The AAMC April 2 submitted comments to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on a proposed rule regarding changes to the VA acquisition competition requirements. The VA proposed changes to increase flexibility in the contracting process, including changes to streamline and simplify the process by which academic medical centers enter into sole source contracts with the VA.
The AAMC commented in support of many proposals, including the VA’s efforts to update the procurement acquisition lead time to reduce the overall timeline and better align the sole source and competitive contract award timelines. The AAMC also commented in support of the VA’s proposal to increase the threshold for contract dollar amounts that would trigger an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) review to $400,000, as it would significantly condense the acquisition process. The AAMC encouraged the VA to monitor the impact of this proposed change and determine whether the dollar amount should be further increased over time.
The AAMC also commented on changes to the process for obtaining space from academic affiliates through the use of licensing agreements rather than through lease agreements in the future, noting that because licensing agreements can be implemented more quickly, affiliates would be able to partner more effectively and efficiently with the VA.