FY 2018 - 2024 Strategic PlanThis strategic plan describes the major changes the Department will undergo over the next five to seven years todeliver better choices for Veterans. Where we are not measuring up, we must fix VA. Opening up options forVeterans to get their benefits, care, and services will force VA to compete for our Veteran customers. Our path tocompetitiveness is shaped by the Department’s five priorities, which define the operational focus of VA and whichwill make VA a stronger organization that provides better outcomes for Veterans, taxpayers, and society. On March 3, 1865, President Lincoln signed legislation that established a network of National facilities to care forthe Nation’s wounded Civil War Soldiers. This singular act codified a social contract between the Nation and ourVeterans that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would always be there for them and their families, to helpthem heal and recover from the illnesses, injuries, or wounds sustained in service to America and to ease theirsuccessful reintegration into civilian life. This set of principles drives VA’s mission to this day.Department of Veterans AffairsVA_47f81fd2-d76c-4e9e-99f7-d3aa671d9683VA is comprised of a Central Office (VACO), which is located in Washington, DC, the Board of Veterans' Appeals(BVA), and field facilities throughout the Nation, as well as the U.S. territories and the Philippines. Veteranprograms are delivered by VA's three major Administrations: Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VeteransBenefits Administration (VBA), and National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VA is the second largest Federaldepartment and has a workforce of approximately 351,540 full-time employees.David J. Shu/kin, M.D.Secretary of Veterans A/fairVeteransVeterans are individuals who have served in one of the seven uniformed services who meet the length of service and character of discharge requirements prescribed by law. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Services, and Commissioned Officer Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as eligible members of the Reserve and National Guard components, World War II Merchant Mariners, and certain members of the Philippine Armed Forces. VA also provides benefits and services to eligible survivors, spouses, dependents, and parents of Veterans, as well as caregivers of certain disabled Veterans ...Service MembersService members in an active duty status may also be eligible for certain VA benefits and services to include, but not limited to, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, Traumatic Injury Protection, GI Bill, the VA Home loan program, and certain medical services.Veterans Health Administration (VHA)Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)National Cemetery Administration (NCA)Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)VA Medical CentersServices and benefits are provided through a nationwide network of 145 Medical Centers with hospital service, 25Medical Centers without hospital service, 300 Vet Centers, 1,008 Clinics, one (1) Extended Care facility (standalone),eight (8) Residential Care facilities (stand-alone), 56 Regional Offices and National Capital Region BenefitsOffice (NCRBO), 142 additional out-based offices at which VR&E Operates, 122 Integrated Disability EvaluationSystem (IDES) offices at military installations (VR&E Operates at 71), 94 VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) sitesoperated by VR&E at Colleges and Universities, three (3) Education Processing Offices (RPO), six (6) Fiduciary Hubs,three (3) Pension Management Centers, one (1) Insurance Center, nine (9) Regional Loan Centers, 135 NationalCemeteries, and 108 Veterans Cemetery Grants Program funded State, Tribal and Territorial cemeteries.Veterans receive excellent care and services_17009d38-46ab-11e8-a3bb-8b7bf1c279adTo care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan._17009e28-46ab-11e8-a3bb-8b7bf1c279adIntegrityOur Veterans deserve our very best -- always. The values of Integrity and Respect are the bedrock behaviors of a VA workforce dedicated to treating those Americans who so willingly volunteered their lives in defense of this great Nation.CommitmentCommitment is a thread that runs through all the goals and will remain unchanged through the volatile and complex future VA business environment.AdvocacyVA pledges to Advocate and provide care for all Veterans who come to us, with particular emphasis on those who will need us the most but have the least ability to reach out to us for help. VA will ensure that our most vulnerable Veterans are cared for. RespectExcellenceAchieving Excellence is the only performance target acceptable in a VA that is hyper-focused on improving the lives and outcomes of our Nation’s Veterans. Pursuit of excellence drives innovation, agility, and better outcomes. Information, Access & ChoicesVETERANS CHOOSE VA FOR EASY ACCESS, GREATER CHOICES, AND CLEAR INFORMATION TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS_17009ec8-46ab-11e8-a3bb-8b7bf1c279ad1To provide Veterans with better choices and better access to the benefits, care, and services they need, we have toenhance our understanding of what they are experiencing in their lives. VA will combine understanding of theVeteran with continuous market analyses of availability and quality of provider options to provide a better range ofchoices for our Veterans. This is what we mean by greater choice. Further, VA must compete for our Veterancustomers or risk losing them. We welcome the challenge; we believe competing with the private sector to serveour Veterans will make us stronger. In this goal, we also expand easy access beyond making an appointment. Italso applies to Veterans being able to use any benefit, care, or service they need no matter where they are. VA, inits quest to better serve Veterans in the manner they wish to be served, has identified three major elementspertaining to enhanced access for Veterans.NeedsVA ANTICIPATES VETERANS' CHANGING NEEDS THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES TO ENHANCE THEIR CHOICES_17009f68-46ab-11e8-a3bb-8b7bf1c279ad1.1PERFORMANCE GOAL:* Veterans surveyed are satisfied (or better) with the available choices for Veteran care, benefits, and services.* Eligible Veterans choose VA as their provider of choice for their care.VA understands our Veterans' lives and relevant experiences to better anticipate what they will need. This includesunderstanding the evolving nature of military service and combat, understanding the new and pervasivechallenges transitioning Service members tell us they are facing, and communicating often with our Veterans toensure we are achieving the outcomes they desire.UnderstandingVA UNDERSTANDING OF VETERANS BEGINS WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE IN MILITARY SERVICE AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES_3502c7c0-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.1.1VA will enhance understanding of our Veterans by expanding our knowledge of their experiences in militaryservice, beginning with their entry into the military. We use real-time information shared by DoD via the Veteranelectronic health records and other data sources to better anticipate their needs. We communicate with Veteransand their families in advance of their transition and throughout their civilian lives to understand