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1. Doing Business with the United StatesDepartment of Veterans Affairs David A. Canada
Alamo VOSB / SDVOSB Conference & Expo
November 18 & 19, 2008
2. Today’s Topics Mission/Profile/Structure
Procurement Preference Goals
What & How VA Buys
Who Buys
Contracting & Subcontracting Opportunities
Veterans Enterprise
How to Improve Your Chances
3. VA’s Mission “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
--Abraham Lincoln Mission from Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address
Three core missions:
Provide world-class healthcare
Provide broad, fair, and timely benefits
Provide dignified burials in shrine-like settings for our nations veteransMission from Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address
Three core missions:
Provide world-class healthcare
Provide broad, fair, and timely benefits
Provide dignified burials in shrine-like settings for our nations veterans
4. VA Profile FY 2008 Budget $86.7 Billion
FY 2007 - $11.6 Billion for Supplies/Services
($2.5 Billion+ on Purchase Cards -- - 3.86 million transactions
- Approximately 17,000 cardholders
23.5 Million+ Veterans; 39.1 Million Family
258,000 Employees – 2nd Largest
85,428 Volunteers- 11.6 million hours
5. VA Organizational Structure Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Staff Offices
VHA operate the largest health care system in the free world; VHA operates 155 hospitals, 872 outpatient clinics, 135 nursing homes, 45 residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs, 108 comprehensive home-care programs and 209 Adjustment Counseling Centers; more than 98% of VA employees work in VHA which is also where the majority of procurement dollars are spent
VBA operates 57 Veteran Benefit Regional Offices across the country and in the Philippines; responsible for providing benefits to veterans and their eligible family members, including Disability Compensation, Pensions, Education, Loan Guaranty and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and Benefits
NCA operates 125 National Cemeteries across the country and in Puerto Rico; six new national cemetaries
Bakerfield, CA, Birmingham, AL, Columbia-Greenville, SC, Jacksonville, FL, Sarasota, FL, and Southeastern, PA VHA operate the largest health care system in the free world; VHA operates 155 hospitals, 872 outpatient clinics, 135 nursing homes, 45 residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs, 108 comprehensive home-care programs and 209 Adjustment Counseling Centers; more than 98% of VA employees work in VHA which is also where the majority of procurement dollars are spent
VBA operates 57 Veteran Benefit Regional Offices across the country and in the Philippines; responsible for providing benefits to veterans and their eligible family members, including Disability Compensation, Pensions, Education, Loan Guaranty and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and Benefits
NCA operates 125 National Cemeteries across the country and in Puerto Rico; six new national cemetaries
Bakerfield, CA, Birmingham, AL, Columbia-Greenville, SC, Jacksonville, FL, Sarasota, FL, and Southeastern, PA
6. VHA Structure – “VISNs”Veterans Integrated Service Networks 21 VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORKS (VISNs). Although you see 23, VISN 13 & 14 have been consolidated to form VISN 2321 VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORKS (VISNs). Although you see 23, VISN 13 & 14 have been consolidated to form VISN 23
7. FY 2008 & 2009 Socioeconomic Procurement Preference Goals TENTATIVE DATA
GREEN – Met or exceeded Secretary’s goal
YELLOW – Within 1.5% percentage points of meeting Secretary’s Goal
RED – Secretary’s goal not met by margin greater than 1.5 percentage points
TENTATIVE DATA
GREEN – Met or exceeded Secretary’s goal
YELLOW – Within 1.5% percentage points of meeting Secretary’s Goal
RED – Secretary’s goal not met by margin greater than 1.5 percentage points
8. FY 2008 Goals & Tentative Accomplishments (as of Nov 3, 08) TENTATIVE DATA
GREEN – Met or exceeded Secretary’s goal
YELLOW – Within 1.5% percentage points of meeting Secretary’s Goal
RED – Secretary’s goal not met by margin greater than 1.5 percentage pointsTENTATIVE DATA
GREEN – Met or exceeded Secretary’s goal
YELLOW – Within 1.5% percentage points of meeting Secretary’s Goal
RED – Secretary’s goal not met by margin greater than 1.5 percentage points
9. What VA Buys Information Technology
- Hardware, Software, Maintenance & Other Services
Medical, Dental and Veterinary Equipment & Supplies, Pharmaceuticals (FSG 65)
Instruments & Laboratory Equip (FSG 66)
Perishable and Non-Perishable Subsistence
VA Corporate Franchise Data Center, Cleveland Office of Information Service Center, and VACO procure the majority of IT for VA.
