Highlights from the Eighth Annual PSC FedHealth Conference

by Tomeka B. Scales, Ph.D., Director of Media Engagement and Communications

On May 30, 2024, PSC hosted its eighth annual FedHealth Conference at the Pooks Hill Marriott in Bethesda, MD with 230+ people in attendance. Stephanie Kostro—EVP of Policy at the Professional Services Council (PSC)—commenced by sharing PSC’s four strategic priorities: demonstrating the value of government contractors, helping the customer be a smarter customer and a better buyer of the solutions that industry can offer, promoting technology and innovation for mission results, and supporting efforts to build the workforces we need to meet future requirements. Kostro thanked the sponsors and introduced Katie Webb—Leader of Health & Human Services, IBM, and chair of the FedHealth planning committee.

Katie Webb provided opening remarks and introduced Kathy Lentz—President, Federal Insights, LLC, who gave a brief overview on the value of participating in PSC’s Vision Federal Market Forecast. Afterward, Jeanine Christian—President at DLH, introduced the keynote speaker as Arlene Joyner—Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director, Office of the Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Arlene discussed the evolution of the public health industrial base through COVID-19. She then highlighted the HHS Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain department’s shift in priorities since COVID-19: to help manufacturing companies stay in business, to ensure manufacturing capabilities are still available in case of future public health emergencies, and to identify any gaps in the supply chain for other medical supplies. Joyner concluded by articulating the department’s key initiatives: ensuring a resilient supply chain, fostering sustainable investment portfolios, and cultivating enduring partnerships. She also mentioned the IBX Connect program, which facilitates direct communication between private industry and government agencies for collaboration and feedback before the formal solicitation process.

Following Arlene’s keynote, panel one explored “Building and Strengthening the Health Workforce of the Future.” Panelists included: Elizabeth Kittrie—Senior Advisor, Bureau of Health Workforce, HRSA; Sylana Tramble—Director, Human Resources Office, CDC; Chandra Mohan—Acting Chief Technology Officer, SAMHSA; and John Auerbach—Senior Vice President, Public Health, ICF (moderator). This panel reviewed the fundamental changes and drivers influencing the future of the health workforce over the next 5 years. Speakers explored the initiatives and investments that federal health agencies are rolling out to support, strengthen, and grow the workforce, including innovative approaches to recruitment, retention, training, and well-being. The panel also discussed the role of health equity in hiring and the role that industry can play in supporting workforce issues.

Next, panel two examined “AI and FedHealth: The State of Play and Roadmap for the Future.”Panelists included: Ram Iyer—Chief Data Officer, FDA; Alastair Thomson—Senior  Advisor for Data Technology Innovation, ARPA-H; Charles Worthington—Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer, Office of Information Technology, VA; and Jackie Wynn—Vice President, Strategic Programs, Federal Health Division, GDIT (moderator). This panel discussed federal agencies' strategies for responsible AI use, focusing on transparency, accountability, and bias prevention. Panelists highlighted the necessity for data readiness and the responsibility of AI to be purposeful, effective/safe, secure/private, fair/equitable, transparent/explainable, and accountable/monitored.

Then, panel 3 articulated “What to Expect in FedHealth Procurement.” Panelists included: Jeffrey Neill—Deputy Associate Executive Director and Head of the Contracting Activity for the Technology Acquisition Center, VA; Jennifer D. Johnson—Executive Director, Acquisition Policy, Legislative Oversight & Workforce, HHS; Makoto Braxton—Head of Contracting Activity for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS; Christine Godfrey—Associate Director for Operational Support, Office of Acquisition Services, CDC; and Fran Bishop—CEO, Aerobodies (moderator). This panel discussed current procurement trends, practices, and policies shaping the landscape for federal health contractors. Panelists stressed the importance of compliance, adequate staffing, removing outdated and inefficient processes, effective communication, and small business participation in procurement.

Finally, Michelle Clark—Business Development Executive for Health Programs, SAIC, and member of the FedHealth Conference planning committee, concluded the conference by thanking the panelists and attendees, acknowledging the sponsors, and spotlighting PSC’s upcoming conferences.

PSC sends a special thank you to all the sponsors, panelists, moderators, and attendees who made this event a success! If you are interested in planning for next year’s conference, please contact Krista Sweet at ksweet@pscouncil.org. More information about the FedHealth Conference can be found at fedhealth.pscouncil.org. Not a member? Join PSC by emailing membership@pscouncil.org.