Why was I included in DITAP training?

When trying to respond to the questions of how I will use my FAC-C-DS, how I will use my talents, and where I see the VA in the future as it works to realize digital transformation mission, I found myself reflecting on the DITAP class.

 

When the DITAP class began, I felt like the training was developed with my Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) customers in mind. With every reading and activity, I wondered more and more why was I included in this DITAP training? Did I really need to delve that deeply into my customer’s world? I mean, did I say something that led my manager to think that my career goal was to be the VA scrum master? However, with promises that DITAP was an acquisition-focused class, I kept trudging through all the readings and activities. Then, somewhere in the middle of the class, I started seeing acquisition-related topics being sprinkled into the readings and activities…and then it came to me. I could see how I will be able use the techniques, resources, and network connections that I had gained through the DITAP class to better communicate with customers and industry. I could finally see myself as part of the solution to help raise the bar for federal IT solutions / purchases.

 

And, what does the future VA look like? How will VA use artificial intelligence and use modern options to best serve our Veterans? How will I, as a contracting professional at the Technology Acquisition Center (TAC), support VA in those efforts? VA’s concerns, such as Veteran homelessness, suicide, and opiate addiction, provide a looking glass into our Nation’s concerns. The current acquisition systems are not effective for responding to technology advances. My office is taking steps to modernize its acquisition workforce, such as supporting DITAP training for its contracting workforce and building an innovation lab. And, for my part, I will encourage a culture of acquisition innovation at VA, so my internal customers can best serve our Veterans, whether it’s using a digital printer to build a house for a Veteran or assisting the Veteran to access his/her health record.

 

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. -General George Patton