how they arefaring. We understand the impacts and outcomes to our Veterans as they use VA benefits, care, and services anduse this information to either improve outcomes or to ensure we consistently keep doing what works.OutcomesVA FOCUSES ON VETERAN OUTCOMES TO TAILOR CHOICE_3502c978-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.1.2To tailor the choice of benefits and services, as well as access to them for Veterans, VA must constantly assesshow, why, when, and where Veterans are accessing benefits, care, and services. VA must also understand theoutcomes and impacts Veterans experience as a result of services provided by VA or VA's partners. VA can nolonger simply measure internal activities like the number of forms processed or appointments made on time. Wemust focus on understanding whether or not our efforts improved Veteran health or well-being, independence,economic security, or memorialization. This focus on enhanced outcomes also requires VA to implement choice asa system based on clinically and/or customer-driven priorities informed by Veterans' needs, rather than theadministrative rule-based system currently in place today. VA will provide Veterans with the information they needto make the choices that work best for them.Journey MapsVA USES VETERAN JOURNEY MAPS TO ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING_3502caea-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.1.3VA's pledge to be Veteran focused means we must "walk in our Veteran's shoes." In addition to communicatingmore with our Veterans, VA will increase its use of Veteran journey maps, which describe the major life events andmoments Veterans routinely experience. This will help us provide Veterans with benefits, care, and services moreappropriate to the stage of life they are experiencing. VA will expand the use of the Veteran journey maps toenhance our business functions, such as acting on operational risks that impact Veteran outcomes; measuring trueimpacts to Veterans using our benefits and services, and anticipating changes to service offerings based onVeteran stages of life. Most importantly, the use of the Veteran journey maps will help VA personnel understandthe Veteran’s journey and relate better to our Veterans -- a critical component of excellent customer service.Benefits, Care & ServicesVETERANS ARE INFORMED OF, UNDERSTAND, AND CAN AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE BENEFITS, CARE, AND SERVICES THEY CHOOSE_3502cf36-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad1.2PERFORMANCE GOAL:* Veterans agree that they received timely, relevant, and easy to understand information from VA thatempowered them to make informed choices about their benefits, services, and care.* Veterans agree that the statement "I felt like a valued customer" is true.As the chief advocate for our Veterans, VA proactively educates and informs all Veterans about what they areentitled to, or eligible for, as well as what other non-VA provided benefits are available to them based on theirpersonal needs, location, and desires well before they depart military service. NavigationVA HELPS VETERANS NAVIGATE THE FULL ARRAY OF CARE, BENEFITS,AND SERVICES_3502d1fc-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.2.1VA will ensure Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors know about and understand the full range ofVeteran benefits, care, and services available to them through VA, as well as resources available from otherFederal, State, Tribal, Local Government entities, and Veteran servicing organizations. VA will help Veteransnavigate the often diverse and complex range of resources by engaging military Service members early, well beforethey transition to civilian life, so that they can make more informed choices. Further, VA will engage Veteransoften, and in anticipation of major life events (seeking jobs, retiring, aging, etc.) to ensure Veterans receive timelyand relevant information of benefits and services applicable to their stage of life or particular needs. VA will makeit extremely simple for each Veteran to access the information and services they need. Veterans will have multipleways to access benefits, care, and services through a variety of channels—person-to-person interactions, virtual,and digital methods (e.g., websites, apps, telehealth, and mobile devices). CommunicationsVA TAILORS COMMUNICATIONS TO MAKE IT EASY TO UNDERSTANDOPTIONS_3502d3be-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.2.2VA will tailor communications across the generational, geographic, cultural, gender, military experiences, andfuture goals spectrum of the Veteran population. We also make it easy to understand us. VA has begun to do thisby simplifying the language in our correspondence to Veterans and by tailoring information on our websites forour Veterans' families, caregivers, and supporters so they can better help their Veteran. We also improveawareness training for employees to be more sensitive and understanding of the wonderful diversity of ourVeteran population. AdvocacyVA ADVOCATES FOR VETERANS_3502d5b2-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 1.2.3VA will advocate for Veterans by exploring and establishing partnerships to address Veterans’ needs, enrich theirexperience, augment options for Veterans, drive innovative practices, and enhance Veteran outcomes. Well-Being & IndependenceVETERANS RECEIVE TIMELY AND INTEGRATED CARE AND SUPPORT THATEMPHASIZES THEIR WELL-BEING AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE JOURNEY_3502d79c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad2VA will deliver integrated and seamless benefits, care, and support resulting in increased quality of life forVeterans and their families, caregivers, and supporters. Improved quality of life means Veterans are independent,economically secure, socially engaged however they choose, and enjoy enhanced well-being.The strategic objectives associated with these desired outcomes focus on:* Ensuring Veterans receive highly integrated and coordinated benefits, care, and support services that includecare management and that are tailored to meet their economic and health needs, thereby mitigating negativeoutcomes such as poverty, homelessness, and unaddressed mental and health challenges.* Working with DoD and Local community programs to ensure a seamless and less burdensome transition, andensuring Veterans have a clear path to economic security and well-being.* Incorporating the use of technology into our delivery systems as well as driving the rapid expansion of othermobile capabilities to enhance delivery of benefits, care, and services anywhere the Veteran is located.Delivery NetworksVA HAS COLLABORATIVE, HIGH-PERFORMING, AND INTEGRATED DELIVERY NETWORKS THAT ENHANCE VETERAN WELL-BEING AND INDEPENDENCE_3502d918-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad2.1PERFORMANCE GOAL:* Veterans are satisfied with the results of the Veteran benefits, care, and services they received.* VA's organizational performance matches or exceeds industry standards for excellence in all of its lines ofbusiness.VA will leverage highly integrated partnerships with both the public and private sector to ensure Veterans get thebest care and services available, even if that is outside of VA. If the community provides a better outcome, and thecare or service is not considered a foundational VA offering, Veterans deserve the opportunity to get the bestrather than have to settle for sub-par outcomes. This means that VA will excel at its foundational service offerings.VA will also, in partnership with the DoD and Department of Labor (DOL), better prepare Veterans for employmentand reintegration into civilian life. Performance & IntegrationVA BUILDS HIGH-PERFORMING AND INTEGRATED DELIVERY NETWORKSTHAT LEVERAGE BOTH VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL DELIVERY OF BENEFITS, CARE, AND SERVICES_3502db02-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.1.1VA will clarify and simplify eligibility requirements for providers, as well as streamline clinical and administrativeprocesses that emphasize care management and coordination for Veterans. An example is the "Anywhere toAnywhere Care" initiative that will eliminate out of date regulations that unnecessarily restrict VA licensedproviders to serve Veterans in any other state. VA is rapidly expanding the use of telehealth, mobile app, onlineapplications, and videoconferencing capabilities to deliver benefits and care to Veterans no matter where theylive. Most importantly, improvements to mobile devices and apps, including our VA Video Connect app andProvider Connect features, will enable VA providers to connect to Veterans across the country to provide timelyand convenient care. This will help reduce the amount of time a Veteran needs to wait to see a provider,eliminating the need to travel to a VA or other Federal facility to be examined.Video-based delivery of services is used by VA’s business lines, like the Board of Veterans' Appeals, which usesvideo hearings to prevent unnecessary Veteran travel and to expedite adjudication of Veteran appeals. Veteransare also able to apply for any of their benefits via eBenefits and will soon be able to check the status of theirclaims, and/or applications, online or on their mobile devices. VA will continue to invest in infrastructure thatsupports seamless and secure data sharing with key external partners and the virtual delivery of benefits care andservices for Veterans.VA will also ensure reasonable access to a burial option through the physical delivery of new National cemeteriesand grant-funded State and Tribal Veterans cemeteries. Approximately 95 percent of the Veteran population willbe served by these facilities within 75 miles of their homes. VA will explore innovative options to address theremaining five percent of the Veteran population without access coverage.SeparationIMPROVED SEPARATION PREPARATIONS AND COMPENSATIONSUPPORTS VETERAN INDEPENDENCE_3502dcec-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.1.2VA will partner with the DOL and DoD to holistically prepare Service members for transition from active duty totheir civilian lives. VA will help Veterans pursue economic opportunities and professional or career development.Concurrently, VA will modernize and enhance the claims and appeals process to ensure eligible Veterans receiveappropriate and timely compensation for wounds, illnesses, and/or injuries sustained in service to their country.VA will regularly review and update its compensation policies and processes to reflect ongoing modern-dayadvances in health and biotechnology and take into account their positive impact on a Veteran’sindependence. Most importantly, a reformed compensation system will focus on supporting Veteran wellness,focus on service connection, and will provide financial security for our most severely ill, injured or woundedVeterans. The combination of all these efforts will emphasize each Veteran’s abilities and restoration to afunctional capacity so they may lead productive and dignified lives after military service. Foundational ServicesVA WILL EXCEL AT FOUNDATIONAL SERVICES TO INCLUDE CAREMANAGEMENT_3502de72-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.1.3VA will excel at its foundational health services, which include: Primary Care Services, Urgent Care Services, MentalHealth Services, Geriatrics and Extended Care Services, Rehabilitation Services, VA Care Coordination, PostDeployment Health Services (PDHS) and War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers (WRIISC), and PainManagement and Opioid Safety. VA's emphasis on foundational services ensures Veterans receive quality care forthose conditions most attributed to military service and best provided by VA that optimizes their health, wellbeing,and quality of life.For those services provided by external partners, VA will institute care management as a core businesscompetency that ensures VA’s foundational services are highly integrated with any care the Veteran receivesoutside of VA. This means VA sets clear standards, ensures continuum of care between the external providers andVA, and develops community partnerships in complementary services to fill service gaps to Veterans. Whenreviewing whether a service should be provided in-house or in the community, key considerations will always besafety, quality, expertise, and enhanced access for the Veteran.Health & WellnessEMPHASIZING VETERANS' AND THEIR FAMILIES' WHOLE HEALTH ANDWELLNESS_3502e098-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.1.4VA will significantly improve Veteran health outcomes by shifting from a system primarily focused on diseasemanagement to one that is based on partnering with Veterans throughout their lives and focused on whole health.VA will provide personalized, proactive, patient driven health care to empower, equip, and encourage Veterans totake charge of their health, well-being, and to adopt healthy living practices that deter or defer preventable healthconditions. Programs like MyHealtheVet engage the Veteran in managing their own health care and provide accessto their providers without the burden of traveling to a facility. Support and consideration of the needs of theVeterans’ families, caregivers, and supporters will be included in this approach to Veteran wellness. A whole healthsystem focuses not only on treatment but also on self-empowerment, self-healing, self-care, and improvements inthe social determinants of health.VA will also reinforce preventive health care practices to include incorporating complementary and integrativehealth care practices to reduce addiction, manage chronic pain, and improve mental health and other conditionsthat respond well to these interventions.VA will stress preventive interventions for healthy Veterans that eliminate or significantly reduce conditions thatimpair Veteran quality of life such as diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, addiction, chronic kidney disease, and othersimilar conditions. VA will emphasize education on healthy life practices for Veteran and their families. VA will alsoimprove health outcomes by assisting Veterans with the social determinants of health to include education,vocational rehab, employment, disability income where appropriate, housing or home loan guarantee, lifeinsurance, and planning for memorial services. Interment & MemorializationCONTRIBUTE TO VETERAN WELL-BEING BY PROVIDING INTERMENT ANDMEMORIALIZATION SERVICES_3502e28c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.1.5VA will ensure all Veterans will be honored and memorialized in a dignified and respectful manner by providingVeterans and eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines with lasting tributes thatcommemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation. VA will enhance its existing burial and memorial benefitsthrough the Veterans Legacy Program. VA's national cemeteries are being used as platforms for communityengagement and public education, with emphasis on empowering student-based research on site. NCA will sustainand expand university partnerships, eventually covering all 50 states.Legacy products are also being used beyond the classroom. NCA is partnering with various stakeholders who arecommitted to ending Veteran suicide. These groups will share the inspirational stories researched by students todemonstrate how Veterans can lead meaningful and impactful lives after leaving military service. VA also took thefirst steps toward a major transformation of Veteran memorialization through digital engagement. This effort willcreate an interactive website enabling virtual memorialization of Veterans. When fully implemented, the platformwill allow online visitors to pay their respects and access/share information about the Veterans memorialized byNCA. Most importantly, it will allow families to upload letters, pictures and videos related to a Veteran's service.NCA plans to launch the platform to the public by the end of 2018.In addition, VA will pursue an initiative to streamline operations and promote efficiency in the Federal governmentby assuming responsibility of Veteran cemeteries maintained by other Federal agencies.At-Risk & Underserved VeteransVA ENSURES AT-RISK AND UNDERSERVED VETERANS RECEIVE WHAT THEY NEED TO ELIMINATE VETERAN SUICIDE, HOMELESSNESS, AND POVERTY_3502e426-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad2.2Underserved VeteransAt-Risk VeteransPERFORMANCE GOAL:* Veterans have a good quality of life (presence of positive emotions in daily activities, participation in society,satisfying relationships, and overall life satisfaction).* Zero Veteran suicides.* Zero Veterans are homeless.* Veterans achieve independence and economic security.VA will proactively identify at-risk Veterans. While most Veterans reintegrate successfully into civilian life, someface social, economic, and health challenges that impede their successful transition into civil society. Through"REACH VET," VA now understands the conditions that put Veterans at higher risk of suicide, homelessness, andpoverty. We will expand the use of this tool to reach out to Veterans before they transition and leverage ourintegrated network to provide them services catered to their specific needs. We are no longer waiting untilVeterans are in crisis to reach out to them. This is the only way to truly end Veteran homelessness and suicides.Further, VA will improve support to the Veteran families and caregivers to better prepare and sustain them as theytake care of their Veteran.CareCOMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR COMBAT AND/OR CATASTROPHICALLY ILL,INJURED, WOUNDED_3502e656-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.1VA will emphasize coordination of care and services, both within VA and with external providers, to deliver lifetimecomprehensive support for the diverse and complex medical conditions and life challenges suffered by combatand/or catastrophically ill, injured, or wounded Veterans. This is where VA will bring to bear its expertise infoundational services and ensure close coordination between providers of medical, psychological, life skills, homesupport services, and quality of life needs for our severely wounded, ill, and injured Veterans. VA will furtherensure the Veterans' caregivers and families receive the support they need.Mental Health & SuicideEARLY INTERVENTION AND FULL ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH ANDSUICIDE PREVENTION_3502e868-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.2VA and DoD will integrate their efforts to conduct early diagnosis of Service members/Veterans with potentialmental health challenges and quickly coordinate delivery of continuing care and coping skills they need to drivedown Service member and Veteran suicide and complications associated with depression and/or Post-TraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD). Further, VA will provide physical and mental health services to eliminate Veteran suicideand poor well-being due to physical and mental health challenges associated with trauma. VA will lead the Nationin caring for people suffering from mental health conditions associated with trauma and work to change themisconceptions associated with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Caregivers & Aging VeteransSUPPORT TO CAREGIVERS AND SEAMLESS CARE OF AGING VETERANS_3502ea0c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.3CaregiversAging VeteransVA will focus on finding alternatives to institutionalized care. Our goal is to keep all Veterans in their homes if thatis their desire. To support the growing numbers of aging Veterans, VA is removing and updating outdated policiesand regulations to make it easier to support caregivers. VA will identify and cultivate social and communitysupport networks that enhance Veterans’ and their caregivers’ experience during times of extended illness orwhen long-term care is needed. Knowing that there may be times when a Veteran desires to be, or needs to be,cared for outside of their home, VA is simplifying and making available more grants to States so they can buildVeteran nursing homes as needed.Rural VeteransINCREASED ACCESS FOR RURAL VETERANS_3502ec78-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.4Rural VeteransVA understands many of the challenges Veterans living in rural areas face. The VA Office of Rural Health willcontinue its efforts to increase access to health care for rural Veterans by providing opportunities for the deliveryof virtual health care services into rural Veterans’ homes, expanding health care provider virtual consultationservices in underserved rural areas, and creating strong partnerships with Local, State, and National organizationsto better serve Veterans, their families, and the communities where they live. HousingIMPLEMENT HOUSING FIRST AND PROVIDE INTEGRATED SUPPORT TO IMPOVERISHED/HOMELESS VETERANS_3502ee9e-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.5Impoverished VeteransHomeless VeteransVA's first priority for homeless Veterans and their families, and those at risk for homelessness, is to provide them asafe place to live. VA will focus grants on partners who embrace this "housing first" philosophy and cut ties withthose who do not embrace this approach. VA's housing and foreclosure assistance programs are also augmentedwith employment and health care assistance.FamiliesVA IS THERE FOR FAMILIES_3502f060-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 2.2.6FamiliesCaregiversVA understands that families and caregivers are on the front line in preventing Veteran suicide, homelessness, andaddiction. More than that, they are critical to the whole health of the Veteran. VA will continue to expandprograms designed for caregivers to include caregiver support coordinators, caregiver training and mentoringgroups, and the Caregiver Support Line. VA will engage families and caregivers in the Veterans' health caredecisions. We will continue to enhance online support programs like "Family Connect" during telehealth consults so family members can be part of the Veterans' health care experience and provide amplifying information thatwill enhance care for the Veteran. We will include family and caregivers in our communications with Veteransbefore and after they seek VA services to ensure we add their perspectives to the improvements we make. Accountability, Transparency & TrustVETERANS TRUST VA TO BE CONSISTENTLY ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT_3502f2cc-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad3VA's pledge to build lifelong, trusted relationships with its Veterans is the basis for delivering relevant andexcellent benefits, care, and services to our Veterans that enhance their lives. VA understands that earning ourVeterans' trust is the gold standard we aspire to achieve and is critical to our long-term success. How VA deliverson its promises is just as important as what it delivers. VA will earn trust and be the natural choice for Veterans byholding itself accountable, being transparent about how we are performing, and showing how we adhere to ourcore values with every single interaction. Specifically, VA will focus on accountability, transparency, and value.* Accountability: The Secretary set the standard for excellence in his State of VA address, stating simply thatVeterans deserve the best, no matter where they are or who serves them. Accountability occurs at all levelsand is translated as follows:* Organizational accountability: VA has clearly stated outcomes and consistently measures and shares thevalue of its efforts on behalf of Veterans, measures the change for Veterans, acts on data, and workswithin communities to build integrated networks of access and delivery.* Personnel accountability: Veterans deserve the best and brightest the Nation has to offer. VA only hiresand retains individuals who embody our values. Leaders and staff incorporate VA values into everythingthey do and are measured by their adherence to those values for achieving positive outcomes forVeterans; those who do not adhere to VA’s values will no longer work for VA.* Transparency: VA publicly and consistently shares critical information, outcomes, and metrics showing how itimproved the Veteran’s experience, and their well-being, independence, and quality of life.* Value: Value to the Veteran is achieved by VA delivering excellent outcomes that enhance their lives andprovide what they need in the most competitive manner possible. This is how VA will meet the higheststandard of performance. TransparencyVA IS ALWAYS TRANSPARENT TO ENHANCE VETERANS' CHOICES, TO MAINTAIN TRUST, AND TO BE OPENLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITSACTIONS_3502f4e8-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad3.1CaregiversVA will assess itself based on how well it delivers positive outcomes to its Veterans and how well the Veteran issatisfied. Further, VA will share its performance with Veterans and the Nation to keep ourselves honest about howwe are doing. Performance DataPUBLIC SHARING OF VA AND PRIVATE SECTOR PERFORMANCECOMPARISON DATA_3502f736-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.1.1PERFORMANCE GOAL:* Veterans say, "I trust VA to fulfill our country's commitment to Veterans."* VA publishes health care benchmarks aligned with the private sector.* VA publishes benefits and service delivery performance data.VA will consistently and publicly share critical information about its mission effectiveness, Veteran outcomes, andinternal/external provider performance that is easily understood and compares to industry standards. We arespecifically sharing data about quality of care, wait times, accountability actions, and satisfaction scores to ensureVA and external benefits, care, and service providers are held accountable. VA will routinely meet or exceedcommunity standards for quality of care and customer service. This results in Veterans consistently choosing VAbecause we are the best at what we do, and we can be trusted to deliver on our promise to enhance Veteranwellness and well-being. FeedbackVETERANS HAVE A VOICE IN VA_3502f9ca-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.1.2VA will solicit and use Veteran feedback on internal/external providers to continuously adapt benefits and careofferings to meet Veterans' changing needs and expectations. VA actively incorporates the voice of the Veteraninto all its business lines to enhance outcomes, service, and transparency. AccountabilityVA HOLDS ITS PERSONNEL AND EXTERNAL SERVICE PROVIDERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR DELIVERING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPERIENCES WHILE ELIMINATING FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE_3502fc04-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad3.2VA PersonnelVA Service ProvidersVA will achieve accountability by establishing and ensuring high-quality care and service standards are deliveredconsistently across our integrated delivery networks. This ensures that VA and community providers are held tothe same high standards no matter where they are, and that Veterans can count on us to deliver the same qualityof care and services no matter what VA facility or community provider they choose in the network. A Veteranshould be able to walk into any VA facility and receive the same excellent level of care and service.PERFORMANCE GOAL** VA eliminates fraud, waste, and abuse.* Performance based action will be initiated against all proven poor performers within 90 days of substantiationof poor performance.* Appropriate disciplinary or adverse action will be initiated against all employees within 90 days ofsubstantiation of misconduct.Customer ServiceALL EMPLOYEES PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE_3502fdd0-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.2.1VA EmployeesVA CustomersVA will ensure that leaders and staff have the resources, training, and capabilities to support and empower Veterans and deliver excellent customer experiences.RewardsGOOD PERFORMERS ARE REWARDED_3502ffd8-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.2.2VA LeadersVA EmployeesVA leader and employee advancement and incentives will be based on delivery of superior customer service, process improvements for heightened efficiency, and ability to produce positive outcomes and enhanced value for Veterans. AccountabilityALL EMPLOYEES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE_350301ae-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.2.3VA EmployeesVA will swiftly and justly address consistently poor performance, inappropriate behavior, fraud, waste, and abuse,and ensure appropriate protections for whistleblowers. VA will improve employee accountability by applyingimproved legislation, regulations, and supervisory tools that enable supervisors to manage their staffappropriately. Specifically, VA is applying Public Law 115-41, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower ProtectionAct of 2017, to expeditiously address performance and conduct issues and take corrective actions againstemployees who do not meet the needs of our Veterans or demonstrate VA core values. Waste, Fraud & AbuseFRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE IS PROACTIVELY IDENTIFIED, DETERRED,OR ELIMINATED_35030334-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.2.4VA's key business processes (contracting, acquisition, finance, etc.) will continue to be assessed to identify riskexposure to fraud, waste, and abuse. This includes non-compliance with laws, regulations, and policies, andrequires strong internal controls that apply to VA and