Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics (OPAL)
Medical Equipment Repair Program Frequently Asked Questions
Related Links
Medical Equipment Repair Program | Choosing the Right Endoscopic Repair Service
- What is the procedure for obtaining a repair estimate?
- Why does VA operate its own in-house endoscope repair program?
- How can the VASDC offer cost-savings for customers?
- How does the VASDC assure quality in its repair programs?
- What is the turnaround time for repairs?
- Can I request a loaner while my device is being repaired?
- What types of payment does the SDC accept?
1. What is the procedure for obtaining a repair estimate?
The process is simple for complete details see our main page and and follow the instructions under the section titled “Interested in using our repair services;” or contact one of the program coordinators listed at the bottom of the page for more assistance.
2. Why does VA operate its own in-house endoscope repair program?
VA decided to open an in-house endoscope repair service in 1991 after calculating that the high cost of repairing flexible endoscopes. The endoscope repair program now offers VA and DOD customers repair options as well as payment options. For example, if a flexible scope requires major OEM repair, the VA Service and Distribution Center (VASDC) can greatly reduce turnaround time by utilizing one of its Blanket Purchase Agreements. In addition, the VASDC accepts various payment options such as Government Purchase Cards, Billable Purchase Orders, Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR) and VA Form 1358’s.
3. How can the VASDC offer cost-savings for customers?
First, we maintain Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA’s) with various vendors. Each BPA offers us special pricing that is passed to our customers. Second, we only use trusted and vetted federally listed vendors. Using only quality vendors minimizes potential warranty issues and down time as well as helps prolong the operational life expectancy of the instrument.
4. How does the VASDC assure quality in its repair programs?
As mentioned earlier, we use vetted and trusted Federal Supply Schedule Vendors. Each repair comes with a 90 day warranty that covers parts and labor. All of our repair programs are monitored to ensure the lowest warranty rate and each item receives an incoming evaluation as well and a final inspection before shipment.
5. What is the turnaround time for repairs?
The turnaround time depends on many factors such as type of equipment, complexity of repair and timeliness of approval. A general timeframe once the item is approved for repair is 20-25 business days.
6. Can I request a loaner while my device is being repaired?
We do not offer loaner scopes but we will work with our customers to expedite the repair process for high priority items.
7. What types of payment does the SDC accept?
Use of the VA Form 1358 is the preferred option for repairs, particularly those that exceed the purchase card threshold. The greatest advantage to this option is that it is not a procurement and does not require action by a contracting officer; and because it is a tool to reimburse the Service and Distribution Center, there is no requirement to seek other pricing. The VASDC also accepts your government credit card, billable purchase order, or Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) number. It is important to note that the VASDC is registered with the U.S, Federal System for Awards Management (SAM), {(DUNS) # 79-453-1558, Cage Code 1MYN2 and Tax ID 74161229}. Customers from DoD and other government agencies who wish to use another payment method should call (708) 786-7670.
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