Modernizing Public Health IT: Lessons from HRSA and CDC Contract Vehicles

In an era where public health challenges are increasingly complex and data-driven, the modernization of public health IT systems is not just a technical upgrade—it is a mission-critical imperative. Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with federal health agencies to deliver secure, scalable, and innovative digital solutions that drive better health outcomes and operational efficiency. Through specialized contract vehicles with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Publicis Sapient is enabling the next generation of public health IT.

Enabling Public Health Transformation Through Proven Contract Vehicles

Publicis Sapient’s deep experience in government contracting is anchored by a suite of flexible, agency-specific vehicles. These include the CDC’s Information Management Services (CIMS) contract and HRSA’s digital transformation initiatives, both of which empower federal agencies to access a broad range of technology, data, and management services tailored to the unique needs of public health.

CDC Information Management Services (CIMS)

Under the CDC’s CIMS contract, Publicis Sapient delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services designed to support the full lifecycle of public health information systems. These services include:

This breadth of capability enables the CDC to modernize its digital infrastructure, enhance data-driven decision-making, and respond rapidly to emerging public health threats. Publicis Sapient’s proven track record in delivering these services has made it a trusted partner for the CDC’s most critical information management initiatives.

HRSA Digital Transformation: Empowering the Health Workforce

Publicis Sapient’s partnership with HRSA exemplifies the impact of digital transformation on public health outcomes. Under a five-year contract, Publicis Sapient is leading the development, modernization, and enhancement of the Bureau of Health Workforce Management Information System Solution (BMISS) platform. This work is central to HRSA’s mission of identifying underserved populations and strengthening the health workforce that serves them.

Key solutions delivered include:

These platforms not only improve operational efficiency but also ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most, ultimately improving access to care for vulnerable populations.

Comparing Approaches: CDC vs. HRSA

While both the CDC and HRSA contracts share a commitment to digital modernization, their approaches reflect the unique missions and operational realities of each agency:

Both approaches leverage Publicis Sapient’s expertise in health informatics, data management, and secure, compliant digital platform development. The result is a blueprint for scalable, resilient, and impactful public health IT modernization.

Overcoming Challenges: Security, Scalability, and Compliance

Modernizing public health IT is not without its challenges. Agencies must navigate legacy infrastructure, complex regulatory environments, and the imperative for inclusivity and accessibility. Publicis Sapient’s experience in untangling complex systems, implementing cloud-native solutions, and prioritizing inclusive design ensures that digital transformation efforts are both effective and sustainable. All solutions are built to meet stringent federal requirements for data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.

Measurable Outcomes and Lasting Impact

The modernization of public health IT systems has a direct and measurable impact on health outcomes. By transforming legacy systems into agile, data-driven platforms, Publicis Sapient helps agencies:

For HRSA, this has meant a 30% decrease in application processing time, millions in cost savings, and a dramatic increase in provider retention and reach—over 21,000 healthcare providers now serve more than 21 million patients, with 85% remaining in underserved areas beyond their required term. For the CDC, the modernization of information management systems has enabled rapid, data-driven responses to emerging health threats and improved the overall resilience of public health infrastructure.

A Blueprint for Cross-Agency Modernization

Publicis Sapient’s work with both HRSA and the CDC demonstrates the transformative power of digital modernization in the public sector. By combining human-centered design, agile methodologies, and advanced data capabilities, Publicis Sapient delivers solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, scalable, and sustainable. The lessons learned from these contract vehicles provide a blueprint for other agencies considering similar modernization journeys—emphasizing the importance of secure, scalable, and compliant digital platforms that can adapt to the evolving needs of public health.

Ready to modernize your public health IT? Connect with Publicis Sapient to learn how we can help you achieve your mission.