SAIC to support DOD health information system

Science Applications International Corp. will continue furnishing technology support for key components of the Defense Department’s health information management system under a contract potentially worth $158 million.

Under the contract, SAIC will maintain and improve the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) and Composite Health Care System (CHCS), company officials said today. Specifically, SAIC will provide engineering, logistics and sustainment support for AHLTA/CHCS, the officials said.

Health care providers use AHLTA to access data from electronic health records stored in a central repository. CHCS is an integrated system that contains hospital information and connects medical departments, hospital wards, clinics, labs and pharmacies serving the armed forces. Together, the systems facilitate quality health care and also help DOD health officials track clinical care and analyze the effectiveness of health services.

SAIC has about 500 employees assigned to the project, company officials said. The work is done in Falls Church, Va.; San Diego, Calif.; and at U.S. military health care and treatment facilities worldwide.

SAIC, of San Diego, ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology’s 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.