Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)
The department providing healthcare, benefits, and memorial services to veterans, with strong preferences for SDVOSB in many acquisitions.
Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the federal department responsible for providing healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, home loan guarantees, and memorial services to military veterans and their families. The VA operates the nation's largest integrated healthcare system with over 1,300 facilities and is the second-largest federal department by budget.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The VA is a major contracting opportunity, particularly for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Under the Veterans First Contracting Program, the VA gives priority to verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs through set-asides and sole-source awards. The VA also procures extensively through the Federal Supply Schedule and its own T4NG and other IDIQ vehicles.
Key Details
- Veterans First: The VA's mandatory set-aside hierarchy prioritizes SDVOSBs and VOSBs before considering other small business categories.
- VetCert: The SBA's Veterans Small Business Certification (VetCert) program verifies SDVOSB and VOSB status for VA contracting.
- Healthcare IT: The VA's electronic health record modernization (Oracle Health/Cerner) represents one of the largest federal IT programs.
- Construction: VA construction projects for medical centers and national cemeteries create A&E and construction contracting opportunities.
- FSS: The VA's Federal Supply Schedule program is widely used for medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and IT products.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data highlights VA opportunities with SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides, helping veteran-owned businesses find contracts tailored to their eligibility.
Related Terms
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- Veterans First Contracting Program
- Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
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