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Federal Leader’s Guide to CAIO & CDO: HHS’ Jennifer Johnson on how acquisition teams are prepping to integrate AI tools, drive efficiencies

Gary Lloyd | Sep 26,26 | 01:33 EST

Technology

The HHS deputy assistant secretary for acquisitions explains how a three-pronged effort is helping the agency prepare its workforce to use AI.

Shifting away from low-value work Jennifer Johnson, HHS deputy assistant secretary for acquisitions, explains that as the department consolidates 20 acquisition systems and tools across 12 divisions, a key focus is improving data management for efficiency and contracting officer performance. The department is collaborating with GSA on the Hi-Def Initiative to create a federal data lake, aiming to standardize acquisition data for AI and machine learning. HHS is actively identifying available data and connecting data layers to enhance visibility, reduce redundant data calls, and minimize low-value tasks like market research and cost analysis. Johnson emphasizes the importance of human oversight in evaluating AI-provided outputs to ensure quality decisions, and maintains close communication with the acting CIO to integrate IT goals into acquisition modernization efforts, including governance for AI procurements. Shared service hits initial phase The HHS Procurement Alignment and Collaboration Task Force (PACT) includes three main initiatives: systems consolidation, establishing a shared services model, and preserving mission-unique procurements. The shared service initiative began in January with the creation of the Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS). OMAS has since transitioned approximately 5,000 contracts for common IT and professional services, along with 230 acquisition workers, with funding from the working capital fund. The initial phase focused on minimizing disruption and ensuring continuity of mission-critical contracts. Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, OMAS plans to strategically identify and consolidate duplicative contracts to bring standardization to agency procurement systems, which will also support workforce strengthening, recruitment, and retention through programs like employee rotations across divisions. New strategic plan coming HHS is currently refreshing its strategic plan to align with the Secretary’s priorities and incorporate feedback from new acquisition leadership. The updated plan will focus on four core pillars: people, process, technology, workforce development, and acquisition excellence. Many activities, such as the PACT initiative, are already underway to ensure the organization matures and develops effective processes. For instance, OMAS is developing robust processes for common procurements and an intern program, which will be integrated into the strategic plan. A significant priority is workforce training across all PACT initiatives, particularly given recent employee turnover, the overhaul of Federal Acquisition Regulations, and the increasing adoption of AI tools, which necessitate a well-prepared workforce for successful implementation.

Shifting away from low-value work

Jennifer Johnson, HHS deputy assistant secretary for acquisitions, explains that as the department consolidates 20 acquisition systems and tools across 12 divisions, a key focus is improving data management for efficiency and contracting officer performance. The department is collaborating with GSA on the Hi-Def Initiative to create a federal data lake, aiming to standardize acquisition data for AI and machine learning. HHS is actively identifying available data and connecting data layers to enhance visibility, reduce redundant data calls, and minimize low-value tasks like market research and cost analysis. Johnson emphasizes the importance of human oversight in evaluating AI-provided outputs to ensure quality decisions, and maintains close communication with the acting CIO to integrate IT goals into acquisition modernization efforts, including governance for AI procurements.

Shared service hits initial phase

The HHS Procurement Alignment and Collaboration Task Force (PACT) includes three main initiatives: systems consolidation, establishing a shared services model, and preserving mission-unique procurements. The shared service initiative began in January with the creation of the Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS). OMAS has since transitioned approximately 5,000 contracts for common IT and professional services, along with 230 acquisition workers, with funding from the working capital fund. The initial phase focused on minimizing disruption and ensuring continuity of mission-critical contracts. Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, OMAS plans to strategically identify and consolidate duplicative contracts to bring standardization to agency procurement systems, which will also support workforce strengthening, recruitment, and retention through programs like employee rotations across divisions.

New strategic plan coming

HHS is currently refreshing its strategic plan to align with the Secretary’s priorities and incorporate feedback from new acquisition leadership. The updated plan will focus on four core pillars: people, process, technology, workforce development, and acquisition excellence. Many activities, such as the PACT initiative, are already underway to ensure the organization matures and develops effective processes. For instance, OMAS is developing robust processes for common procurements and an intern program, which will be integrated into the strategic plan. A significant priority is workforce training across all PACT initiatives, particularly given recent employee turnover, the overhaul of Federal Acquisition Regulations, and the increasing adoption of AI tools, which necessitate a well-prepared workforce for successful implementation.