Introducing The Department Of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Improvement Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

* Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, I am introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Improvement Act of 2009. This legislation addresses serious long-term procurement problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would provide the VA with greater oversight of its contracting and asset management processes.

* VA has annual expenditures of more than $14.1 billion for supplies, services, and construction. The Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 is a first step to provide a centralized oversight and policy for contracting and acquisition within the Department by streamlining business operations under an Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Construction and Asset Management. This bill will improve procurement processes by:

* Establishing the position of the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Acquisition, Construction and Asset Management who would serve as the Chief Acquisition Officer for the VA.

* Providing an appropriate structure for acquisition policy and oversight over contracts and purchases.

* Requiring the Secretary to establish and maintain a comprehensive centralized Department-wide acquisition program, and to develop a streamlined approach to purchasing goods and services.

* Providing VA the authority to use personal services contracts to ensure patients at VA medical facilities are provided quality contract care without unnecessary expenses.

* Authorizing the VA to have complete responsibility and auditing authority for the two Federal Supply Schedules delegated to the VA by the General Services Administration.

* Providing a clear definition for small business concerns to be listed in the database of veteran-owned businesses maintained by the VA.

* I am pleased to be joined by a number of members in introducing this much needed legislation, and urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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