DoD open to bids for $11B EHR modernization project

The Department of Defense (DoD) is officially taking proposals for its EHR modernization project worth an estimated $11 billion.

According to the request for proposals, the project aims to replace outdated DoD legacy healthcare systems, including the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (DoD's current EHR system), the inpatient Composite Health Care System and several components of the Theater Medical Information Program-Joint. DoD officials expect to select the vendor in the third quarter of FY 2015.  

"We are not just buying an off-the-shelf system; we're really looking to modernize how the department delivers healthcare," said Christopher Miller, program executive officer, Defense Healthcare Management Systems, in a press statement announcing the RFP. "Ultimately, program success will result in continued improvement in patient safety, quality of care and readiness of forces worldwide."  

Interoperability between information systems is the one of the project's top priorities allowing for data-sharing with both the private and public sectors, regardless of where the patient is treated. Currently, the systems do not interface well with each other, which has the potential to negatively affect patient care.    

Given the value of the contract, several big industry players have announced plans in recent months to vie for the work. Epic Systems is teaming up with IBM to compete for the DoD Healthcare Management Systems Modernization contract and Computer Sciences, Allscripts and HP have joined together in pursuit of the contract. In July, Cerner, Leidos and Accenture announced their plans to jointly compete as well.