In this episode of VAs TAC Talks podcast, the hosts discuss program management in acquisition. Program management best practices within the acquisition framework increases transparency, empowers business owners and stakeholders to drive key decisions, and enhances VA’s efforts to efficiently and effectively acquire goods and services within the established cost, schedule and scope of the procurement.

Not only does this support VA in effectively meetings its mission, it enhances the Veteran experience through successful execution and delivery of products and services that support delivery of care and benefits.

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Parrish, who was appointed principal executive director for VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC) on March 1, 2021. Parrish also serves as chief acquisition officer and senior most advisor to the secretary, managing and overseeing all acquisition activities for the Department. He has over 35 years of senior leadership experience in military, government, corporate and non-profit organizations. A retired Colonel, he served 14 years on Army active duty and 21 years in the Army Reserve as a senior aviator and Acquisition Corps officer, serving as an air operations officer during Desert Storm.

Joining Parrish on this episode’s panel is Phillip Christy, the deputy executive director for VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction. Christy serves as an advisor to Parrish on acquisition, logistics and construction issues. He has served in multiple senior acquisition, construction and logistics positions during his 20-year career and is currently responsible for the day to day operational management of OALC’s Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics, which is made up of the Technology Acquisition Center, the National Acquisition Center and the Strategic Acquisition Center. He is a retired Army Medical Service Corps officer.

VA’s Technology Acquisition Center podcast series gives you a peek behind the federal acquisition curtain and discusses highly relevant acquisition topics with top acquisition professionals and the Office of General Counsel. Throughout the episodes we will dissect the ins and outs of various acquisition strategies, technical tips for navigating the acquisition process, category management, and more.

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