Defense Health Agency (DHA): A Guide for New Government Contractors

Understanding DHA

What is DHA?

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency within the Department of Defense (DoD) responsible for managing military medical services worldwide. It oversees the administration of healthcare for active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families through the Military Health System (MHS). DHA aims to enhance medical readiness, improve patient care, and increase efficiency across military healthcare facilities.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Medical Readiness: Ensuring U.S. military forces are medically prepared for deployment.
  • Healthcare Delivery: Managing military treatment facilities (MTFs) worldwide.
  • TRICARE Program: Overseeing healthcare services for uniformed service members and their dependents.
  • Medical Research & Innovation: Developing advanced medical technologies and treatments for battlefield and military applications.
  • Public Health & Preventive Medicine: Implementing disease prevention, environmental health, and force health protection measures.
  • Information Technology & Cybersecurity: Managing health IT systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and cybersecurity for military healthcare networks.
  • Acquisition & Logistics: Procuring medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare-related services for DoD medical facilities.

Mission and Goals

DHA’s mission is to provide a medically ready force and a ready medical force while delivering high-quality healthcare through an integrated Military Health System. The agency’s primary goals include:

  • Standardizing Military Healthcare: Unifying services across Army, Navy, and Air Force medical facilities.
  • Enhancing Patient Experience: Improving healthcare access, quality, and efficiency.
  • Optimizing Military Medical Resources: Ensuring cost-effective use of personnel, facilities, and technology.
  • Strengthening Global Health Engagement: Supporting international partnerships and humanitarian assistance efforts.

DHA Organization

DHA operates through multiple directorates and divisions that oversee various aspects of military healthcare. Some key components include:

  • Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs): Hospitals and clinics operated under DHA across the U.S. and globally.
  • TRICARE Health Plans: Manages contracts with civilian healthcare providers for service members and beneficiaries.
  • Joint Trauma System (JTS): Coordinates trauma care research and policy to improve battlefield medical outcomes.
  • DHA Research & Development: Supports innovation in military medicine, including combat casualty care, telemedicine, and precision medicine.
  • Medical Logistics and Procurement: Oversees acquisition and supply chain management for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

DHA integrates operations with the Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), and Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) to provide unified healthcare services.

Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with DHA

Helpful Tips for IT, Medical, and Logistics Contractors:

  • Understand DHA’s Priorities: Align your services with DHA’s goals of healthcare standardization, operational efficiency, and technological modernization.
  • Stay Compliant with DoD Regulations: Ensure adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and cybersecurity frameworks like RMF and FedRAMP.
  • Master DHA Systems and Technologies: Familiarize yourself with MHS GENESIS (the new EHR system), the Joint Operational Medicine Information System (JOMIS), and Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support (DMLSS).
  • Cybersecurity and IT Best Practices: Contractors working in health IT should prioritize Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), data encryption, and interoperability of medical IT systems.
  • Effective Communication and Collaboration: Work closely with DHA contracting officers, military medical professionals, and DoD leadership to align project objectives.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on emerging healthcare technologies, DoD acquisition trends, and policy changes impacting DHA.
  • Networking and Market Research: Engage in DHA industry days, DoD small business outreach events, and federal contracting workshops to identify business opportunities.
  • Prioritize Patient-Centered Solutions: Whether in software development, logistics, or medical support services, contractors should focus on improving patient experience and clinical outcomes.
  • Document and Maintain Compliance Records: Ensure meticulous documentation of project progress, security compliance, and procurement details for audits and contract renewals.

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