# Department of the Navy in Good Company in IT Efficiencies Way Ahead

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/veterans-department-reduces-it-to-address-budget-cuts/
- Published: 2011-11-19T21:55:52-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Veterans Department Reduces IT for Applications and Cost Savings

CHARLESTON S.C. (NNS) — Government officials spoke about the challenges their organizations
are facing and their plans to tackle them at the Fifth Annual C5ISR Government and
Industry Partnership Conference. One of the topics discussed was how the Veterans
Department reduces IT costs and streamlines operations. The event was held Nov. 
16, in Charleston, S.C.

Terry Halvorsen, Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO); Rear
Adm. Robert Day, United States Coast Guard assistant commandant for C4IT and chief
information officer; and Roger Baker, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assistant
secretary for Information Technology (IT) described the steps their [organizations are taking to deal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/can-cbd-help-deal-with-insomnia/)
with the challenges of finding efficiencies and responding to budget cuts. While
there are differences in their organizational missions and goals, the three leaders
had some similar ideas.

### Rebuild the Veterans Department IT to Reduce Costs, Waiting Times to Save Costs

One year ago, Baker was faced with the task of rebuilding the entire VA IT department
while working with a constrained budget and increased demands for services. His 
three goals were to simplify the GI bill application, reduce Veteran homelessness,
and create a simplified Veterans Benefits Management System. The goal was for easy
access to benefits and medical records.

![A press conference setting with two speakers at a podium displaying the u S Seals
on large screens Journalists are seated in rows working on laptops](https://i0.wp.
com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/image-37.png?resize=400%2C300&
ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

Officials discuss IT and cost saving strategies at the Fifth Annual C5ISR Government
and Industry Partnership Conference

He met his first goal with an updated GI bill application, developed with the Navy’s
Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Command, that reduced application completion
time from 45 minutes to seven. This successful partnership [led](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/nvis-revolutionizing-night-vision-imaging-systems/)
to another partnership with SPAWAR to update the Veterans Benefits Management System.
As a result, using the updated system, veterans can now download their benefits 
information and medical records onto their personal computing devices.

### Veterans Homelessness Registry

A veterans homelessness registry was also created, so the VA can begin to assist
homeless veterans with finding homes. This crucial initiative aims to systematically
identify and track veterans experiencing homelessness. Therefore, it’s also ensuring
that they receive the support and services they need to transition into stable housing.
Baker said the goal is to “eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015,” emphasizing 
the urgency of addressing this pressing issue and fostering a comprehensive network
of resources, including job training, mental health support, and financial assistance,
to help veterans regain their independence and dignity in society. By mobilizing
communities and government agencies, the program sets a framework for sustained 
engagement and outreach, ultimately transforming the lives of those who have served
our country.

Day is following mandates to consolidate data centers by 2015, move enterprise services
to a cloud environment, and terminate one third of all underperforming projects 
in the next 18 months, while also dealing with budget constraints. In addition, 
Day expressed concerns over the [data center](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/billions-deprived-of-the-right-to-water/)
consolidation goal. He stated that he is “trying to move services at every opportunity,
but there needs to be a dot mil enclave in the data center for the DHS component.”

![Two officials speaking at a podium during a press conference with multiple seals
of the u S Military displayed on large screens in the background and an audience
of reporters seated with laptops Veterans department reduces it costs](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/image-38.png?resize=400%2C300&
ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

Government officials discuss IT strategies at the C5ISR Government and Industry 
Partnership Conference

## Full Suite of Enterprise Services with Better Price

He is most interested in finding an environment where the full suite of enterprise
services can be integrated at the right price, and is currently reviewing offerings
from commercial sources and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Day said
he is hopeful that the DISA price, which is higher than the price of similar services
elsewhere, will come down as more organizations express interest in the DISA offerings.
Moreover, reducing the number of customized applications is one of the major challenges
he is struggling with. Day added that all “new environment” applications must be
commercial off=the-shelf (COTS) software with no customization.

## Reducing Thick-Client Desktops for Cyber and Cost Savings on Energy

Day is also pursuing the reduction of thick-client desktops, not only as a cost 
savings initiative, but also because such a reduction will reduce the opportunity
for cyber attacks. Also, Day thinks this work can be done on something like an Apple
iPad. However, those areas that are mission-critical, such as cyber systems and 
processes, will continue to reside on thick-clients.

Halvorsen knows these are tough times, especially since he has to cut the Navy’s
computing and cybersecurity budget by $2 billion while facing more threats. He aims
to save money in business IT to support essential warfighting efforts and also to
help reduce the Department’s share of the national debt. He emphasized that “savings
from business IT will help maintain mission-critical IT.”

