The 2025 Defense Health Information Technology Symposium (DHITS) brought together military leaders, government executives, and industry partners to focus on the future of defense health IT. Over three packed days, a clear theme emerged: innovation at scale requires collaboration across agencies, services, and industry.
In our full recap below, we break down key takeaways from each day of the conference, and what they mean for government contractors preparing to support the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) mission.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The conference opened with a keynote from Mr. Pat Flanders, Program Executive Officer for Medical Systems and CIO of the DHA. Mr. Flanders took a sweeping look at the size and scope of DHA’s mission. From 49 hospitals and 320 clinics worldwide to a health benefits program serving 9.5 million covered lives, the scale is staggering.
Mr. Flanders highlighted ongoing IT modernization priorities critical to sustaining readiness and improving care delivery, including enterprise architecture, zero trust, and interoperability with the VA.
Later in the day, Mr. Tom Hines, DHA Chief Information Security Officer, discussed cybersecurity and unveiled “Ask Sage,” the first DoD-approved AI large language model capable of handling Protected Health Information. His message was clear: innovation must go hand-in-hand with robust security.
The day closed with a panel discussion on digital integration and AI pilots, underscoring DHA’s commitment to testing and scaling technologies that deliver measurable value.
Day 2: Partnerships in Action
Day 2 shifted toward how partnerships are powering DHA’s modernization efforts.
Reverse Industry Day: Announced by Ms. Kathleen Berst, this new forum will invite industry to present solutions that directly address capability gaps across business operations, healthcare delivery, and combat support. It’s a rare chance for contractors to shape DHA’s acquisition strategy in real time.
Joint Operational Medicine Systems (JOMIS): A panel led by CDR John de Geus spotlighted DHA’s new program to modernize IT systems supporting deployed forces. The focus: ensuring warfighters have the right tools and access to care, no matter where they serve.
DoD and VA Collaboration: A joint panel revealed that the VA will accelerate deployment of the Federal EHR system, targeting 2026. Powered by Oracle Health technology, this effort reflects a model for how interagency partnerships can improve care for both warfighters and Veterans, what panelists called “shared success”.
Day 3: Data, EHR, and Leadership
The final day emphasized the people and processes behind innovation.
Federal EHR Modernization (FEHRM) leaders shared how the joint DoD–VA EHR is advancing through interoperability, efficiency, and collaboration, while respecting each agency’s unique mission.
DHA Chief Data & Analytics Office highlighted efforts to mature data governance and leverage emerging technologies. The goal: transform raw data into actionable insights that improve decision-making and patient outcomes.
CIO Panel brought together military and civilian leaders to share best practices, lessons learned, and candid perspectives on leading IT transformation within DHA and J-6.
Together, these sessions reinforced that success depends on governance, leadership, and collaboration.
Why It Matters for Government Contractors
For industry, DHITS was a roadmap for government contractors preparing to support DHA’s mission.
Reverse Industry Days highlight direct opportunities to bring forward solutions that can shape DHA’s acquisition strategy.
Operational medicine modernization (via JOMIS) will create demand for interoperable, secure, and deployable IT solutions.
The joint Federal EHR rollout means years of integration, customization, and cybersecurity work ahead, with contractors playing a vital role in ensuring seamless adoption.
Data and analytics maturity opens the door for companies with expertise in AI, governance, and decision support to add real value.
Red Team’s Takeaway
DHITS 2025 made one thing clear: the DHA is both massive in scale and ambitious in innovation. For government contractors, this is a call to action. Opportunities will flow to those who can bring solutions that scale, integrate seamlessly, and directly improve mission outcomes.
At Red Team, we help GovCon companies align with these priorities. Whether it’s positioning for Reverse Industry Days, developing winning strategies for IT modernization programs, or navigating the complexities of joint agency initiatives.
The question for government contractors is where your company can add the most value to DHA.
Ready to align your strategy with DHA’s future needs?
Contact us to explore how Red Team can help you compete, grow, and win in this evolving market.