The National Acquisition Center (NAC) is responsible for the purchase of Medical Supplies/Services, Pharmaceuticals, and the Subsistence Program. Jay McClain is the SB POC and may be reached at: jay.mcclain@med.va.gov.
Jeanne Myscofski is the POC for the Subsistence Prime Vendor Program (i.e. food) and may be reached at: jeanne.myscofski2@med.va.gov.
VA Corporate Franchise Data Center, Cleveland Office of Information Service Center, and VACO procure the majority of IT for VA.
The National Acquisition Center (NAC) is responsible for the purchase of Medical Supplies/Services, Pharmaceuticals, and the Subsistence Program. Jay McClain is the SB POC and may be reached at: jay.mcclain@med.va.gov.
Jeanne Myscofski is the POC for the Subsistence Prime Vendor Program (i.e. food) and may be reached at: jeanne.myscofski2@med.va.gov.
10. What VA Buys (cont.) Nursing Home Services
Prescription Eyeglasses
Readjustment Counseling Services
Home Oxygen & Medical Gases
Security Services
Security Services – Security requirements are mostly satisfied and provided by the Department of Homeland Security and GSA; however, there are some security requirements i.e. at the VISN level, outpatient clinics etc, of which are located on our FCO.
Security Services – Security requirements are mostly satisfied and provided by the Department of Homeland Security and GSA; however, there are some security requirements i.e. at the VISN level, outpatient clinics etc, of which are located on our FCO.
11. What VA Buys (cont.) Medical Transcription Services
Interment Flags
Grounds Maintenance
Transportation Services
Grave Markers & Headstones
Integrated Pest Management Svcs.
12. What VA Buys (cont.) Trash, Garbage & Infectious Waste Disposal
Architect & Engineer Services
Construction Services
Office Supplies & Equipment
Office Equipment Maintenance
Consulting & Advisory Services
Construction needs may exist at the VISN level, within the Office of Facilities and Real Property Management and the National Cemetery Administration. Mr. Chris Kyrgos is the SB POC for OFM and she may be reached at chris.k.kyrgos@va.gov. Ms. Diane Campbell is the SB POC for NCA minor/major construction requirements and may be reached at diane.campbell@va.gov.
Office Supplies/Equipment is mainly procured off of the GSA FSS (of which we promote the use of a SDVOSB FSS holder) or through specific VISN BPA’s. However, VA is currently working with GSA for the Strategic Sourcing Office Supplies Acquisition. The solicitation has not been released yet and will be limited to 300 FSS firms. This acquisition contains an evaluation factor that is structured heavily favoring small businesses.
Major Construction Projects
Dever
Las Vegas
Lee County, FL
Orlando, FL
Pittsburg
Syracuse, NY
Construction needs may exist at the VISN level, within the Office of Facilities and Real Property Management and the National Cemetery Administration. Mr. Chris Kyrgos is the SB POC for OFM and she may be reached at chris.k.kyrgos@va.gov. Ms. Diane Campbell is the SB POC for NCA minor/major construction requirements and may be reached at diane.campbell@va.gov.
Office Supplies/Equipment is mainly procured off of the GSA FSS (of which we promote the use of a SDVOSB FSS holder) or through specific VISN BPA’s. However, VA is currently working with GSA for the Strategic Sourcing Office Supplies Acquisition. The solicitation has not been released yet and will be limited to 300 FSS firms. This acquisition contains an evaluation factor that is structured heavily favoring small businesses.
Major Construction Projects
Dever
Las Vegas
Lee County, FL
Orlando, FL
Pittsburg
Syracuse, NY
13. How VA Buys Prime Vendor Programs
- Med/Surg
- Pharmaceutical
- Subsistence
Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Distribution Program: This program provides alternative distribution strategies for the acquisition of medical and surgical products, and offers VA customers and other Government agencies (as authorized by the NAC) significant flexibility and choice. VA has three Prime Vendor Programs, two under the responsibilities of this Service--Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor and Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Distribution Programs, and one for Subsistence Prime Vendor located in VA's Acquisition and Operation Analysis Staff (049A3) Washington, DC. To learn more about the Subsistence, contact Dennis Maloney (202) 254-0335 or Jeanne Myscofski at 708-786-5231. Besides the conventional distribution method, these programs also provide for Just-In-Time and Stockless deliveries. The medical/surgical prime vendor distributes medical and surgical supplies and equipment to Supply Processing and Distribution and other departments within VA medical centers, which are used to treat inpatients. The medical/surgical prime vendor program recently became mandatory within VA. The main contact for the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor is Maria Ramirez, (708) 786-5181. For a listing of Medical/Surgical Prime Vendors and participating facilities, refer to the Med/Surg Prime Vendor Program web site.
Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program: The pharmaceutical prime vendor distributes drugs and pharmaceutical supplies that are provided to inpatients and outpatients within VA medical centers and other Government agency customers through their respective pharmacy services. Much of the work in this program is classified as contract administration. The staff works closely with its customer base to assure timely deliveries, accuracy of items requested versus delivered, accuracy of pricing and handling day-to-day issues regarding this distribution contract as they arise. The main contact for the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor is German Arcibal (708) 786-7663. For a listing of Pharmaceutical Prime Vendors and participating facilities, refer to the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program web site.
National Contracts: National Contracts and Blanket Purchase Agreements, which are established under the Federal Supply Schedule Program are open to VA medical centers, related facilities and some State Veterans Homes. Most of these contracts and agreements include other Government agencies such as the Department of Defense, Indian Health Service and Bureau of Prisons. Most of the solicitations for these contracts and agreements are competitive, best value procurements. The performance period for these contracts is normally one year with up to four option years.
Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Distribution Program: This program provides alternative distribution strategies for the acquisition of medical and surgical products, and offers VA customers and other Government agencies (as authorized by the NAC) significant flexibility and choice. VA has three Prime Vendor Programs, two under the responsibilities of this Service--Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor and Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Distribution Programs, and one for Subsistence Prime Vendor located in VA's Acquisition and Operation Analysis Staff (049A3) Washington, DC. To learn more about the Subsistence, contact Dennis Maloney (202) 254-0335 or Jeanne Myscofski at 708-786-5231. Besides the conventional distribution method, these programs also provide for Just-In-Time and Stockless deliveries. The medical/surgical prime vendor distributes medical and surgical supplies and equipment to Supply Processing and Distribution and other departments within VA medical centers, which are used to treat inpatients. The medical/surgical prime vendor program recently became mandatory within VA. The main contact for the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor is Maria Ramirez, (708) 786-5181. For a listing of Medical/Surgical Prime Vendors and participating facilities, refer to the Med/Surg Prime Vendor Program web site.
Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program: The pharmaceutical prime vendor distributes drugs and pharmaceutical supplies that are provided to inpatients and outpatients within VA medical centers and other Government agency customers through their respective pharmacy services. Much of the work in this program is classified as contract administration. The staff works closely with its customer base to assure timely deliveries, accuracy of items requested versus delivered, accuracy of pricing and handling day-to-day issues regarding this distribution contract as they arise. The main contact for the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor is German Arcibal (708) 786-7663. For a listing of Pharmaceutical Prime Vendors and participating facilities, refer to the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program web site.
National Contracts: National Contracts and Blanket Purchase Agreements, which are established under the Federal Supply Schedule Program are open to VA medical centers, related facilities and some State Veterans Homes. Most of these contracts and agreements include other Government agencies such as the Department of Defense, Indian Health Service and Bureau of Prisons. Most of the solicitations for these contracts and agreements are competitive, best value procurements. The performance period for these contracts is normally one year with up to four option years.
14. How VA Acquires IT National Contracts
- NASA SEWP* (www.sewp.nasa.gov)
- VETS-GWAC** (www.gsa.gov/vetsgwac)
- GITSS** (www.buyit.gov)
- FSS (www.fss.gsa.gov)
Open Market (FAR Parts 12, 13, 14 & 15)
SEWP – Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
SDVOSB Set-Aside (Support Equipment) – 6 SDVOSBs
SB Set-Aside (support Equipment) – 12 SBs (2-VOSBs, 4 – WOSBs, 3-8(a) & 4 SDB
VETS-GWAC – IT Services
GSA Vehicle; 40 vendors; 5 billion program celing
GITSS (Global Information Technology Support Services)
IT Services
VA Vehicle
Corporate Franchise Data Center
FAR PART 12 – Acquisition of Commercial
13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures
14 – Sealed Bidding
15 – Contracting by NegotiationSEWP – Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
SDVOSB Set-Aside (Support Equipment) – 6 SDVOSBs
SB Set-Aside (support Equipment) – 12 SBs (2-VOSBs, 4 – WOSBs, 3-8(a) & 4 SDB
VETS-GWAC – IT Services
GSA Vehicle; 40 vendors; 5 billion program celing
GITSS (Global Information Technology Support Services)
IT Services
VA Vehicle
Corporate Franchise Data Center
FAR PART 12 – Acquisition of Commercial
13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures
14 – Sealed Bidding
15 – Contracting by Negotiation
15. Who Buys
The NAC is responsible for supporting the health care requirements of VA as well as the needs of other Government agencies. The NAC solicits, awards and administers VA's Federal Supply Schedule and National Contract Programs including the acquisition and direct delivery of pharmaceuticals, medical/surgical/dental supplies, high technology medical equipment and just-in-time distribution programs (also known as Prime Vendor Distribution Programs). The NAC is also responsible for Subsistence Program.
