Acquisition Policy Flash! 12-20

Purpose:  To inform the VA Acquisition Workforce of a rule change to 38 CFR Part 74 that extends the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) verification period from one year to two years.  This change is effective immediately and extends the eligibility of all firms currently listed in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) to two years from their last verified date.  Firms currently listed in VIP with the “Re-verification” logo may become eligible for contract award if they become verified as a result of the 2 year rule change.  However, firms that do not become verified as a result of the two year rule will continue to be listed in VIP with the “Re-verification” logo until they are verified or denied for inclusion in the Veterans First Program.

Dated:  June 27, 2012

VAAR Section Impacted:  VAAR 819.70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Acquisition Program

Effective Date:  Immediately

Background:  On June 22, 2012, the COSVA signed an Interim Final Rule containing a minor revision to require re-verification of SDVOSB/VOSB status every two years rather than annually.  This document implements a portion of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to verify ownership and control of veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs), including service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) in order for these firms to participate in VA acquisitions set-aside for SDVOSB/VOSBs.  The purpose of this change is to reduce the administrative burden on SDVOSB/VOSBs and VA regarding participation in VA acquisitions set asides for these types of firms.

Applicability:  As a result of this rule change, the number of companies eligible for contract award under the VA Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Acquisition Program will significantly increase.  However, the rules to determine a company’s eligibility to submit an offer and receive contract awards under the program are unchanged.

There are three rules to simplify the process—

1. If a company is listed in the VIP database with a verified logo, you may proceed with the award.  This means that there is a verification logo next to the firm name in the database as well as the word “verified” in the Registration Status field.
   
   
2. If a company is listed in the VIP database with the “Re-verification” designation it is eligible to bid on contracts but ineligible for contract award until verified through the CVE verification process.
   
   
3. If a company is not listed in the VIP database it is not eligible to submit an offer or receive an award in accordance with VAAR 819.7003(b)(3).

Additional Information:  Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (003A), Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Service (003A2A) at:  (202) 461-6918, e-mail:  va.procurement.policy@va.gov.