external providers. If risks are identified, then mitigationactions and internal controls are put in place to deter or address the risk. Mitigation actions are closely monitoredfor effectiveness. Persons engaged in fraud, waste, or abuse are quickly identified and dealt with appropriately.External ProvidersEXTERNAL BENEFITS, CARE, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE HELDACCOUNTABLE_35030546-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 3.2.5VA will clarify roles and responsibilities and set clear performance and customer service standards for VA andexternal benefits, care, and service providers. This ensures high-quality and excellent customer experienceoutcomes for Veterans and their families whenever they access VA’s integrated and collaborative deliverynetworks. Systems & ResourcesVA WILL MODERNIZE SYSTEMS AND FOCUS RESOURCES MORE EFFICIENTLY TO BE COMPETITIVE AND TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS CAPABILITIES TO VETERANS AND ITS EMPLOYEES_3503071c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad4Two major forces are driving VA's continuing transformation:* The emphasis on using the Veteran’s perspective to shape its program delivery and business operations.* The need to modernize our systems and focus resources in order to ensure VA is here for generations tocome.The cross-cutting objectives and strategies in this goal adapt the organization’s behavior in four critical categoriesthat will enable it to perform in an ever-changing business environment. It also addresses two critical functions(Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT)) that must be optimized for the Department to realize itsmodernization aim. The strategies will help the Department make future choices about its strategic footprint(capital assets and construction); rapidly deploy the right human capital capabilities as mission requirementsevolve; put in place an IT infrastructure that supports its Veteran engagement and delivery goals; and emphasizevalue analytics so VA makes smart, implementable, and relevant business decisions every day. VA will eitherdevelop or avail itself of shared services to dramatically improve hiring, procurement, and IT to drive better serviceand delivery.Infrastructure, Protocols & ServicesVA'S INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, IMPROVED DECISION-MAKING PROTOCOLS, AND STREAMLINED SERVICES ENABLE VA TO AGILELY ADAPT TO CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS AND VETERAN NEEDS_350308ac-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad4.1PERFORMANCE GOAL:* VA has aligned its strategic footprint and services to ensure it can adapt quickly to changing Veteran needs.Organizational agility will ensure VA is able to adapt quickly to market forces in order to deliver quality customerexperiences and service to our Veterans in a competitive way.Institutionalizing a data-driven governance structure in which leadership rapidly makes time-sensitive decisionsthat are quickly deployed must become a hallmark of VA operations.Ever-evolving Veteran needs and a changing business environment mandate an agile strategic footprint, allowingVA to make quick infrastructure and personnel shifts that best serve Veterans.VA has an extremely robust research and development capability and innovates to improve services to Veteransand employees. The rapid incorporation of new approaches to how we serve Veterans is critical to achieving agilityand delivering best-in-class health care and benefits. The future focus of VA medical research will be onpersonalized medicine driven by application of clinical genomics to tailor medicines and treatments to individualVeterans.VA must shape the business operating environment and champion legislative change recommendations thatreduce bureaucracy, shift more resources and employees toward direct services for Veterans so we can addressVeterans most important needs, and give VA leeway to rapidly adapt operations to serve Veterans in the mostcompetitive manner possible. By working with Veterans’ communities, other Government agencies, Federal, State,Local, and other public and private institutions to shape smarter and better approaches to service delivery, VA canfocus on its strengths and ensure Veterans receive what they need, wherever they are.Agility & ValueAGILE STRATEGIC FOOTPRINT_35030ad2-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.1A will ensure agile response to changing Veteran needs and marketplace volatility and incorporate a valuemanagement approach to capital investments. VA ensures facilities are modern, located to best serve Veterans,and designed to offer access to or information about the full range of VA benefits and services. Optimally, Veteranswill be able to have all their benefits and care needs addressed at a single location to the maximum extentpossible. To achieve this, VA will build infrastructure using public/private partnerships and leverage existingcapability in the private sector where possible. VA will focus on providing more ambulatory centers andconsolidating more inpatient care in partnership with community systems to provide Veterans with better accessto care no matter where they are.Business EnvironmentVA DRIVES CHANGE IN EXTERNAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT_35030cb2-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.2CongressVA will shape the business environment it must operate in by engaging Congress for needed legislative changesand shape external market forces to favor Veteran outcomes wherever possible. VA will do this by collaboratingwith key partners, such as the Veteran serving organizations, other non-profit and private sector organizations, todevelop and implement Veteran-focused policies. VA will also factor into its operational planning the changingcapabilities of Federal and State Government, where many complementary benefits and services from other.Governmental agencies may have uncertain futures, and expand partnerships with businesses and organizationsthat provide Veterans with services and opportunities.InnovationRAPID INTEGRATION OF PROVEN INNOVATION_35030e4c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.3VA will use innovation, agile integration of technology into business operations, and rapid dissemination of bestpractices from internal and external sources to continuously deliver tangible improvements to, and integration of,all its business and operational functions.Restructuring & ReorganizationDELAYERING AND ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN_350310a4-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.4VA will restructure and reorganize to reduce fragmentation, overlap, and duplication by consolidating similarfunctions and program offices to shift resources toward delivering direct services for Veterans. This meansreducing administrative and logistic positions. VA will use horizontal and vertical delayering, which will alsoincrease efficiency and quality of decisions by pushing them to the appropriate level with fewer required approvalsand concurrences. Concurrent with delayering, VA will optimize its workforce by ensuring appropriate managerialspan of control and clarifying staff roles by establishing "business rules of engagement."SourcingSTRATEGIC SOURCING_35031298-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.5VA will align contracting offices across the Department and create full service