Program Management in Acquisition

The application of 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 Mr. Michael Parrish, who was appointed Principal Executive Director for the VA’s, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC) on March 1, 2021. Mr. Parrish also serves as Chief Acquisition Officer, and senior most advisor to the Secretary, managing and overseeing all acquisition activities for the Department. Mr. Parrish has over 35 years of senior leadership experience in military, government, corporate, and non-profit organizations. A retired Colonel, Mr. Parrish served for 14 years on active duty and 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Senior Army Aviator and Army Acquisition Corps Officer, serving as an Air Operations Officer during Desert Storm.

Joining Mr. Parrish on this episode’s panel is his Deputy, Mr. Phillip Christy, the Deputy Executive Director for the VA’s, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction. Mr. Christy serves as an advisor to Mr. Parrish on acquisition, logistics, and construction issues. He has served in multiple senior acquisition, construction, and logistics positions during his 20-year career. He is 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. In addition, Mr. Christy is a retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps Officer.