The complex functions required to support the diverse programs of VA are reflected in the mission and organization of the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OA&L).
With annual expenditures of more than $10.3 billion for supplies and services, including construction, VA is one of the largest procurement and supply agencies of the Federal Government. Drugs, medical supplies and equipment, ADP equipment and services, and other critical patient care items must be procured and distributed to VA's health care facilities comprising the largest health care delivery system in the country. Supply support is also provided to regional offices, national cemeteries, automation centers, and various other VA activities, as well as other Government agencies.
In addition to its primary role of supporting VA's programs, the OA&L has a Governmentwide role in the supply management of medical supplies and non-perishable subsistence.
Because of its Department wide and Government wide mission, as well as its role in protecting the integrity of the procurement and supply system, the OA&L is organizationally independent of the activities it serves. As a principal VA staff office, the OA&L is responsible to the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Management, for providing goods and services needed by client activities.
All OA&L operations are funded through the self-sustaining VA Supply Fund which is managed by OA&L. The operating costs are recovered through a variety of cost recovery mechanisms that are designed to pass the costs of services provided along to the beneficiaries of such service.
