MQAS Support and Analysis Division (S&AD)

S&AD supports the other MQAS divisions by providing staff with technical and administrative expertise.  In addition, S&AD performs special projects and reviews as directed by the VA CFO and the Finance & Logistics Council. 

S&AD is divided into four main support areas:  Financial Support, Information Technology Support, Technical Support, and Management Support.

Financial Support Services

The Financial Support Team performs financial and statistical analysis to support various MQAS review and reporting activities.  The Financial Support Team:

• Performs the annual MQAS Internal Quality Assurance Review for use in signing the annual MQAS financial assurance statement.

• Conducts reviews of questionable VA purchase card transactions identified through data mining to increase station awareness of purchase card issues and improve overall program efficiency and effectiveness.

• Performs financial and statistical analysis to support reviews conducted by MQAS divisions. For this analysis, the team:

  • Downloads nationwide reports and maintains financial databases.

  • Extracts financial data and prepares financial reports for monitoring purposes.

  • Collects and analyzes financial data for review teams prior to site visits.

  • Provides statistically sound sample universes to review teams.

  • Provides other ad hoc services such as assisting in creating databases.

• Performs MQAS review follow-up and support activities, including independent referencing, to MQAS divisions and provides assistance with site reviews as needed.

• Develops and maintains tracking databases for tracking review conditions, review recommendations, and best practices and for assisting in development of MQAS summary reports.

• Tracks MQAS Quality Survey results and MQAS strategic plan performance measures.

• Helps coordinate in-house training for MQAS staff.

Information Technology Support Services

The Information Technology Specialists support the computer environment for the Service.  The Information Technology Team:

• Designs specialized programs and routines to automate data extracts and data manipulation.

• Conducts data mining and manipulation using mainframe system and other related sources.

• Accesses the mainframe computer system as needed for all divisions.

• Designs, builds, and maintains applications to support MQAS requirements.

• Assists end-users with day-to-day computer hardware or software problems. 

• Performs installs, moves, adds, and changes required for information systems support.

• Diagnoses, develops cost estimates for, and repairs computer, printer, copier, and peripheral device malfunctions.

• Determines alternative solutions and upgrade computer hardware.

• Installs software and software upgrades and maintains licenses for all software products.

• Provides information systems migration, deployment, and installation services.

• Performs asset management (e.g., asset inventory, reviewing and tracking, asset administration and reporting, and history and forecasting). 

Document Management Services

The Document Management Services Team supports MQAS staff with the front- and back-end correspondence requirements of the reporting process.  The Team:

• Reviews and edits MQAS review reports, internal directives and handbooks, routine correspondence, and other service-related documentation.

• Ensures all written internal and external MQAS products are consistent in format, content, and terminology, and comply with MQAS and VA documentation standards and conventions. 

• Develops document and presentation templates and writing guides to standardize all MQAS products.

• Develops and revises, as needed, processes for submitting, editing, and reviewing MQAS reports from initial draft through distribution.

• Monitors and maintains MQAS Internet and intranet Web sites. 

• Tracks, maintains, and archives MQAS review reports and related correspondence, Federal regulations, and reference library resources for the Service.

Management Support Services

S&AD also provides Management Support Services for MQAS.  These services include:

• Physical security planning and monitoring.

• Transportation of items between the main MQAS site and the Austin Automation Center.

• Safety and ergonomic planning and monitoring.

• Repairs and reconfiguration of furniture.

• Inventory and records management.

• Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative responsibilities for MQAS contracts.

• Coordination of summary reports, special requests, and responses to VA Central Office suspense items.

To Find Out More...

If you would like to know more about these services, contact the Support and Analysis Division Associate Director at 512-438-6296.