### Reducing Data Centers from 150 to 50

Similar to Day, Halvorsen is working on data center consolidation with plans to 
reduce the number of DON data centers from 150 to 50 by the end of the Future Years
Defense Program (FYDP). However, there are complications with DCC.

The 1,800 applications on the DON network need to be reduced, and the remaining 
ones should be moved cost-effectively. Halvorsen believes that cutting down these
applications can save more money than closing data centers. Therefore, finding the
best way to reduce applications is crucial for saving costs for the Department.

### Veterans Department IT Cost Savings going Cloud

Halvorsen is also looking at options for moving enterprise services to the cloud,
recognizing the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements. He says
that we must look at all available options to see what makes the most sense, particularly
in terms of efficiency and scalability.

Moreover, he emphasized that “we are not going to have a single-point solution in
any area. After a government bid for contract is issued, the IT products we use 
have to be the best of the applicants for the least cost. For that really continues
to focus on the mission,” reflecting a commitment to thorough analysis and strategic
planning.

This approach entails evaluating various cloud service providers and their offerings.
It also involves ensuring that each choice aligns with the overall objectives of
the organization. All the while balancing the potential for innovation and the necessity
of fiscal responsibility.

![A technician crouches in a server room surrounded by rows of servers and illuminated
by blue lighting](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/
img_2294-e1552798724878.jpg?resize=200%2C113&quality=52&ssl=1 "How Data Centers 
are Using Renewable Energy to Lessen their Carbon Footprint - The Green Living Guy")

A technician performing maintenance in a modern data center highlighting the Veterans
Departments focus on streamlining IT operations

By focusing on adaptable solutions, Halvorsen aims to foster an environment that
is both robust and responsive. Essentially to the changing needs of the enterprise.

He also reiterated Day’s comments that many commands own a lot of customized software.
However, there is no financial plan that enables the removal of them all at once.

## Get New Tech for Navy IT: Veterans Department Reduces IT Costs

He stated we must transition to a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) environment if
the Veterans Department really will be effective at reduced IT costs. This move 
allows us to backfit some legacy software. Moreover, this transition is vital for
adopting new technological advancements. It also ensures our systems stay competitive
in a changing market. Companies integrate COTS solutions to streamline processes.
Consequently, they boost efficiency. Meanwhile, they maintain the functionality 
of existing legacy systems. These older applications have served us well. It’s critical
to assess our current software infrastructure. Thus, we must identify necessary 
adaptations. Ultimately, we aim for a smooth coexistence between modern solutions
and established software.

## Veterans Department Reduces IT costs by the Navy Saving on Purchasing Software

Halvorsen said the DON needs to look into the ways they are purchasing software.
This is emphasizing the importance of reassessing their current procurement strategies
to ensure they align with contemporary technological advancements. He also suggests
moving to a model where software is simply by government and not owned by the Navy.
Yes, rather than purchasing individual licenses, which can often lead to unnecessary
costs and inefficiencies. He elaborated further, stating, “we are looking into this
possibility and at how to buy better and buy differently,” highlighting the critical
need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing digital landscape. This
approach not only alleviates the financial burden associated with large upfront 
costs but also allows for more [sustainable and scalable solutions that can evolve](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/evolve-golf-tee-for-a-sustainable-game/)
with the organization’s needs over time.

![An overhead view of a diverse group of people collaborating around a wooden table
with laptops and a notebook in a modern workspace Veterans department reduces it
costs](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/5-Ways-Your-
Business-can-be-More-Eco-Friendly.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1 "5 Ways 
Your Business can be More Eco Friendly - The Green Living Guy")

A collaborative meeting in progress with participants engaged over laptops discussing
strategies for the Veterans Department reducing IT costs

The Veterans Department reduces IT by their plans to also cut down on printing. 
This move saves costs and reduces environmental impact. Halvorsen states, “We can
now use multi-function devices. These devices reduce both printing and faxing.” 
He emphasizes that these advancements streamline our workflow. By consolidating 
functions, we minimize paper usage. Additionally, we boost overall productivity.
Staff can focus on critical tasks instead of managing separate machines.

Reducing outdated processes like faxing plays a major role in cutting budgets. Print
reduction may not seem significant at first. However, it can generate millions in
savings. When applied throughout the DON, these savings add up quickly.

Despite the differences in these three organizations, their goal to achieve IT efficiencies
is the same. They are looking to [reduce the cost](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/china-might-be-winning-the-race-to-reduce-solar-costs/)
of business IT while ensuring that funds are available to support mission-critical
IT.

### Sources

Source: US Navy
Story Number: NNS111119-05 Release Date: 11/19/2011 6:23:00 AMFor
more news from Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer, visit [http://www.navy.mil/local/doncio/](http://www.navy.mil/local/doncio/)

By Jessica Pelenberg, Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer Public Affairs

 

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