HHS aims to streamline acquisition with emerging tech and DHS makes strides with Innovation lab. All this and more in Public Spend Forum’s Weekly Roundup for September 28, 2018.
HHS Combines AI, Automation, Blockchain for Acquisition Project
Much of the discussion around IT modernization has centered on the potential benefits of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, or blockchain could bring to federal agencies. But the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hopes to demonstrate how all three together could streamline its buying power by November. Jose Arrieta, HHS’ associate deputy assistant secretary for acquisition, said the agency is projecting that its ReImagine HHS initiative could obtain a full authority to operate before Thanksgiving, providing a chance to test the system with live data and potentially transform the acquisition process.
GSA Selects HUD As Next Agency for IT Modernization CoE
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced the Centers of Excellence (CoE) IT modernization initiative has selected the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). GSA’s Technology Transformation Service (TTS), which oversees the CoEs, will partner with HUD for a “discovery sprint” to conduct a “comprehensive assessment of the IT needs and challenges facing the department.” The process “will be led by program office experts with full IT support,” HUD CIO David Chow said.
DHS Aims to Streamline Procurement Process Through Innovation Lab Boot Camp
Soraya Correa, chief procurement officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), told Federal News Radio in an interview how DHS’ procurement innovation lab (PIL) helps personnel and other agencies streamline the acquisition process through the boot camp. “People walk out of the course not only understanding what our innovative techniques are, but encouraged and motivated to go out and innovative and be innovative in the constructs of the Federal Acquisition Regulations,” Correa said of PIL’s boot camp. Some of the key takeaways from the boot camp include techniques how to carry out oral presentations, technical or product demonstrations and the downselect process, Correa noted.
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GSA Awards $2.5B Payroll Shared Services Contract
Senate HSGAC Advances Cyber Bills