Veterans Affairs: Observations on IT Contracting Trends and Management Oversight
| Report Type |
Reports and Testimonies |
| Report Date |
May 23, 2023 |
| Release Date |
May 23, 2023 |
| Report No. |
GAO-23-106845 |
Summary:
What GAO Found
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) depends on critical underlying IT systems to manage benefits and provide care to millions of veterans and their families. From fiscal years 2017 through 2021, VA obligated over $25 billion to procure a range of IT products and services—among the highest IT obligations in the federal government—primarily through its Technology Acquisition Center.
During this period, VA has obligated more on IT, but to fewer contractors. In December 2022, GAO found that from fiscal years 2017 through 2021, VA's total IT obligations increased by more than half. At the same time, the number of contractors receiving awards decreased by more than a quarter. GAO also found that VA's competition rate for IT contracting was lower than for non-IT, but in line with IT contracting at other federal agencies.
VA's IT Contract Obligations Increased as Number of Contractors Decreased
VA's procurement of IT-related assets often has not received appropriate oversight by VA's Chief Information Officer (CIO). In March 2023, GAO did not find evidence of CIO approval for 39 percent of new IT contract actions awarded between March 2018 and September 2021. GAO also found that 14 of 26 selected fiscal year 2021 contract actions did not have CIO approvals.
Most Selected Fiscal Year 2021 VA IT Contract Actions Did Not Have CIO Approvals
According to VA officials, their contracting systems did not have an automated control reminding contracting officers to route such actions for CIO review. The lack of visibility into IT procurement limits the CIO's opportunity to provide input.
Why GAO Did This Study
VA spends billions of dollars annually on IT that supports delivery of benefits and health care to veterans. VA continues to face long-standing challenges managing its IT projects, including the department's multibillion dollar electronic health record modernization initiative. In 2015, GAO added VA health care to its High-Risk List due, in part, to these challenges. In 2019, GAO also added VA acquisition management to its High-Risk List.
This statement discusses (1) trends in VA IT contracting, and (2) oversight of VA IT procurements. It is based on GAO's December 2022 report on trends and competition in VA IT contracting and GAO's March 2023 report on VA's IT management. Details about the scope and methodology for published GAO reports are included in those products.
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