Bill > S1591

This bill establishes a comprehensive restructuring of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acquisition and procurement processes, creating a more centralized and accountable system for managing major acquisition programs. The legislation creates a new Office of Acquisition led by an Assistant Secretary who will serve as the Chief Acquisition Officer, responsible for overseeing all acquisition activities across VA administrations. The bill defines a major acquisition program as any program with a total lifecycle cost exceeding $1 billion or annual costs over $200 million, and establishes new requirements for program management, including the appointment of Program Executive Officers who must be certified in project management. The bill also introduces a new Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation who will conduct independent cost estimates, evaluate program effectiveness, and provide annual reports to Congress. Additionally, the legislation mandates improvements in hiring entry-level acquisition personnel through internship programs, requires independent verification and validation of major acquisition programs, and establishes a standardized requirements development process that incorporates stakeholder input and data-driven needs assessments. The overall goal is to improve the VA's acquisition efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure more rigorous oversight of major procurement efforts.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1591/all-info