Nurse smiling with older smiling gentleman

PFS Receives Award to Support Modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Nurse Qualification Standards

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WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Nursing Services (ONS) awarded Titan Alpha a contract to provide training, implementation, communication, and change management support for modernizing VHA’s Nurse Qualifications Standards. This award follows Titan Alpha’s prior support for VHA’s medical workforce initiatives, including Nursing Qualifications Standards Modernization.

VA is the primary employer of nursing personnel in the United States with more than 113,000 nurses. These nurses provide health care across a continuum of services for acute and chronic conditions in hospital, ambulatory, and skilled nursing settings. VA nurses share tools, evidence-based best practices, and lessons learned, and engage in emergency management and disaster preparedness. They are also involved in nursing communities, advocating for informed nursing practices so VA can constantly improve care for Veterans, caregivers, and families.

The Titan Alpha team, along with its partner rockITdata, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman Owned Small Business, will support ONS, the Workforce Management and Consulting Office (WMC) and other VHA leaders in implementing VA’s comprehensive plan to modernize nurse qualification standards and performance management processes for registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Titan Alpha will help to ensure that nursing standards incorporate the latest in the field of nursing and use technology to enhance Veteran care.

“Many VA nurses view their work as an opportunity to serve their country. In turn, we look forward to continuing to serve them,” said Kamran Sartaj, PFS Vice President of the Organizational Change and Learning. “Working as VA’s partner, we will help ensure its nurses are well-prepared to meet the health care needs of our nation’s Veterans. We support VA in delivering exceptional care across the board.”

About PFS

PFS is a verified SDVOSB founded in 2014. Since receiving SDVOSB certification in 2017, PFS has delivered more than 90 projects with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation. PFS assists federal clients in planning and implementing health care transformation, innovation, technology, and quality improvement solutions. PFS is the Managing Venturer of the Titan Alpha Joint Venture.

For more information on Titan Alpha and its commitment to supporting critical initiatives within VA, please visit https://pfs.us/.

Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Titan Alpha Awarded Key Role in Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Strategic Planning Retreat

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November 21, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Titan Alpha, a collaborative venture between Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP), was awarded a contract to support the upcoming MEDVAMC Strategic Planning Retreat scheduled for February 15-17, 2023. This pivotal event aims to formulate actionable, long-term plans and priorities for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) that align with the strategies of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and underscore the facility’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our nation’s veterans.

The retreat holds immense significance as it will set clear process and outcome expectations, ensuring alignment with the priorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (SECVA), VHA Under Secretary, and VHA Long-Range Plan Goals and Objectives. Titan Alpha, with its proven expertise in strategic planning, facilitation, and change management, will play a pivotal role in streamlining the planning efforts before, during, and after the event, maximizing the potential of the retreat and providing actionable directions for leadership and attendees.

Titan Alpha will bring its comprehensive expertise in strategic planning, facilitation, and change management to support MEDVAMC in analyzing diverse inputs, leveraging their Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and providing a common vision to meet current and future needs. The team will ensure an educational, engaging, and value-added retreat that results in actionable and easily communicable plans, influencing budget decisions and aligning with VHA priorities.

For more information on Titan Alpha and its commitment to supporting critical initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs, please visit https://pfs.us/.

Titan Alpha Secures Award for Ongoing Support of VA Innovation Research and Review System (VAIRRS) to Enhance Regulatory Oversight and Advance VA Research Initiatives

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WASHINGTON, DC – Titan Alpha, a dynamic joint venture of Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP), is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Research Protections, Policy, and Education (ORPP&E) within the VHA Office of Research and Development (ORD). The team will provide essential ongoing support for the VA Innovation Research and Review System (VAIRRS), a critical web-based platform facilitating regulatory oversight and project management for VA research programs.

The VAIRRS Program, initiated in 2021 across 108 VA sites and the VA Central Institutional Review Board (CIRB), serves as the backbone for managing research project submissions to regulatory oversight committees. Our commitment to advancing this vital system aligns seamlessly with the mission and vision of ORPP&E, contributing to the effective functioning of the Research and Development Committee and its subcommittees, including the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS).

Recognizing the challenges encountered during the establishment of VAIRRS in 2020, PFS, with its partners, has played a pivotal role in the program’s enhancement. We have successfully addressed issues related to user buy-in, training, and change management, resulting in improved enterprise system implementation. Our comprehensive approach encompasses communications support to re-brand the program, centralized data and reporting via customized dashboards, and strategic activities tailored to the program’s mission and vision.

