VETS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Government Customers
Why VETS?
How do I use VETS?
- How do I access the contract?
- Are sole-source task orders permitted?
- Can state and local governments use VETS?
- How can I be sure my scope is consistent with the contract?
- How do I know if an industry partner is still a small business?
- How can I be sure that my agency receives SDVOSB credit?
- If I have a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) from GSA for another GWAC, can I use the same DPA for VETS?
- Are there limits on subcontracting?
- If a company on VETS is also an 8(a) company, can I reflect this award as an 8(a) award as well?
For Industry Partners
- What can I do if I missed the solicitation or was not awarded a contract under VETS?
- If a NAICS code and a size standard are included on a task order solicitation, should I assume that I must re-represent my status?
- Where can I find information on agency forecasts?
- Where do I report my task orders and subcontracting?
For Government Customers
Why VETS?
1. Why should I use VETS?
VETS offers the unique opportunity to contract with highly qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Using GWACs is a faster alternative to time-consuming and costly full and open competitions. We also offer training and customer service to help you with contracting rules and regulations.
2. What can I buy using VETS?
GWACs are for information technology and IT-related services. You can also buy hardware, software, and related supplies as part of an integrated solution. Leasing is prohibited under GSA's GWACs.
How do I use VETS?
1. How do I access the contract?
Read the ordering guide for helpful instructions on how to use VETS.
In general, you need to follow these steps:
- Attend training
- Request a delegation of procurement authority
- Issue the task order
- Report contract actions
- Review past performance
2. Are sole-source task orders permitted?
No. All contract holders must be provided a fair opportunity to be considered for all orders in accordance with FAR 16.505, unless an exception to fair opportunity in FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)-(iv) applies. Exceptions must be documented in the file.
3. Can state and local governments use VETS?
No. VETS is authorized by the Clinger-Cohen Act to provide technology solutions to the federal government only. State and local governments can use IT Schedule 70 through the Cooperative Purchasing Program.
4. How can I be sure my scope is consistent with the contract?
GSA will review your task order or modification requirements for free to make sure the scope of your task order is compatible with the scope of our GWACs — we call this a scope compatibility review, and it takes approximately two to five business days.
5. How do I know if an industry partner is still a small business?
Check the list of VETS industry partners to determine current small business status.
However, as the ordering contracting officer, you may conduct a task order size re-representation if it’s in the best interest of your agency.
6. How can I be sure that my agency receives SDVOSB credit?
Contracting officers can ensure their agencies receive SDVOSB credit by conducting a task order size re-representation. If you conduct a task order size re-representation, you may only award task orders to those businesses that still qualify as small to get socioeconomic credit. There is an order size re-representation template in the VETS ordering guide (PDF, 509k, 01/27/2009).
After you have made the award, you claim socioeconomic credit by reporting contract actions in the Federal Procurement Database System (FPDS).
7. If I have a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) from GSA for another GWAC, can I use the same DPA for VETS?
No. Delegations do not transfer over from one GWAC to another. Each contract is unique with its own terms and conditions.
8. Are there limits on subcontracting?
Yes. See FAR 52.219-14, Limitations in Subcontracting, and contact the VETS team if you have questions. Prime contractors may use other service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) for subcontracting, and that work counts as if they had done it themselves.
9. If a company on VETS is also an 8(a) company, can I reflect this award as an 8(a) award as well?
No. 8(a) credit only applies to an 8(a) set-aside. However, other socioeconomic credit will apply. For example, small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned, and HUBZone can apply when you complete your FPDS-NG entry for the task order.
For Industry Partners
1. What can I do if I missed the solicitation or was not awarded a contract under VETS?
We encourage all companies to consider subcontracting or teaming arrangements with any of the VETS industry partners.
2. If a NAICS code and a size standard are included on a task order solicitation, should I assume that I must re-represent my status?
No. NAICS codes and size standards are commonly listed in solicitations, but that does not necessarily mean the customer agency requires an order level size re-representation. If the ordering contracting officer requires an order level size re-representation, they must clearly state it in the solicitation.
When it doubt, ask the ordering contracting officer what their intention was early in the solicitation period.
3. Where can I find information on agency procurement forecasts?
Acquisition Central features Agency Procurement Recurring Forecasts.
4. Where do I report my task orders and subcontracting?
Industry partners should report task orders and subcontracting in the IT Solutions Shop (ITSS) - GWAC Management Module.