supply chains that address totalacquisition and material life cycles and result in efficient delivery of Veteran benefits, care, and services. VA willbegin by creating a full service medical supply chain that allows VA to capitalize on the positive attributes of thecurrent VA Pharmacy Program, and Group Purchasing Organization (GPO)/Integrated Delivery Networks (IDN) usedby over 90 percent of health care systems in the U.S.Force Protection & Mission AssuranceFORCE PROTECTION, MISSION ASSURANCE, AND FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE_35031446-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.1.6VA will align facilities, infrastructure, policies, processes, programs, and systems to provide force protection ofpeople and assets and mission assurance of services. VA will be the lead for meeting Veterans' needs and willsupport Federal disaster response and preparedness on a day-to-day basis and in times of crisis. VA willcontinuously provide medical, hospital, benefits, and interment services, in compliance with Federal statutes,policy, regulation, and executive orders. Workforce & Human CapitalVA WILL MODERNIZE ITS HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES TO EMPOWER AND ENABLE A DIVERSE, FULLY STAFFED, AND HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE THAT CONSISTENTLY DELIVERS WORLD CLASS SERVICES TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES_3503168a-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad4.24.2 PERFORMANCE GOAL:* VA attracts a quality workforce as a result of being identified as one of the Best Places to Work in the FederalGovernment.* VA retains a quality workforce.A robust human capital management capability is paramount to VA’s ability to effectively and efficiently employ itsworkforce in service to Veterans. The needs of our Veterans are ever-growing, putting a greater and greaterdemand on our workforce. We must optimize their skills and abilities to fulfill our service mission. Human Capital PoliciesSTANDARDIZE HUMAN CAPITAL POLICIES ENTERPRISE-WIDE_35031874-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.2.1VA will develop consistency and governance around all human capital functions and capabilities, and facilitateconsistent implementation of policies, processes, and HR programs across the VA enterprise. VA will move towarda single learning platform to disseminate human capital policies and learning throughout the Department.Individual performance management and performance management systems shall also be standardized across theDepartment to enhance accountability, productivity, and performance. VA will implement new performanceappraisal processes to better support employee growth and performance when coupled with enhanced employeeengagement. Staff SkillsIMPROVE STAFFING TO ENSURE A QUALIFIED VA WORKFORCEIS IN PLACE_35031a22-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.2.2VA will ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time with the right skills to serve our Veterans andtheir families. VA will do this by consistently reviewing, updating, and developing the positions required to performthe functions VA needs to achieve its mission successfully.VA will address its persistent vacancy and capability challenges by exploring and implementing optimalorganizational structures for achieving all our recruiting needs, to include consolidation of recruiting capabilities,recruiting centers of excellence, and outsourcing unique recruiting requirements to close key staffing gaps.VA will implement tools and systems to identify and fill vacancies quickly. The deployment of a modern staffingsystem will enable frontline supervisors to directly request, create, and validate position modifications via anelectronic interface to ensure recruitment actions are based on current needs and not legacy position descriptions. Leadership & CompetencyIMPROVE LEADERSHIP AND WORKFORCE COMPETENCY _35031c70-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.2.3VA understands that it must foster an environment of trust, accountability, adaptability, and performance toimprove competency across the Department and that this begins with having competent leaders in place at alllevels. VA will institute robust succession planning along with comprehensive identification of the skills andcompetencies necessary for each position to assure a capable workforce Department-wide. Further, VA will deploynew supervisor and management training to convey policy updates and guidance that enhance the employeeexperience and support adherence to the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.VA will implement a modernized performance appraisal system that focuses on enhanced dialogue rather thanperiodic and static evaluations. VA will train managers to implement adaptive work environments that enhanceemployee performance. Finally, VA will implement a common leadership development model for employees at alllevels -- individual, supervisor, manager, pre-executive and executive -- to ensure a consistent understanding ofleadership across the department.Staffing LevelsINSTITUTE MANPOWER MANAGEMENT TO OPTIMIZE VA HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES_35031ec8-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.2.4VA will use manpower management to determine the staffing levels needed to accomplish VA's mission andprogram objectives. The staffing requirements will be based on models, time studies and/or industrybenchmarking data that will devise staffing standards. The staffing standards will be validated and revisedperiodically to ensure the Department is always prepared to support Veterans.VA’s Human Resources management system, coupled with improved staffing processes (i.e. recruitment, hiring,retention, etc.), will optimize the workforce and assure VA has the right people to successfully and consistentlymeet Veterans’ evolving needs and priorities. VA will also ensure the Department operates within approvedstaffing levels and budgets to contain personnel costs.IT ModernizationVA IT MODERNIZATION WILL QUICKLY DELIVER EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS THAT WILL ENABLE VA TO PROVIDE IMPROVED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PROVIDE A SECURE AND SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE WHILE DECREASING ITS RATE OF SPEND_350320e4-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad4.3Performance Goal: * VA attracts a quality workforce as a result of being identified as one of the Best Places to Work in the FederalGovernment.