Network Contracting Office
In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19.502, any purchase with an anticipated value over $3,000, but not over $150,000 is automatically reserved exclusively for small business concerns. The ONLY exception to this requirement is if the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of obtaining competitive offers from two or more responsible small business concerns.
The Department of Veterans Affairs purchases billions of dollars in goods and services each year. It is the policy of the federal government, under the Small Business Act, that all small businesses have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in providing goods and services to the government. To ensure that small businesses get this opportunity, the Small Business Administration negotiates annual procurement preference goals with each federal agency including VA and reviews each agency's results.
Additionally in the VA, procurement activities are conducted within the context of VA’s hierarchy of small business program preferences, established by section 8127(i) of Title 38, United States Code. The law requires VA to consider preferences for verified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) first, then preferences for verified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSBs), followed by certified HUBZone firms, 8(a) participants, and certified Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) (in no particular order of precedence); then undifferentiated Small Business, and finally, full and open competition (unrestricted).
Steps to doing Business with VISN 9 & Our Facilities
-
Register with System for Award Management (SAM). Note-the form you complete at this website must include the North American Industrial Classification Code.
-
Visit www.fbo.gov to search for opportunities and sign up for bids.
-
Work with your Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) to receive bid matches that are more closely tailored to your business niche.
-
Develop an easy to navigate company website that includes your products or services, pricing, and point of contact information.
-
If your business qualifies for one of the socioeconomic programs, ensure you get certified, if required.
- Company one-page capabilities statement, provide a sample
Women-Owned Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration has made important changes to their Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs. The VA continues to work diligently to meet our WOSB goals, including making specific set-asides for this socio-economic status. To find out more information on how to qualify and for the most recent eligible NAICS code listings, please go to the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Support site.
What do we buy?
Although there are certain priority sources identified by federal regulations, each VA Medical Center purchases a considerable amount of its requirements from both local and nationwide sources. Examples of items purchased are:
- Pharmaceuticals, medical, and surgical supplies
- Perishable subsistence - meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables
- Equipment, supplies, and materials for facility operation - light bulbs to cleaning supplies
- Maintenance and repair of medical and scientific equipment
- Cleaning, housekeeping and janitorial services
- Building construction, maintenance, and repair
- Painting, plumbing, electrical, flooring, HVAC services
- Prosthetic and orthopedic aids
- Medical gases
- Locum tenens and temporary staffing solutions
- Construction, Services, Supplies, Health Care, Specialized services (Leasing) and Prosthetics
Additional Guidance
For additional guidance on doing business with the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as other government agencies, contact the PTAC in your area. PTACs are non-profit, government funded centers designed to help you understand the process. To find a center in your area visit the PTAC website.
Contact Info
Location
- 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400
Contact Number(s)
- 615-225-6646
Hours of Operation
- M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm