The fast pace of technical innovation has forced changes in federal acquisition trends and strategies. In an effort to keep up and field technologies before they become obsolete, federal leaders often have to get creative in meeting health IT needs within the confines of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This panel will provide information on best practices in federal health IT acquisitions.

Potential topics include:

• Is the current FAR relevant to today’s acquisition needs?
• What are the best ways to work within the FAR?
• What flexibilities are available for different approaches?
• What policy changes need to happen to address future health IT acquisitions?

Panelists

• Melissa Starinsky, Director of Contracting Activity for the Office of Acquisition and Grant Management, CMS
• Bridget Gauer, Director, NITAAC, NIH
• Laura Stanton, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Category Management, GSA
• Michele Foster, Associate Executive Director, Technology Acquisition Center, VA
• Moderator: Chris Dorobek, DorobekINSIDER, GovLoop