In today’s episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown chats with Matt Quinn, Science Director at TATRC/DoD, about his groundbreaking program, Passive Data Collection for Automated Documentation, which won a 2025 Disruptive Tech Award.Matt dives into the specifics of his award-winning program, explaining how it addresses key challenges in the GovCon space and what makes it stand out in the industry. He shares insights into the innovation process, the critical technologies that played a role in the program's success, and the strategies behind creating truly disruptive solutions.In this episode, Matt also discusses what it takes to drive sustainable innovation in the GovCon sector and gives us a sneak peek at what’s next for his program.Tune in for an inside look at how technology is changing the game in government contracting and what we can expect to see in the future.  Matt Quinn is the Science Director for the Army’s Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) and leads efforts by TATRC’s research & development teams to automate casualty care by fusing data, humans, and machines.  For over 20 years Matt has been deeply involved in advancing health technology in the public and private sectors in key roles such as Senior Advisor for Health Technology at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Managing Director for Healthcare & Life Sciences at Intel Corporation, Director of Healthcare Initiatives at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Healthcare Industry Manager for Teradata.  At the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Matt led a research agenda that resulted in “safety-enhanced design” certification requirements for electronic health records.  Mr. Quinn has been called to testify before both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, been inducted in the FORUM100 Hall of Fame, received the HHS Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor granted by the department, the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his work in launching the National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network (NETCCN) and the first ever National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved "Champion of Diversity" award. Matt began his career as an Army Engineer Officer and earned an engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Colorado State University. 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Tris Carpenter, General Manager for Strategic Growth at Red Team Consulting, to explore the evolving landscape of federal contracting. As the current administration ushers in significant changes, Tris provides valuable insights into how companies can adapt, thrive, and stay competitive.Key topics discussed include:The major shifts in federal contracting policies and their potential impactHow workforce reductions are affecting businesses and how to safeguard cash flowWhich sectors are experiencing growth, and which are at riskThe latest on cybersecurity, CMMC challenges, and IT modernizationHow new regulations are reshaping the competitive landscape for contractorsTris also shares his forecast for the future of federal contracting and offers some unexpected advice that could give your company the edge it needs in a changing environment. If you’re in the federal contracting space, this episode is packed with the strategies and insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.Tune in now for expert analysis and actionable advice!  Tris Carpenter, General Manager, Strategic Growth, Red Team ConsultingTris Carpenter serves as Red Team's General Manager for Strategic Growth and in-house expert on all things related. Pulling from over 24 years of experience as a senior executive and advisory consultant, Tris works with our clients to build targeted solutions to cultivate new business across major government agencies and diverse commercial markets. Tris' primary focus is advising and guiding clients looking to grow in the DOD, Intel, and Federal Civilian market areas. 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Alexis Bonnel, Chief Information Officer & Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Recently recognized with the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Award, Alexis shares her thoughts on what this achievement means to her both personally and professionally.Through this conversation, Alexis reflects on a pivotal moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success and the innovative work being done at the Air Force Research Laboratory. She also discusses her vision for the future of technology in defense and research, highlighting the evolving role of digital capabilities in shaping national security and innovation.To wrap up, Alexis offers valuable advice for emerging leaders looking to make a lasting impact in the IT industry. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of tech in the defense sector. 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Felipe Fernandez, Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet Federal, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in networking and cybersecurity, Felipe leads the charge in delivering mission-critical cybersecurity solutions for federal agencies. He shares valuable insights on the current state of zero trust implementation across federal agencies, as well as the challenges many still face in aligning these principles with their unique operational needs.Felipe discusses the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing cybersecurity frameworks, and how agencies can enforce zero trust principles in multi-cloud environments. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of federal cybersecurity and how agencies can strengthen their defenses moving forward.If you're involved in federal cybersecurity or interested in the future of zero trust, this episode is a must-listen! 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Saeed Elnaj, Chief Innovation Officer at RELI Group, to discuss the role of AI in transforming the federal health industry, particularly in the Medicare system. With 30 years of experience in technology leadership and expertise in Generative AI, cloud technologies, and digital transformation, Saeed shares his insights on how AI can significantly improve customer experience (CX) and health outcomes for older, non-digital-native Medicare beneficiaries.Saeed explores the recent investments CMS has made in AI to help improve plan selection and proactively identify patients at risk for chronic conditions. He also discusses the challenges federal health agencies face as they integrate AI, using the vast CMS data to deliver better services, and how these innovations are paving the way for the future of Medicare.Don’t miss this discussion on the future of healthcare and the transformative power of AI in the federal health sector! 

