WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today announced the award of a contract to PricewaterhouseCoopers to complete studies required by the Secretary’s Capital Asset and Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) plan.
“CARES is VA's blueprint for the future," Principi said. "With this contract, we will ensure the historic modernization of our health care system includes input from our veterans and other stakeholders."
The $9.6 million contract calls for completing studies at 18 sites throughout the country during a 13-month period.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has more than 25 years experience conducting health care delivery studies and providing implementation support.
Study recommendations, including those from stakeholders, will be reviewed by the VA Under Secretary for Health and CARES Implementation Board, consisting of senior VA officials, who will make recommendations to the Secretary. The studies will be completed no later than February 2006.
CARES is designed to provide greater access to quality care closer to where most veterans live. It allows VA to expand outpatient services and provide more of the care veterans want and use.
