We Want Your Business...

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. If you own a small business, and are interested in contracting with VISN 8 - the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network - this page provides valuable information that can help you submit a bid, and potentially win a federal contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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, cleaning supplies, office supplies 
• Maintenance and repair of medical and scientific equipment - cleaning, housekeeping, janitorial
• Building construction, maintenance, and repair - painting, plumbing, electrical, flooring, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning 
• Prosthetic and orthopedic aids
• Medical gases
• And much more...

How do we 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.

Steps to doing Business with VISN 8 and Our Facilities

Doing Business with the Small Business Program

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) was established in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist and support the interests of small business.

A mission of this office is to provide outreach and liaison support to businesses (large and small) and other members of the private sector.  Additionally, OSDBU is responsible for monitoring VA implementation and execution of the following socioeconomic procurement programs:

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
• Veteran-Owned Small Business
• Small Disadvantaged Business (includes Section 8(a))
• Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone Small Business
• Women-Owned Small Business

Additional information and contacts regarding these programs may be found here: http://www.va.gov/osdbu/about/contacts.asp 

This office is available only for the purpose of providing information, counseling, and guidance.  OSDBU neither awards contracts nor maintains solicitation mailing lists.  OSDBU promotes the position of small businesses within the Department, maintains liaison with trade and professional organizations, and serves as the major source of information about VA for small businesses.  This office monitors the performance of the Department on these programs.  Please visit OSDBU’s homepage for more information.