As a principal VA staff office, the OA&MM is responsible to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Management, for providing goods and services needed by client activities.
Corporate Fanchise Data Center (CFO)- Formally Austin Automation Center (AAC)
Denver Acquisition & Logistic Center
- hearing aids & accessories
Batteries
Prosthetic items (socks & orthotic softgoods)
Aids for visually impaired
The NAC is responsible for supporting the health care requirements of VA as well as the needs of other Government agencies. The NAC solicits, awards and administers VA's Federal Supply Schedule and National Contract Programs including the acquisition and direct delivery of pharmaceuticals, medical/surgical/dental supplies, high technology medical equipment and just-in-time distribution programs (also known as Prime Vendor Distribution Programs). The NAC is also responsible for Subsistence Program.
As a principal VA staff office, the OA&MM is responsible to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Management, for providing goods and services needed by client activities.
Corporate Fanchise Data Center (CFO)- Formally Austin Automation Center (AAC)
Denver Acquisition & Logistic Center
- hearing aids & accessories
Batteries
Prosthetic items (socks & orthotic softgoods)
Aids for visually impaired
16. Veteran Entrepreneurship P.L. 106-50, Veterans Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development Act of 1999
P.L. 108-183, Veterans Benefits Act of 2003
Executive Order 13360, the Service-Disabled Veterans Executive Order (October 20, 2004)
P.L. 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Healthcare & Information Technology Act of 2006), December 22, 2006; Effective June 20,2007
Public Law 106-50 (1999) introduced the category of SDVOSB and set a goal of 3% of all Federal procurement be awarded to SDVOSBS.
Public Law 108-183 (2003) created specific contract programs for setting aside contracts exclusively for SDVOSBs, and a provision for sole source procurements. It also reinforced the goal of 3% of all Federal procurements be awarded to SDVOSBs.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 13360 (2004) reinforced the Federal government’s responsibility to develop a strategy to significantly increase contracting with SDVOSBs, designating a senior-level official in each Agency to be responsible for developing and implementing the strategy, report progress annually to the SBA, evaluate Agency-designated officials. Agency Chief Acquisition Officers, and small business representatives based on the results they demonstrate in meeting SDVOSB goals.
PUBLIC LAW 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Healthcare & Information Technology Act of 2006 (Effective June 20, 2007)
Only apply to VA
Sole source (5 million limit) and set asides for VOSBs
SDVOSB designation after death of veteran
Company must be in VIP
VIP Verification
VA’s hierarchy of Small Business Programs
Public Law 106-50 (1999) introduced the category of SDVOSB and set a goal of 3% of all Federal procurement be awarded to SDVOSBS.
Public Law 108-183 (2003) created specific contract programs for setting aside contracts exclusively for SDVOSBs, and a provision for sole source procurements. It also reinforced the goal of 3% of all Federal procurements be awarded to SDVOSBs.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 13360 (2004) reinforced the Federal government’s responsibility to develop a strategy to significantly increase contracting with SDVOSBs, designating a senior-level official in each Agency to be responsible for developing and implementing the strategy, report progress annually to the SBA, evaluate Agency-designated officials. Agency Chief Acquisition Officers, and small business representatives based on the results they demonstrate in meeting SDVOSB goals.
PUBLIC LAW 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Healthcare & Information Technology Act of 2006 (Effective June 20, 2007)
Only apply to VA
Sole source (5 million limit) and set asides for VOSBs
SDVOSB designation after death of veteran
Company must be in VIP
VIP Verification
VA’s hierarchy of Small Business Programs
17. VA Hierarchy of Small Business Programs* (Open Market Acquisitions**) Service-disabled veteran-owned firms***
Veteran-owned firms***
HUBZone firms and 8(a) participants (tied)
All others (including general small business)
18. P.L. 109-461 Set-Aside Authorities SDVOSB:
Competitive – Unlimited by dollar value
Sole-Source – Limited to $5 million
VOSB:
Competitive – Unlimited by dollar value
Sole Source – Limited to $5 million
19. VA’s P.L. 109-461 Verification Program Responsible Organization
VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise
Contact: VACVE@va.gov
Toll-free support: 1-866-584-2344
Locate Program Application Information:
www.VetBiz.gov – click on Vendor Information Pages database
Fully electronic and secure application process
20. VA’s P.L. 109-461 Verification Program Who may apply:
Owners who are veterans, service-disabled veterans, or eligible surviving spouses
Eligible Term:
One year with no change in ownership Eligible owners complete online form when registering in the VIP database to:
Establish individual owner status;
Document the percent of the business owned by eligible individuals;
Affirm that eligible individuals control the business; and
Provide personally identifiable information from eligible owners so VA may verify eligibility.
