Innovating CMS Systems: Inside the DDS Team's Mission
The Division of Data Strategy (DDS) within the Office of Information Technology (OIT)/Enterprise Architecture and Data Group (EADG) is at the forefront of modernizing and managing the CMS Enterprise Portal Services (EPS) and EADG acquisition/contracting services and investments. This dedicated team plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless access to a variety of CMS healthcare applications through the Enterprise Portal platform. The Enterprise Portal platform is designed to enhance user experience by providing shared services and facilitating the integration of multiple applications. With a focus on delivering exceptional digital products and strategic consultation, DDS is committed to supporting the modernization of CMS's national healthcare systems and services. We spoke with Information Technology Specialist, Gregory Crawford to learn more about the DDS team.
Tell us about your team’s area of work.
The Division of Data Strategy (DDS) is a division within OIT/EADG that manages the CMS EPS (EPS) and EADG acquisition/contracting services and investments. EPS includes the Enterprise Portal platform that provides easy access to a community of CMS healthcare-based applications. In addition, EPS develops shared services to assist integrated application teams with common functionality requirements. Enterprise Portal end users can request access to multiple integrated applications and launch them from the Enterprise Portal platform. DDS is dedicated to our user community and strives to ensure a world-class customer experience.
DDS provides COR services for several major contracts, and also delivers contract and investment oversight for all EADG. DDS’ goal is to deliver exceptional digital products and consultation that supports the modernization of CMS’ National healthcare systems and services.
Tell us about who makes up your team.
We are a motivated and diverse team of professionals with a wide range of skills and experience: customer relations, cloud management/economics, software programming/testing, UI/UX, data analytics and warehousing, security, business analysis, Lean, HCD, product management, project management, budget management, financial analysis and contracting. The team utilizes and promotes the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodology for internal and contractual work. We utilize these skill sets to provide EPS (to our EPS customers), customer relations, contract management, quality control, acquisition planning, budget management, and IT Governance.
How would someone kick off a project with your team?
DDS is easy to reach! For EPS, any CMS Program that is interested should go to CMS Connect and submit a request for more information about Enterprise Portal and the process for integration. From there, we will set up an initial meeting to cover Enterprise Portal features, shared services, benefits or just answer any questions you have.
One interesting thing people should know about your group.
We are a highly motivated team that creates value through innovation and continuous improvement of the customer experience. We are actively engaged in the customer journey seeking to understand their issues and problems. Through active listening and innovative action, we deliver excellent customer results. The Portal provides services to the majority of CMS Centers. Our user population is diverse and includes providers, beneficiaries, Medicare contractors, health insurance organizations, state agencies, law enforcement agencies, brokers and agents, CMS Central and Regional Office staff, and other federal agencies. Our customers have received value from our early adoption of the Agile methodology, cloud economics, HCD and software modernization.
What are your goals for the year?
We aim to showcase the Enterprise Portal and engage current and potential new CMS partners to utilize a shared IT resource for greater savings, efficiencies, and improved customer outcomes. We will continue to explore Lean/Agile techniques that streamline our acquisition and contracting processes to deliver improved cost and performance outcomes.
The DDS team stands out not only for its technical proficiency but also for its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation. By continuously engaging with their user community and adopting Agile methodologies, DDS drives improvements that benefit a wide range of stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem. As they pursue their goals for the year, including the promotion of the Enterprise Portal and the exploration of Lean/Agile techniques, DDS remains dedicated to delivering cost-effective and high-performance solutions that advance the mission of CMS.
If you are interested in learning more about the CMS Enterprise Portal check out this one pager.