Carl Fortune, Vice President of the PFS Health Services Research and Evaluation service line, emphasizes the team’s commitment: “We understand the importance of VAIRRS in supporting the regulatory processes vital to advancing VA research initiatives. Our experienced team, equipped with institutional knowledge, is ready to continue delivering consistent, efficient, and effective support. Titan Alpha remains dedicated to ensuring the success of VAIRRS, actively engaging with end users, resolving issues, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of the program.”

For more information about Titan Alpha and our commitment to supporting critical research initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs, please visit https://pfs.us/.

PFS Awarded Contract to Support VHA’s Clinical Informatics and Data Management Office to Advance Standard of Care Through Improved Data and Tools

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WASHINGTON, DC – Titan Alpha is excited to announce its selection to support the vital mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Health Informatics (OHI), Clinical Informatics (CI) office, Field Informatics Stewardship (FIS) division.

The VHA’s Clinical Informatics (CI) office is committed to advancing a standard of excellence in healthcare through enhanced data, tools, and an empowered informatics workforce. The mission of CI is clear: to enhance the lives of Veterans and healthcare staff by providing precise data and tools that facilitate better clinical decisions, streamline clinical workflows, and elevate user experiences. CI is dedicated to helping VHA become an agile learning organization through user-centric design, the standardization of clinical and business processes, and innovative technologies that improve Veterans’ Integrated Service Network (VISN) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility informatics services. Informatics Workforce Stewardship (IWS) is the CI work unit that provides leadership, subject matter expertise, and program management to OHI’s heath informatics (HI) workforce modernization efforts.

PFS, with our partners Deloitte and Ben Allegretti Consulting, will provide an elite team of healthcare and health informatics experts with a wealth of experience. This team’s extensive knowledge and familiarity with the IWS mission, stakeholders, work products, and processes uniquely position the team to provide exceptional service that aligns seamlessly with the IWS Practice Framework.

Margo Rubertus, PFS Project Manager and a key member of the Titan Alpha team, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: “We understand the profound impact that robust health informatics can have on the well-being of our Veterans and healthcare providers. We are eager to embark on this transformative journey and stand ready to provide expert support to help realize the VHA’s vision of a more agile, efficient, and user-focused healthcare system.”

Titan Alpha is dedicated to elevating the VHA’s health informatics workforce, enhancing the use of data, and fostering innovation, all in pursuit of improving the quality of care for our nation’s Veterans.

For more information, please visit https://pfs.us/ or reach out to our team for further details.

PFS Awarded Contract to Support Critical Epidemiological Study for Fort McClellan Veterans

PFS Awarded Contract to Support Critical Epidemiological Study for Fort McClellan Veterans

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WASHINGTON, DC – Prometheus Federal Services (PFS), through our Titan Alpha joint venture with Customer Value Partners (CVP), is proud to announce its selection as the key contractor to support the crucial epidemiological study on the health trends of Veterans who served at Fort McClellan, as mandated by Section 801 of the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022” (PACT Act).

Fort McClellan, a former Army installation located in Alabama that operated from 1917 to 1999, served as the training ground for numerous military units and schools, including the U.S. Army Chemical Corp School, Army Combat Development Command Chemical/Biological/Radiological Agency, Army Military Police School, and Women’s Army Corps. Numerous service members stationed in that location may have encountered exposure to a range of hazardous materials during their service.

In response to concerns raised by Veterans and members of Congress, Section 801 of the PACT Act directed the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an epidemiological study to evaluate the health trends of Veterans who served at Fort McClellan between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999.

Titan Alpha, with its proven expertise in epidemiology, statistics, survey design and administration, project management, communications, exposure science, and environmental health, will provide critical support for this complex undertaking as we remain committed to our mission of delivering the utmost level of service for our veterans.

Kelsey Marx, PFS Project Manager, emphasizes the importance of this work: “This is not just a study; it’s a commitment to the well-being of our Veterans. The challenges are significant, but so is the duty to ensure that those who served at Fort McClellan receive the answers and support they deserve. Titan Alpha is honored to be entrusted with this vital research and looks forward to delivering results that will make a meaningful impact on the health and care of our Veterans.”

Titan Alpha is fully committed to advancing the study to better understand the potential health effects on Veterans who served at Fort McClellan and to provide them with the comprehensive support they need and deserve.

About Titan Alpha: Titan Alpha is a joint venture of Prometheus Federal Services and Customer Value Partners dedicated to supporting critical research and communication initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring the well-being of our nation’s Veterans. With a steadfast commitment to our Veterans, Titan Alpha aims to make a difference in their lives through comprehensive and data-driven studies and communication efforts.

For more information, go to https://pfs.us/

Group of Veterans in a focus group

Titan Alpha Awarded Contract with Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Communications

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October 9, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Titan Alpha, a joint venture of Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP) were awarded a contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Office of Communications.

