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Acquisition Policy Flash! 21-20

What's Changed?

Contractor Responsibility Assessment via Automation Process

Purpose: Notice of Update to VA Acquisition Manual M809--Contractor Qualifications.

Effective Date: Immediately.

Affected FAR Parts: FAR Part 9.105-1.

Background: This VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM) update is in response to findings from GAO-18-648 – VA Needs to Address Implementation Challenges and Strengthen Oversight of Subcontracting Limitations; Recommendation 1 – The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure that VA’s Director of Office of Acquisition and Logistics, in consultation with OSDBU, takes measures to ensure that VA contracting staff adhere to the requirements for documenting the required Vendor Information Pages searches in contract files.

In accordance with VAAR 819.7003, in order for a SDVOSB or VOSB to receive contract awards under VA’s Veterans First Contracting Program, they must be listed as verified on the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. The Contractor Responsibility Assessment (CRA) tool conducts the VIP Check prior to award.

The CRA tool is currently available for use and instructions are included in this memorandum. Although FedDataCheck currently uses the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) to conduct searches, it is anticipated that the unique entity identifier (UEI) will replace the DUNS after the April 2022 retirement date.

Applicability: This Acquisition Policy Flash applies to all VA contracting activities awarding contracts via The VA’s Veterans First Contracting Program.

Action Required: Contracting Officers should utilize the CRA tool as final confirmation of contractor responsibility before executing an award; pursuant to FAR 9.105-2(b) and VAAM M809.105-2(a).

Additional Information: Direct any questions or comments regarding this Acquisition Flash to Procurement Guidance and Instruction Service (PGIS) via email at VAPGISMailbox@va.gov.

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