In this special episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Ann Dunkin, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and recipient of the 2025 FORUM IT100 Award. With a wealth of experience in both government and private sectors, Ann reflects on her career journey and what this prestigious award means to her personally and professionally. She also shares a pivotal project or moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success.Ann discusses her vision for the future of technology in the public sector and her hopes for how digital transformation can drive positive change in areas like energy, science, and national security. She concludes by offering valuable advice to emerging leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in the IT industry.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in government! 

In this insightful episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Kyle Tuberson, Chief Technology Officer at ICF and a recent winner of the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award. Together, they discuss what this remarkable achievement means to Kyle both personally and professionally. Kyle shares a pivotal career moment that helped shape his journey to success and how it influenced his leadership in the tech world. The conversation also dives into his vision for the future of technology and his role in shaping its evolution. Kyle offers valuable advice to aspiring leaders in the IT industry looking to make a lasting impact. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of tech.Don't miss this episode for a unique perspective from one of the industry’s top influencers! 

In this special episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Joseph Sabin, the Vice President of Cyber Programs at Adapt Forward and a recent winner of the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Hall of Fame Award. Joseph shares his journey to this major achievement, discussing the dedication, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped his career.With over two decades of experience in the IT field, Joseph reflects on the personal and professional significance of receiving the award, as well as how it aligns with his vision for the future of technology. He also offers invaluable insights on what it takes to lead in an ever-evolving industry and the key strategies that helped him excel.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the bright future of IT from a true industry trailblazer. 

In this episode of the Keeping IT Brief podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Susan Burke, Vice President of Military and Veterans Health at Cognosante, a part of Accenture Federal Services. This week, we're celebrating Susan's remarkable achievement as a 2025 FORUM IT100 Hall of Fame Winner.Susan shares her insights on what winning the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award means to her, both personally and professionally, as well as the pivotal moments and projects that have shaped her career. She dives deep into the future of technology in the military and veterans health sectors, offering a glimpse into the innovative solutions driving transformation in these critical areas.In addition to discussing her own journey, Susan provides valuable advice to aspiring IT leaders, emphasizing the importance of dedication, innovation, and impact in driving meaningful change within the tech industry.Tune in for a conversation packed with inspiration, expertise, and forward-thinking leadership! 

This week, we’re joined by Joel Krooswyk, Federal CTO at GitLab, to explore the critical issue of legacy IT systems in the public sector and how AI can be a game-changer in modernizing government IT infrastructures.Key Topics We Cover:The Legacy IT ChallengeMany federal agencies still rely on outdated systems that are vulnerable to security risks, costly to maintain, and hinder the development of mission-critical applications. Joel discusses why these legacy systems are so challenging, particularly the issues with memory-unsafe languages and the high percentage of vulnerabilities they cause (70%).AI as a Tool for IT ModernizationWith the lengthy process of modernizing legacy code, AI presents an opportunity to accelerate this journey. We explore how AI can help decode and refactor outdated systems, transforming them into more secure, modern, and memory-safe applications.AI in the Software Development LifecycleAI isn’t just for modernization—it's already making an impact. Joel highlights findings from GitLab’s report, showing that 35% of U.S. public sector organizations are already using AI in their software development lifecycle. We discuss how leveraging AI across the entire lifecycle can reduce silos, eliminate backlogs, and streamline development workflows.This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the public sector or involved in IT modernization, from AI's potential to improve security to how it can transform development processes and accelerate mission-critical application delivery.  Connect with Joel.Joel KrooswykAs federal CTO at GitLab Inc., Joel Krooswyk has over 25 years of experience in the software industry. His end-to-end software development life cycle expertise benefits customers and employees alike. Joel’s leadership experience spans not only the U.S. Public Sector, but also small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses globally. He’s an experienced leader, team builder, communicator, thought leader and researcher.Joel’s expertise spans development, QA, product management, portfolio planning, and technical sales, and he has written a half million lines of unique code throughout his career. On an average day, you'll find him discussing software modernization, cybersecurity, governance and compliance, AI, ongoing digital transformation, and automation.GitLabGitLab is the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform for software innovation that accelerates speed to mission. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 40 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100 trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster. 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Chidester, Head of Industry Strategy for the Public Sector at Adobe and a recipient of the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award. Brian shares what winning this award means to him both personally and professionally, reflecting on the pivotal moments in his career that have contributed to his success.We delve into his vision for the future of technology in the public sector and how he sees the role of innovation and strategy evolving in this space. Brian also offers invaluable advice for aspiring IT leaders, drawing from his own journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.Tune in for insights into leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of technology in the public sector—straight from one of the industry’s most respected voices. Connect with Brian HERE.

