Defense Health Agency, Health Readiness Policy and Oversight

Our Work

Knowesis staff support DHA and DASD HRP&O by providing program management, planning and execution support; studies, analytical, and evaluation services; administration services; document and records management; business process reengineering; logistical support; knowledge management; and manpower, human resources, and business office support. In addition, Knowesis subject matter experts (SME)s assist in managing a $1.6B/year portfolio of medical research and development by providing analytical support and assisting the transition of mature science projects to acquisition and process improvement for Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Training, and Education portfolio management.

Our Results

We work collaboratively with the clients of twelve stakeholder directorates and work centers to provide in-depth subject matter expertise spanning myriad subjects including: the blending of civil-military medicine capability to meet challenges caused by conflict or natural disasters; providing program management for the DoD’s medical research program; providing expertise in combat casualty care and international healthcare; and providing expertise in medical countermeasures, as well as providing expertise in psychological health (e.g., PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury) and healthcare logistics. The support provided by Knowesis has resulted in lives saved on the battlefield, and most recently, contributed to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic-related Operation Warp Speed, our Nations’ effort to accelerate vaccination distribution across the country.

Defense Health Agency, Health Readiness Policy and Oversight

The Director, Defense Health Agency (DHA) carries out the agency mission and assigned responsibilities and functions in accordance with direction from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)), adopted with the advice and assistance of the governance councils established by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)), including senior representatives of the Military Departments. As a Combat Support Agency (CSA), the DHA delivers joint functions and activities for the Military Health System (MHS) that enable rapid adoption of proven practices, reduce unwanted variation, and improve the coordination of care across time and treatment venues. Additionally, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight (HRP&O), is the principal staff assistant and advisor to the ASD(HA) for all DoD policies, programs, and activities related to deployment health, force health protection, operational medical readiness, medical logistics and standardization, international health agreements and missions, and national disaster support.

Defense Health Agency, Health Readiness Policy and Oversight

Professional Support Services