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.

A part of the National Acquisition Center, the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program establishes long-term Government-wide contracts with responsible commercial companies at established prices, terms, and conditions.  These contracts provide eligible buyers with a simplified process for obtaining more than 1 million commercially available supplies and services.  By placing orders directly with awarded VA FSS contractors, federal customers are able to obtain virtually any commercially available medical service or supply by choosing among thousands of vendors.  See the FSS Contracting page for a complete listing of benefits and advantages of the VA FSS Program!

The Denver Acquisition and Logistics Center (DALC) develops contracts for commodities and services including hearing aids, hearing aid accessories, hearing aid repair, cochlear implants, assistive devices, batteries, prosthetic socks, orthotic soft goods, and aids for the visually impaired.  The DALC currently supports Congressional pilot programs and national-level contracts for the Chief Business Office and other offices within the Veterans Health Administration.  Some of these efforts include national contract vehicles for non-VA Veteran Care, Dialysis, Assistive Living, regional pilot programs for VA’s Rural Health Initiatives, and support to the VA’s OEF/OIF Mental Health services program.  If you wish to discuss contracting opportunities with the DALC, please call (303) 273-6205, or email dalc.acquisition@va.gov.