Model enhances our ability to deliver safe and secure software solutions. By adopting industry best practices and leveraging established cloud infrastructure providers, we can ensure that our applications meet the highest security standards and protect sensitive data.
Why Implement SWF at VA?
- Fulfill Needs Rapidly: Speed is crucial. SWF ensures that software needs are addressed promptly, reducing bottlenecks.
- Leverage Innovative Technology: Embracing cutting-edge tech to remain ahead of the curve and offer the best services.
- Maintain Usability and Security: While innovation is essential, ensuring our tools remain user-friendly and secure is paramount.
What is a “Software Factory”?
- Produce working software that is better, faster, and safer
- Outcomes are centered around business partner outcomes
- Maximum reuse
- Optimized for a single delivery model
- Factory-specific acquisition standards
- Maximum security inheritance
- Prioritize self-service and automation
- Factory training program and career paths
- Customer service
- Center of excellence & vendor reach back support
- Must comply with utility certification program
- Technical governance
Contact Us
Need to get in touch with the SWF team? Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to give feedback, we're here to help. Contact us at vaswf@va.gov.