 In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo F. Ortiz, a visionary CEO and Marine Corps combat veteran, whose journey from government service to entrepreneurship has been driven by a singular passion: breaking down barriers to access critical services. As the CEO of Coforma, Eduardo leads a team that designs cutting-edge technology solutions, making life easier for countless people. Tune in to hear how his time as a software engineer and product strategist shaped his approach to innovation, and how his leadership philosophy is helping change the digital landscape for the better. With an MBA from the University of Maryland and a drive to serve, Eduardo shares his inspiring story of growth, resilience, and the power of technology to create real impact. Don’t miss this compelling conversation! Eduardo F. Ortiz is CEO of Coforma, a digital services firm that crafts creative technology solutions that help people live better lives. He is a combat Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps and several government civilian agencies. Eduardo is passionate about leveraging product and technology practices to remove points of friction that prevent people from accessing critical services. This passion has driven his professional journey from a software engineer and product strategist to an entrepreneur. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland. Eduardo lives in Maryland with his wife, son, and two dogs. 

  Welcome to this episode of Keeping IT Brief, where we dive deep into the world of technology with the experts shaping its future. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Steve Orrin, Intel’s Federal Chief Technology Officer. Steve is a heavyweight in the tech world, spearheading Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements at Intel. His career is a testament to leadership in cybersecurity and innovative technology, with past roles including CSO at Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies.Steve has been recognized as one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTOs and received accolades such as Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award and Washington Exec's Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023. He has also made significant contributions to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is a prominent fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. As the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee, Steve’s expertise spans the critical intersection of cybersecurity and technology strategy.In today’s episode, we'll delve into Steve’s insights on navigating the complex landscape of enterprise security, risk mitigation, and the future of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a cybersecurity professional, or just curious about the cutting-edge solutions shaping our digital world, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Steven OrrinSteve Orrin is Intel’s Federal CTO and leads Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements. He has held technology leadership positions at Intel where leading cybersecurity programs, custom hardware and software architecture and solutions, products, and strategy. Steve is a cybersecurity expert and sought-after advisor to public and private sector leaders on enterprise security, risk mitigations, and securing complex systems. Steve was previously CSO for Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, CTO and co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies. He was named one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTO's, received Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award, is a Washington Exec Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023, was the Vice-Chair of the NSITC/IDESG Security Committee and was a Guest Researcher at NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE). He is a fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee.Intel CorpIntel Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells computer components, software, and related products. We create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.Intel put the silicon in Silicon Valley. For more than 50 years, Intel and our people have had a profound influence on the world, driving business and society forward by creating radical innovation that revolutionizes the way we live. Today we are applying our reach, scale, and resources to enable our customers to capitalize more fully on the power of digital technology. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. 

Data standards play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and interoperability within the healthcare and public health sectors. These standards are designed to enhance data exchange efficiency and support diverse healthcare environments.Today we speak to from Leidos, Yoseph Asfaw, Chief Technology OfficerAustin Kreisler, HL7 Subject Mater Expert, on how health data standards are developed, shared, and maintained by the HL7 International organization in cooperation with the members of the healthcare/public health ecosystem – HL7’s Version 2 (V2), HL7's Version 3 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA®) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). These data standards show a maturation to embrace technology advancements and expand adaptability for improved interoperability, increased speed of care and public health decision-making, and expanded health equity across society.Yoseph Asfaw serves as Chief Technology Officer for Leidos Health and Civil Sector in Capability Integration, where he leads development of innovative technical solutions for Health and Civilian customers in areas of Data Strategy and Governance and AI readiness. Mr. Asfaw most recently led Digital Modernization efforts across a large porfolio for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and broaderHHS, overseeing best practoces in DevSecOps, User Experience, and Product Delivery. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he is recipient of the 2021 National Award for “Disruptive Change Agent Shifting the Landscape” by G2Xchange for his leadership in transforming the government’s technology landscape bydelivering modern and high-performance applications for use by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Austin Kreisler serves as HL7 Subject Mater Expert for Leidos Health with expertise in the clinical and laboratory interface arena as interface support engineer, interface software developer, interface software designer, and an HL7 standards developer. He has more than 20 years of experience of various leadership experience within the HL7 organization and formerly served on the HL7 Technical Steering Commitee, Structured Documents Work Group, and Board of Directors. Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com 

