# VA Faces Aging OT Security Risks

A GovCIO interview with former VA IT leader Bill James highlights cybersecurity risks where operational technology (OT), biomedical devices, and traditional IT systems connect. Aging federal infrastructure and organizational silos can complicate security, pointing to priorities for agencies and contractors in OT risk management, modernization, and workforce preparedness. The signal does not announce a procurement or funding opportunity.

- Contractors serving VA and other federal agencies can assess whether their cybersecurity and modernization capabilities address risks across connected OT, biomedical-device, and IT environments.
- Procurement teams may find the interview useful when considering how aging infrastructure, cross-system risk management, and workforce preparedness affect agency security needs; it does not specify a solicitation, requirement, or compliance deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Healthcare
**Topics:** Cybersecurity, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Information and Technology (VA OIT)

### Sources
- [Keeping Aging Federal Systems Running Amid OT Vulnerabilities | GovCIO Media & Research](https://govciomedia.com/keeping-aging-federal-systems-running-amid-ot-vulnerabilities) - GovCIO Media & Research