VA is Rethinking Its Entire Online Presence

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a team of developers to consolidate its agency websites into a single, user-friendly online portal, part of an agencywide effort to streamline online services and make it easier for veterans to navigate the benefits process. The vendor would lead a complete redesign of VA.gov, reports NextGov.com , and would also be responsible for mapping the site's new structure, optimizing its search functions, and working with agency officials to make regular improvements. "VA is committed to dramatically upgrading its user-facing digital tools, becoming the first federal agency to deliver a digital experience on par with the private sector," officials wrote in the request for information. Led by executive director Marcy Jacobs, the Digital Service at VA has in recent years revamped online applications, connected portals to vast troves of patient data, and given a thorough makeover to vets.gov, a site where veterans can apply for benefits and track claims. Now through the broader VA.gov redesign, the agency intends to bring all its veteran-facing sites under the umbrella of the main site.