Value-based payment models have become increasingly important across healthcare as tools for reducing costs and improving the quality of care that patients receive. Many of these models have been the focus of large-scale experiments and require the use of large, data complex systems. Robin Weinick, Principal of Resonant, LLC, Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer at Arcadia, and Don Simpson, Director at Guidehouse, discuss issues associated with data and AI in value-based models.  Robin Weinick, PhD, Principal, Resonant, LLCRobin brings three decades of experience working to improve U.S. healthcare system. In her current role as Principal of Resonant, LLC, she works with a wide variety of healthcare executives from diverse organizations, supporting them as a facilitator, executive coach, and consultant.Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer, ArcadiaAneesh served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama (’09-’12) and in 2014, authored, “Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government.” He serves on the Board of the Health Care Cost Institute, the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and earned his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and BA from The Johns Hopkins University.Don Simpson, Director, GuidehouseDon brings more than 20 years of experience providing management consulting to the federal government and private sector. He currently guides project delivery at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as drives business growth in the public health and commercial health markets. His expertise includes program/project management, digital services, strategy, performance management, process improvement, risk management, internal control, and information technology assurance.  

Healthcare professionals increasingly use wireless devices such as smartphones and mobile apps as healthcare organizations become more dependent on mobile services for gathering patient data, monitoring remote patients and more. But as the number of devices healthcare organizations use increases and their functions and locations expand, management becomes more complex.Today we speak with  DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMI about how from cybersecurity risks to remote device maintenance logistics to BYOD, hospitals and other healthcare organizations can put themselves and their patients at risk without appropriate attention to all elements of mobile management.   DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMIAs the President of Managed Services, DJ provides guidance and customer insights while retaining loyal and satisfied customers in today’s mobile-connected world. He possesses extensive industry experience in mobile lifecycle management, mobile strategy, help desk, telecom expense management, procurement and MDM management. DJ helps build strong reputable relationships to develop robust mobile programs for customers that drive business results to enhance and grow their mobile eco-system and user experience.Upon joining DMI, DJ brought with him an extensive background of Information Technology, operations management, mobility management, managed services, systems administration, and project management experience. His customer-focused approach has brought customers new insights on how they manage their mobile programs today. DMI is a leading global provider of digital services at the intersection of the public and private sectors. With broad capabilities, including infrastructure support services, cybersecurity, cloud, and application development, DMI provides on-site and remote support to clients within governments, healthcare, financial services, transportation, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure sectors. DMI is continually recognized as a Top Workplace in both regional and national categories.  

Health disparities impair attainment of, and opportunity to attain, optimal health for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, and other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mark improved health care access as a priority area for the agency and the federal health community – this is evident through CMS’s Framework for Health Equity which strives to identify and remedy systemic barriers to access so that every one of the people CMS serves has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health.Today on Keeping IT Brief, Darryl Roberts, VP of Health Informatics at RELI Group, discusses how the Framework highlights priority areas and efforts that can help address avoidable inequalities and eliminate health and health care disparities – one area of note is the use of data and data analytics. The process of analyzing healthcare data to improve quality of care is a core approach and one that will be essential for future health care efforts. Details found through effective data analytics can be translated to inform public use files, technical documents, clearance processes, publications and more, ultimately helping guide public health policy.  Darryl RobertsVP of Health Informatics at RELI GroupDarryl W. Roberts, PhD, MS, RN, FHIMSS, FAAN, brings more than three decades of diverse healthcare and informatics experience to RELI Group, having demonstrated profound expertise in healthcare quality, informatics, policy and management.Dr. Roberts, a PhD-prepared registered nurse, has an extensive background that encompasses roles ranging from clinical practice, education and research to policy advisory and high-level consultancy. His noteworthy contributions include the development of pioneering quality measures and advancing informatics practices to optimize healthcare outcomes. His past experiences with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have positioned him uniquely to lead RELI Group’s health informatics strategies into the future.RELI GroupBased near Baltimore, Maryland, RELI Group is a leading organization and partner in the federal and SLG arena, supporting health IT initiatives and security missions since 2013.The company collaborates with agencies throughout the government that touch the lives of every American, with goals of improving health, safety and security from coast to coast. Ranging from cybersecurity and data analysis to health informatics and national security, RELI Group is prepared to support various mission-critical operations across the government. 