* VA retains a quality workforce.VA will invest in the replacement and modernization of systems and processes that better respond to the needs ofVeterans, business partners, and employees; rapidly changing technology; and pervasive security threats. COTSBUY FIRST_35032404-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.1VA will apply a buy-first strategy for all acquisitions, focusing primarily on the procurement of managed servicesthrough cloud vendors. Secondly, VA will procure internally hosted Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions,followed by in-house development.Systems & ProcessesMODERNIZE LEGACY SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES_350326a2-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.2 VA will transition existing, internally developed solutions to the private sector or shared service providers formodernization and long-term sustainment, beginning with VA's electronic health record system and financialmanagement systems. Other major legacy systems targeted for replacement include benefits delivery systems,interment and memorialization support systems, and Veterans appeals systems. Additionally, VA will ensure thatrigorous business process analysis and reengineering are conducted before the procurement or development ofnew solutions.Digital PlatformLAUNCH DIGITAL VETERANS PLATFORM_350328be-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.3VA will create the Digital Veterans Platform that will allow Veterans to centrally manage their information toinclude personal, benefit, and health data. It will enhance transparency for Veterans, their care providers, andVeteran service organizations; enhance interoperability between Federal and community partners; and expand theuse of data with real-time analytics to support automated recommendations for care.Medical Research & Graduate EducationENHANCE THE NATION'S MEDICAL RESEARCH AND GRADUATEMEDICAL EDUCATION CAPABILITY_35032bd4-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.4Improved informatics will allow VA research data to become a national resource. Discovery and translation will befacilitated by creating tailored data analyses of VA's massive longitudinal health data repositories for the generalmedical and pharmaceutical industry. The data analyses will include aggregating, customizing, and updatingVeteran data for research purposes. VA will use this information to teach advanced techniques to those engagingin graduate medical education with VA.Business LinesENHANCE SERVICE TO VA BUSINESS LINES_35032e68-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.5IT Modernization will result in timelier, integrated, and repeatable delivery of application development andsupport solutions to internal VA business lines, to include scaling software development and maintenance tohandle the strategic and tactical requirements needed to deliver solutions effectively. VA will continuously reviewbusiness requirements and demands for IT solutions and services to ensure that Veteran care and services areappropriately supported.Digital ServicesMODERNIZE AND UNIFY VA'S DIGITAL SERVICES_35033098-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.6VA services will be fronted by a single, high-quality, mobile-friendly self-service tool. Use of that tool will be thepreferred way for people to interact with VA for routine transactions, reducing the use of more costly and slowerchannels such as paper forms and call centers. Services will be accessible from a single online "front door," with asingle user account, and will be customized for the individual using the service. All of VA’s channels will direct usersto these tools. CybersecurityENHANCE CYBERSECURITY_350333b8-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.3.7VA will ensure network security, endpoint protection, data loss prevention, disaster recovery, and IT continuity byimplementing IT solutions that incorporate secure technology practices into their service delivery models.Decision MakingVA WILL INSTITUTIONALIZE DATA SUPPORTED AND PERFORMANCE FOCUSED DECISION MAKING THAT WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUTCOMES_35033660-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279ad4.4PERFORMANCE GOAL:* Employees report easy access to the information/ data needed for effective decision-making.* Increase the number of VA initiatives and programs that deliver better outcomes/value for Veterans.To ensure modernization efforts are effective and resources are focused efficiently, VA will use value analytics toquantify improved outcomes for Veterans that are also efficiently and effectively using taxpayer funds andreducing non-monetary costs. Further, VA will consistently analyze ways to improve its efforts, will makeappropriately aligned high-value investments, and will continuously assess the improvements achieved.Implementing this value management approach along with data-driven decision making will constitute VA'sapproach to value management.Consistently reliable, accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date data is critical to achieving VA agility andimplementing value management in the Department. This will also support data-driven decision making. VA willensure that managers and decision makers have the right information to drive their data-based analytics andmanagement efforts. Further, VA will institutionalize enterprise-wide modeling, value analytics, and forecastingcapabilities. This, in turn, will enable VA to project future needs and to make adjustments quickly to ensure VA isproviding excellent care and services to our Veterans.Analytics & ValueINSTITUTIONALIZE VALUE MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS_35033890-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.4.1VA will institutionalize a value management capability to better understand the outcomes VA provides forVeterans and identify areas for improvement; understand how costs are distributed within and across programsand initiatives; identify new ways to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve outcomes; and identify bestpractices among different stakeholders. This capability will support decision making that focuses resources ondirect Veteran services and drives operational efficiency. Data StandardizationSTANDARDIZED ACCESSIBLE DATA_35033bba-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.4.2VA will use comprehensive data to drive uniform understanding of our Veterans, to describe Veteran-facing andinternal business processes, to provide baseline information used by the enterprise, and to reflect appropriatecustomer and market segmentation. VA will use an enterprise-wide data repository/tool that supports secure andseamless data sharing and enables leadership at all levels to make timely Veteran-focused decisions based oncomprehensive, single source data. This enhanced data capability will support value based decisions and enableeasy access to data. Veteran Needs & Market ForcesINSTITUTIONALIZE CONSISTENT MODELING/PREDICTIVE ANALYSES_35033e6c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.4.3VA will use robust modeling and predictive analyses to anticipate changing Veteran needs and evolving marketforces. Coupled with value analytics, VA will leverage its known competitive advantages to adapt better VA care,benefits, and services to address Veterans’ changing needs and continually enhance outcomes. GovernanceINSTITUTIONALIZE GOVERNANCE_3503409c-4755-11e8-b4b8-4d74f8c279adStrategy 4.4.4VA will use a governance structure that results in responsive decision making for near term solutions that willachieve long-term organizational objectives. VA governance will achieve cross-organizational unity of purpose andexecution, will consistently promulgate critical decisions throughout the enterprise, will track progress towardestablished outcomes, and will ensure organizational compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and ExecutiveOrders. The enterprise governance framework consists of architecture, practices, and enterprise decision-makingnorms. It will also drive use of value analytics as the basis for data informed decision making within theDepartment. 2018-02-282022-09-302018-04-24https://www.va.gov/oei/docs/VA2018-2024strategicPlan.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net