WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Highlights:
- Modernization is key step toward a fully paperless benefits
system for veterans
- Solution will expedite ratings process and deliver benefits
more quickly to veterans
- Company's expertise in service-oriented architecture (SOA) and
automation is key to win
Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications
and information technology company, has been awarded a one-year,
$2.4 million contract by MED Trends,
Inc., to support the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) as it
transitions to an all-electronic ratings platform.
Modernization of the legacy Rating Board Automation (RBA)
2000 solution is a key step towards automating the Veterans
Benefits Management System (VBMS).
VBA is an organization within the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) that provides benefits and services to veterans and their
families. RBA 2000 assists VBA ratings specialists in
preparing decisions on veterans' benefits claims. The current
system requires personnel to print hard-copy versions of each claim
as part of the benefits decision and delivery process. Harris
will enhance the RBA 2000 solution by developing and integrating a
web-enabled platform that seamlessly incorporates the system's
current services and determination rules to expedite the ratings
process and deliver benefits more quickly to veterans.
"With the rise in the number of veterans seeking benefits, it is
critical that the VBA transition to an electronic, paperless system
that reduces both time and costs," said Jim
Traficant, vice president and general manager, Harris
Healthcare Solutions. "Harris is supporting the VBA in its
mission to provide benefits in a responsive and timely manner to
those who have served our nation."
In 2009, the VBA received more than one million claims – a
record-breaking amount that continues to increase. By
transitioning the VBMS solution toward a stable and scalable
technology infrastructure, the VBA can more efficiently handle this
major influx of veteran benefit claims.
As part of the RBA 2000 modernization process, Harris will build
the following enhancements:
- A web-enabled system that allows ratings specialists to access
claims online;
- A SOA that enables other services to be easily added to the
platform; and
- An extensible and transparent rule engine that incorporates
hundreds of rules that the RBA uses to govern the rating of benefit
claims.
Harris Healthcare Solutions provides secure enterprise
intelligence solutions and services for government and commercial
customers — including systems integration, intelligent
infrastructure, advanced visualization and display, enterprise
digital content management and IT solutions. A leader in
federal healthcare IT integration, Harris products, systems and
services improve healthcare outcomes by assuring that critical
medical and benefits information is delivered with security and
privacy to the right person, on the right device, at the point of
care.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information
technology company serving government and commercial markets
worldwide. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has
approximately $5 billion of annual
revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000
engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing
best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and
services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is
available at www.harris.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that
reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and
estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such
statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors
that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to
differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Statements about the expected
value of the program to Harris are forward-looking and involve
risks and uncertainties. Harris disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
SOURCE Harris Corporation