Today on Keeping IT Brief, we have a special guest: Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina, author of the groundbreaking book "Public Procurement for Innovation: Research and Development at the US Federal Level."In her insightful book, co-authored with Benjamin McMartin, Dolores presents a comprehensive analysis of the innovative contract vehicles driving progress in the United States. Discover how these alternative approaches are revolutionizing public procurement and fostering groundbreaking advancements.Join us for an engaging discussion and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind federal innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of public procurement and research and development! Dolores Kuchina-Musina holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy and a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University. She has been published in the Journal of Public Procurement, Politics, and Policy and is working on additional research. Dr. Kuchina-Musina has a graduate certificate in Public Procurement and Contract Management (PPCM), is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), and is a National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Fellow. Her research focus includes innovation policy, Other Transaction Authorities, federal procurement reform, and decisionmaking models. Dr. Kuchina-Musina is the CEO/Founder at REXOTA Solutions, LLC, a consulting company in the DC-Metro area, focusing on strategy, planning, pursuit, capture, management, and administration of federal contract/agreement awards. Dr. Kuchina-Musina has over a decade of experience in federal, state, and international public procurement, specifically directing and managing strategic pursuits in collaboration with business development, proposal development, and change management initiatives for Federal procurement acquisitions. She has also been a strategic partner in providing risk management support for Federal compliance contracts for public and private sector organizations.

Global geopolitical changes, weather, health and macroeconomics play a part in managing our everyday supply chain. Addressing these factors while accounting for operational agency challenges are becoming a critical part of a supply chain practitioners job. Gaps in reliable, complete data, integrated analysis, undocumented risk assessment procedures, and unclear roles and responsibilities are contributing factors to a vulnerable supply chain risk management program. Elizabeth (“Beth”) Van Absher, Director of the NIH Division of Logistics Services (DLS), and Moshe Nelson, Partner in Guidehouse’s Defense & Security Segment, provide public and private sector perspectives on how we can collectively further supply chain resilience.Elizabeth Van Absher, Director of Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Elizabeth "Beth" Van Absher is the director of Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) overseeing $1.9B worth of accountable personal property, fleet, and the NIH Supply Center (NIHSC). The NIHSC is the agency’s priority source for laboratory, fire, safety, and administrative supplies, and is the agency’s mandated source for personal protective equipment (PPE). Van Absher is the lead for the NIH Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Council, in addition to serving as the agency representative on the HHS SCRM. She is a critical driver of good for government outcomes, ensuring supply chain stability through strategic sourcing, enterprise data sharing, collaboration, and modernization.Van Absher is an integral part of the NIH and HHS teams to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Public Law 117-58, collaborating across acquisitions, policy, HHS agencies and suppliers to ensure compliance with IIJA. Beth was also the lead for the PPE Plan of Action under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act in Response to COVID-19, during which the NIH Supply Center provided critical PPE to national intake sites on behalf of HHS to volunteers, children, families, and refugees. She also served as the agency lead for nitrile glove enterprise sourcing on behalf of HHS’s BuySmarter program.Moshe Nelson, Partner GuidehouseBio: Moshe has provided supply chain management strategy, technology, and analytics across the public and private sector for nearly twenty years. As a result, clients have reduced operating costs by over $300M, fielded advanced technologies in an efficient and effective manner, and established accountable and data driven means for critical lifecycle supply chain management. Moshe has supported the health, defense, homeland security, diplomatic, and infrastructure arenas to improve supply chain resiliency across the United States.GuidehouseGuidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. By combining our public and private sector expertise, we help clients address their most complex challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures focusing on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services, we create scalable, innovative solutions that help our clients outwit complexity and position them for future growth and success.

The public focus of EHR modernization has been on configuring a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution that blends all the requirements that are unique to the VA with a system that is widely used in the commercial sector. But equally or even more importantly, the VA needs to continue to invest in, maintain, and upgrade its current EHR – the Veterans Health Information System Technology Architecture (VistA).Today we discuss these insights which are from a recent Federal News Network guest article authored by David Whitmer, FACHE, vice president for federal operations at DSS Inc. David also discusses how no matter what the outcome of the COTS solution, VistA will remain the vital backbone of VA operations.David Whitmer, FACHE, Vice President for Federal Operations at DSS Inc.Mr. Whitmer is the Vice President, Federal Operations at DSS Inc., and is a board-certified healthcare executive with 30 years of public health experience at the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Health Administration, including 20 years in C-suite positions, and 10 years as member of the Senior Executive Service.DSS Inc.Document Storage Systems, Inc. (DSS) is a catalyst for health care innovation, keeping pace with evolving technologies as a solutions provider, systems integrator, and services contractor to the Department of Veterans Affairs. DSS is committed to assisting VA in its High Reliability Organization journey and delivering care quality for Veterans by meeting top initiatives, changing regulatory requirements, and implementing enhanced business transformation across VA enterprise.