As VHA continues one of the largest transformation efforts in its history, it has made substantial progress by establishing priorities, guiding principles, and strategic initiatives to become a high-reliability, integrated health system. Every day, VHA provides holistic Veteran-centered care to 9 million Veterans nationwide while also serving as the nation’s back-up health care system during times of crisis. Veterans, their families, and caregivers depend on VHA for care. It is essential that VHA put out timely, coordinated, clear, targeted communications.

The VHA Office of Communications is responsible for informing Veterans and other key internal and external audiences about the services VHA offers, organizational priorities, ongoing initiatives, health and wellness issues, advances in medical and clinical care, and a wide array of events and activities occurring both nationally and locally.

Through its internal and external channels, including strategic partners (e.g., health care industry, corporations, Veteran Service Organizations, nonprofit associations, etc.) and media, the Titan Alpha team will support VHA Communications to spread its message and deepen its impact with those who benefit most — America’s Veterans and VHA’s own employees.

“The work supporting the Veterans Health Administration communications is not just a job; it’s our duty to ensure  those who  served our nation receive the care and support they deserve,” states Dana Cogar, PFS vice president of Strategic Communications. “Effective communication is the lifeline connecting Veterans with the health care services and resources they need, and it’s our privilege to make that connection stronger every day.”

Together with VHA Communications, the team will create and implement an integrated communications approach in coordination with many others across the enterprise about numerous complex topics. The team will help communicate priorities from the Under Secretary for Health and other VA leaders; communicate new initiatives, treatments, and changes in policies; and promote services, programs, and benefits available to those who have served.

Titan Alpha and PFS proudly celebrate winning multiple MarCom Awards, Communicator Awards, Telly Awards, Muse Award, and Hermes Creative Awards.

Titan Alpha Celebrates 21 Industry Awards

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We are proud to announce Titan Alpha, Prometheus Federal Services’ (PFS) joint venture with Customer Value Partners (CVP), has been recognized with 21 awards in the last seven months for its marketing and communications work supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In May 2023, Titan Alpha won two Telly Awards, the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. The “Cancer Health Equity at VA” video won a Silver Telly Award in the Non-Broadcast—General category while the “Long COVID: Three Veterans’ Journey” video won a Bronze Telly Award in the Non-Broadcast—Government Relations category. The Telly Awards receives over 12,000 entries annually from all 50 states and five continents. Submissions are judged by a group of 200 industry leaders representing advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks. Other winners this year included National Public Radio and JP Morgan.

In April 2023, Titan Alpha was presented with four Communicator Awards of Distinction by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA) for products exceeding industry standards in quality and achievement. Additional Communicator Award recipients included Blue Cross Blue Shield, BMW, T-Mobile, and FedEx.

Also in April 2023, Titan Alpha received three platinum and two gold Hermes Creative Awards, along with a Muse Creative Silver Award. Hermes Awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), one of the largest, oldest, and most respected evaluators of creative work in the marketing and communication industry. Other winners this year included DaVita HealthCare, Honeywell, and MasterCard. The Muse Awards cross creative industry boundaries, and fellow awardees include Vox Media, Adidas, and the U.S. Secret Service.

These 2023 awards follow the honor of receiving four platinum and six gold MarCom Awards in October 2022. MarCom is also sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) and honors excellence in marketing and communications. Other winners included Microsoft, Pepsi, and IBM.

“We are honored our marketing and communications work for VA stands out in the field and has been recognized with these recent awards,” said Greg Smallwood, PFS’ CEO. “While I am thrilled for the recognition, I am not surprised. There are a lot of teams who can do great work, but not all teams have the passion for serving Veterans that I’ve seen from our purpose-driven, creative team who consistently strives for excellence. Titan Alpha is mission-focused and committed to helping improve the lives of Veterans. It’s humbling to be recognized for that achievement and an honor to do great work for those who served.”

The full list of VA and Titan Alpha awards include:

MarCom Awards

Hermes Awards

Telly Awards

The Communicator Awards

Muse Award

About PFS

Managing Venturer, Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) is a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). PFS assists federal clients in planning and implementing healthcare transformation, innovation, technology, and quality improvement initiatives, programs, and projects. PFS offers a full range of strategic communications capabilities and expertise from highly qualified staff who are leaders in their field.

For more information on PFS, go to www.pfs.us.

PFS and CVP Team Wins Hermes Creative Awards for VA Communications Support

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Titan Alpha, a joint venture between Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP), has the privilege to partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support its critical work providing health care, benefits, and services to our Nation’s Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

We are honored to announce that our marketing and communications work recently won three platinum and two gold Hermes Creative Awards for the 2023 international awards competition. We are humbled by this recognition, which comes just six months after we were recognized with 10 MarCom awards in 2022.

