Why it Matters
Veterans tech lobbying is the immediate focus after Nava PBC hired DB3 LLC on October 9, 2025, marking Nava’s first foray into federal lobbying after years of building government digital services.
By the Numbers
Nava has no prior federal lobbying history and is spending an undisclosed amount on this first lobbying contract. The registered lobbying team includes three professionals:
- Nicole Diane Carelli: 15+ years in healthcare policy and biodefense
- Charles D. Panfil: experience with veterans’ healthcare tech and public health
- Stephen Strawn Ruhlen: 10+ years as House GOP Chief of Staff
Broader Context
Nava emerged from efforts to fix Healthcare.gov in 2013 and specializes in user-centered design for government services. As a public benefit corporation, Nava legally balances shareholder interests with public good. The 119th Congress is focused on IT modernization and healthcare reform implementation while the Department of Veterans Affairs undergoes major technology overhauls amid system failures.
For background on federal IT modernization efforts, see HealthIT.gov and the VA’s technology pages at VA.gov.
The Agenda
According to Nava’s registration (registration), the firm is lobbying on:
- Health Issues: H.R. 1 implementation and government contracting
- Veterans Affairs: program implementation and agency contracting
Both priorities align with Nava’s core business of rebuilding digital infrastructure for essential government services.
Competitive Landscape
Nava will compete with established government tech contractors. For example, Oracle and Cognosante have testified at recent VA hearings on electronic health records; Cognosante LLC works on Medicaid and VA modernization projects. WellHive and major cloud vendors also maintain active lobbying operations.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively considering IT reform legislation such as H.R.2985 – Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act. Lawmakers are debating procurement reforms that could favor firms emphasizing “best value” and user-centered design. The House Oversight and Veterans’ Affairs committees have held hearings on IT modernization and the VA EHR rollout.
The Bottom Line
Nava’s lobbying debut is timed to coincide with congressional priorities on IT modernization and healthcare implementation. The company assembled a team with deep healthcare policy knowledge and Washington access through Ruhlen’s experience.
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