Office of Acquisition and Logistics — Doing Business With VA
The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is one of service to more than 27 million veterans who have so unselfishly served their country. To accomplish this mission, the products and services of industry are required by a nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), data processing centers, and National Cemeteries which require a broad spectrum of goods and services. We purchase these goods and services on a national, regional, and local level. So no matter how large or small your business is, VA is a potential customer. Each facility purchases a majority of requirements for direct delivery through its local Acquisition office. You are encouraged to contact each facility for inclusion in its procurement process.
Doing Business with Medical Centers
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), data processing centers, and National Cemeteries which require a broad spectrum of goods and services. We purchase these goods and services on a national, regional, and local level. So no matter how large or small your business is, VA is a potential customer. Purchases a majority of its requirements for direct delivery through its local Acquisition and Materiel Management office. You are encouraged to contact each facility for inclusion in its procurement process.
What do they buy?
Although there are certain priority sources identified by Federal regulations, each facility purchases a considerable amount of its requirements from both local and nationwide sources. Examples of items purchased are:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical and surgical supplies
- Perishable subsistence
- Equipment, supplies, and materials for facility operation
- Maintenance and repair of medical and scientific equipment
- Building construction, maintenance, and repair
- Prosthetic and orthopedic aids
- Medical gases
How do they buy?
Acquisitions are accomplished by sealed bidding, negotiation, or simplified acquisition procedures. Each of these methods is designed to promote full and open competition to the maximum extent possible, which in turn allows all responsible bidders/offerors an opportunity to compete. The most suitable, efficient, and economical procedure will be used, taking into consideration the circumstances of each acquisition. Depending on the commodity (supplies, nonpersonal services, construction, etc.), most acquisitions at a medical center are of a definite-delivery/indefinite-quantity type. Much of the purchasing is accomplished through the use of mandatory sources such as Federal Supply Schedules and supply depots. A significant portion, however, will be acquired from sources obtained through the publication of solicitations in the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps), solicitation mailing lists, commercial advertising, or any other accepted means that will provide the procuring activity with a sufficient number of responsible bidders/offerors to ensure full and open competition.
Doing Business with VA Central Office
Most of our large purchases are made by the National Acquisition Center as described later in this document. However, offices listed below may be contacted for information:
- The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics (001AL), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420, for:
- Automatic data processing
- Telecommunications
- Consulting Services
- The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology (005), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420, for:
- Automatic data processing systems and equipment
- Communications systems and equipment
- The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management (004), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420, for:
- Enhanced Use Lease
- Mission Homeless
- The Office of Construction and Facilities Management (00CFM), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420, for:
- VA Major Construction including Medical Centers and National Cemeteries
- Lease Acquisition
- Architect/Engineer services
- The Director, National Cemetery System (40), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420, for:
- Grave markers
- The Director, Office of Marketing, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), Department of Veterans Affairs, #1 Jefferson Barracks Road, Building 1, St. Louis, MO 63125, for:
- Retail store supplies
- Restaurant supplies
Doing Business with the Small Business Program
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) was established in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist and support the interests of small business.
A mission of this office is to provide outreach and liaison support to businesses (large and small) and other members of the private sector. Additionally, OSDBU is responsible for monitoring VA implementation and execution of the following socioeconomic procurement programs:
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
- Veteran-Owned Small Business
- Small Disadvantaged Business (includes Section 8(a))
- Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone Small Business
- Women-Owned Small Business
Additional information on these programs may be obtained by contacting:
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (00SB)
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Telephone: (202) 461-4300
FAX: (202) 461-4301
Toll Free: (800) 949-8387
E-Mail: OSDBU@va.gov
This office is available only for the purpose of providing information, counseling, and guidance. OSDBU neither awards contracts nor maintains solicitation mailing lists. OSDBU promotes the position of small businesses within the Department, maintains liaison with trade and professional organizations, and serves as the major source of information about VA for small businesses. This office monitors the performance of the Department on these programs. Please visit OSDBU’s homepage for more information.