Hermes Creative Awards recognize the creative industry’s best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, and advertising, marketing, and communication programs. These awards are a testament to the strength of Titan Alpha’s partnership with VA and the outstanding work its staff produces every day.

Platinum Awards

Gold Awards

Hermes Creative Awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), one of the largest, oldest, and most respected evaluators of creative work in the marketing and communication industry.

Winners were selected from over 200 categories grouped under advertising, publications, marketing/branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media, and pro bono. A full list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the Hermes Creative Awards website.

“We are fortunate to have the honor to partner with VA and support its essential mission,” Dana Cogar, PFS Vice President of Strategic Communications. “Our company and staff are committed to delivering excellence and aim to be the most trusted partner for health care transformation.”

PFS, a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), offers a full range of strategic communications capabilities and expertise from highly qualified staff who are leaders in their field. We assist federal government clients in developing and implementing communications campaigns and products that engage target audiences at the right time, with the right message, and using the most effective channels.

For more information on PFS and our strategic communications capability, go to www.pfs.us.

Military jets flying with fuel streams behind them

Titan Alpha and ICF Awarded Contract with Veterans Health Administration’s Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME)

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WASHINGTON, DC – Titan Alpha, a joint venture of Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP) and partner ICF were awarded a contract with the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Office of Patient Care Services (PCS), Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME).

Jet fuel is one of the single largest sources of chemical exposures to military personnel. Previous studies have reported acute health outcomes associated with exposure to the elements of jet fuels, including hematological and neurological effects; however, less is known about long-term, chronic outcomes. HOME is currently collaborating with the Department of Defense (DoD) on an investigation of the long-term outcomes in Veterans that had occupational exposure to jet fuels.

The Titan Alpha-ICF team will provide project management and support the assembly of a report to Congress as required by the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022.” Specifically, the report will assess human health effects associated with exposure to jet fuel, describe safeguards implemented by the Armed Forces to protect against exposure, and identify areas for future research in a report due to Congress in August 2023.

Along with the robust strategy, operations, and Veteran healthcare expertise that Titan Alpha brings to the project, the ICF partnership adds valuable unique and specific experience within toxic exposure tied with research and evaluation. ICF provides expertise in developing risk assessments for clients such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Examples include evaluation of health effects of UVCBs such as jet fuel, kerosene, and diesel fuel in the context of European chemical regulations, NIEHS health assessments of traffic-related air pollution inhalation exposure, association of Parkinson’s disease with environmental exposures, and more.

“Our current administration has embraced the charge to comprehensively address toxic exposures that have impacted Veterans, as well as their families and caregivers,” says PFS Vice President, Carl-Henry Fortune. “We are eager to harness our talents and support the work to help Congress make decisions that help make sure Veterans devastated by toxic exposures finally receive the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve.”

The team will gather and review relevant information and draft all sections of the report. The team will also make recommendations on strategies for communicating the findings of the report with key stakeholders and the public.

For more information, go to https://pfs.us/

PFS and CVP Win 10 MarCom Awards

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Titan Alpha, a joint venture between Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) and Customer Value Partners (CVP), has the privilege to partner with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to communicate about critical work being done to provide healthcare, benefits, and services to our Nation’s Veterans, their families, and caregivers.

We are thrilled to announce that our marketing and communications work has been recognized by the industry as well: we recently won four platinum and six gold MarCom Awards for the 2022 award cycle. With these awards, we validate that we are providing the highest service to one of our country’s highest missions.

Over the past year, we have supported VA across a wide and meaningful range of projects and programs. We created a marketing campaign to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (I*DEA) initiatives for VA employees. We developed communications to help VHA’s National Oncology Program promote the TeleOncology service it provides to patients in rural and underserved VA centers without an on-site oncologist. We created quick turn outreach materials to offer Veterans and their families with helpful information during the COVID pandemic.

Through our partnership with VHA and efforts of our talented and dedicated team, we are honored to have received awards for the following:

Platinum Awards

Gold Awards

“We are exceptionally proud that this work is being recognized for its impact and excellence,” shares Kamran Sartaj, Vice President of Organizational Change and Strategic Communications.

Since 2004, the MarCom Awards have honored industry professionals’ excellence in marketing and communications. Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, MarCom is one of the largest creative communication and marketing competitions in the world.

The full list of 2022 MarCom Award winners can be found here.

About PFS

PFS, a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), offers a full range of strategic communications capabilities and expertise from highly qualified staff who are leaders in their field. We assist federal government clients in developing and implementing communications campaigns and products that engage target audiences at the right time, with the right message, and using the most effective channels.

For more information on PFS and our strategic communications capability, go to www.pfs.us.