VA (Department Of Veterans Affairs)

What is VA (Department Of Veterans Affairs)?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level federal agency responsible for providing vital services to eligible United States veterans. For government contractors, the VA represents a significant procurement market, especially for healthcare-related goods and services, construction, IT, and other areas.

Definition

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing veterans benefits programs, including health care, financial assistance, and burial services. The VA’s procurement activities are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR), a supplement to the FAR that addresses the VA's unique needs and mission. A key aspect of VA contracting is the emphasis on supporting veteran-owned small businesses, as mandated by law. This makes the VA a crucial agency for businesses focused on supporting the veteran community and providing relevant services.

Key Points

• Veteran-Centric Mission: The VA's primary mission is to serve veterans, and this ethos influences its procurement decisions.
• Set-Aside Programs: The VA has specific set-aside programs for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. This gives these businesses a competitive advantage when bidding on VA contracts.
• VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR): Contractors must be familiar with the VAAR, which supplements the FAR and contains specific rules and regulations for contracting with the VA.
• Healthcare Focus: Due to the VA's responsibility for providing healthcare, many contracting opportunities are in the medical field, including medical supplies, equipment, and services.

Practical Examples

1. Medical Equipment Supply: A medical device company could pursue a VA contract to supply hospitals with the latest diagnostic equipment, contributing to improved veteran healthcare.
2. Construction Project: A construction firm could bid on a project to build or renovate a VA medical facility, providing updated infrastructure for veteran care.
3. IT Services: An IT company could offer cybersecurity services to protect veteran's health records and other sensitive information, helping the VA maintain data security.