Eligible owners complete online form when registering in the VIP database to:
Establish individual owner status;
Document the percent of the business owned by eligible individuals;
Affirm that eligible individuals control the business; and
Provide personally identifiable information from eligible owners so VA may verify eligibility.
21. VA’s P.L. 109-461 Verification Program Benefits:
Large VA contractors will use verified SDVOSB and VOSB subcontractors for achievement credits;
Large prime contractors with VA partnership agreements will voluntarily use verified SDVOSB and VOSB subcontractors; and
VA contracting teams have unique buying authority including VOSB set-asides and sole sourcing, but only when they use verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs Advantages of Verification
Large VA contractors will use verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs Subcontractors
VA contracting officers must use verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs for set-a-sides and sole sourcesAdvantages of Verification
Large VA contractors will use verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs Subcontractors
VA contracting officers must use verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs for set-a-sides and sole sources
22. Prime & Subcontracting Opportunities Open market acquisitions & contract awards published in the Federal Business Opportunities System (www.fbo.gov)
VA Forecast of Contracting Opportunities (www.va.gov/osdbu)
VA subcontracting opportunities (www.va.gov/osdbu)
Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC) (https://fpds.gov)
Small Business Administration’s Sub-Net (http://web.sba.gov/subnet/)
Each agency with an annual procurement budget of $50 million or more is required to prepare and publish a FCO, that identifies the various supplies and services the agency will acquire during the course of the year. VA’s forecast is broken down by contracting activity and is published at the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s website, shown on this slide. VA’s forecast also shows the small business point of contact for each VA facility and contracting activity, as well as the facility’s purchase card coordinator.
FedBizOpps, which is the Government’s single point of entry for acquisition opportunities, is a very important site to visit and become familiar with. Businesses may also register their firms at that site in order to receive notification of b.
Subcontracting is often a good way to get started in Federal contracting. Subcontracting opportunities may be found on FedBizOpps.gov where all contract awards exceeding $25,000 must be published/announced.
SBA’s SUBNET- Prime contractors advertise subcontracting opportunities.
Contractors may also search the database at the Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC), the repository for all Federal acquisition data, to learn what contracts were awarded, amounts, and who the contracts were awarded to (by agency).
Each agency with an annual procurement budget of $50 million or more is required to prepare and publish a FCO, that identifies the various supplies and services the agency will acquire during the course of the year. VA’s forecast is broken down by contracting activity and is published at the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s website, shown on this slide. VA’s forecast also shows the small business point of contact for each VA facility and contracting activity, as well as the facility’s purchase card coordinator.
FedBizOpps, which is the Government’s single point of entry for acquisition opportunities, is a very important site to visit and become familiar with. Businesses may also register their firms at that site in order to receive notification of b.
Subcontracting is often a good way to get started in Federal contracting. Subcontracting opportunities may be found on FedBizOpps.gov where all contract awards exceeding $25,000 must be published/announced.
SBA’s SUBNET- Prime contractors advertise subcontracting opportunities.
Contractors may also search the database at the Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC), the repository for all Federal acquisition data, to learn what contracts were awarded, amounts, and who the contracts were awarded to (by agency).
23. Improve Your Chances
Marketing assistance on Web site
- FCO
- Subcontracing Opportunities
- Small Business Point of Contact Listing
PTAC – Procurement Technical Assistance Center
SBDC – Small Business Development Center
Marketing assistance on Web site
- FCO
- Subcontracing Opportunities
- Small Business Point of Contact Listing
PTAC – Procurement Technical Assistance Center
SBDC – Small Business Development Center
24. VA Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization www.va.gov/osdbu / 1-202-461-4253 David.Canada@va.gov / 1-202-461-4253
VA Center for Veterans Enterprise
1-866-584-2344
www.VetBiz.gov