### INSIDE THIS ISSUE

***PL 109-461 Pg 1***

***VA's FY 06 Socioeconomic***

***Accomplishments Pg 2***

***Commercial Items Contracts Pg 3***

***Brand Name Products Pg 4***

***On the Green Pg 5***

***JWOD Corner Pg 7***

FSS Contract Awards Pg 11

National Contract Awards Pg 12

DALC Awards Pg 12

Please note:

The next edition will cover July-December.

![](media/image1.wmf)

On December 22, 2006, President George W. Bush signed Public Law
109-461, The Veterans Health Care, Benefits and Information Technology
Act of 2006. P.L. 109-461, effective June 20, 2007, is applicable only
to VA prime and subcontracting opportunities and will have a significant
effect on how VA conducts its acquisitions. Public Law 109-461:

-   Establishes a set-aside and sole-source award mechanism for
    Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB).

-   Establishes a clearly defined contracting preference (hierarchy) for
    VA acquisitions, moving SDVOSBs to the head of the line, followed by
    VOSBs then Section 8(a) contractors and HUBZone contractors.

-   Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish prime and
    subcontracting goals for SDVOSBs and VOSBs (the SDVOSB goal cannot
    be less than the 3 percent required by P.L. 106-50).

-   Requires establishment of a mechanism to ensure subcontracts awarded
    by VA prime contractors go to eligible VOSB and SDVOSB concerns.

-   Requires registration of SDVOSB and VOSB firms in VA's Vendor
    Information Pages (VIP) Database
    ([www.vip.vetbiz.gov](http://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/)).

-   Requires VA to verify ownership and control of the company and the
    status of veteran owners. Providing ownership and control
    information to VA is optional and veterans may continue to sell to
    VA without verifying their status. However, participation in the
    set-aside and subcontracting programs is limited to eligible
    businesses registered in VIP.

-   Provides continued VOSB and SDVOSB status for surviving spouses of
    veteran entrepreneurs for up to 10 years under certain
    circumstances.

-   Provides for debarment from VA acquisitions of those firms willfully
    misrepresenting their status.

-   Requires GAO annually assess VA's VOSB contracting program and
    report findings to Congress

Much work remains to get this law implemented in VA by June 20, 2007.
The implementing VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) must be published for
public comment. VA must acquire authority from the Office of Management
and Budget for new data to be collected on the VetBiz.gov VIP Database
as well as publish a revision to the Privacy Act Notice that governs the
database.

As we work in the direction of implementation, we will be educating and
training the VA workforce and industry about these important changes.
Now that veterans are being put to the front of the line for VA
acquisitions, we have a significant opportunity to show the rest of the
Federal community that VA is truly the leader in contracting with
SDVOSBs and VOSBs. Thank you for your continued support of America's
small businesses, particularly our veteran entrepreneurs!

***Fiscal Year 2006 Socioeconomic Accomplishments -- Thanks for the
Numbers!!***

*By Scott F. Denniston*

*Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization*

We're about to close the books on FY 2006's socioeconomic
accomplishments and VA's numbers are impressive. VA exceeded all of the
statutory socioeconomic goals for FY 2006.

In FY 2006, VA reported expenditures totaling approximately \$10.3
billion. The chart below shows our socioeconomic breakdown.

Most notably here, is the VA, for the first time ever, exceeded the 3
percent statutory goal for SDVOSBs and we posted 6.49 percent against
the 7 percent VOSB goal set by the Secretary. Although numbers are not
available for other departments, we have every reason to believe the VA
continues to be the leader in these important categories. You will
recall in FY 2005, VA was the leader among major Federal contracting
activities (those organizations reporting expenditures of \$1 billion or
more) with 2.15 percent in accomplishments in the SDVOSB category.

Although VA did not meet the Section 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business
Goal of 5 percent, VA did meet the statutory goal of 5 percent for small
disadvantaged businesses. There is no statutory goal assigned to Section
8(a), the VA goal is assigned by the Secretary. When combined with the
small disadvantaged business accomplishments, VA spent \$910.1 million
(8.85%) with small disadvantaged businesses, including Section 8(a)
firms. All Section 8(a) firms are considered small disadvantaged
businesses, all small disadvantaged businesses are not certified by the
Small Business Administration as Section 8(a) firms. VA is required to
track its small disadvantaged business accomplishments broken down by
Section 8(a) and all other small disadvantaged businesses. Section 8(a)
is a procurement mechanism and accomplishments shown in this category
represent acquisitions conducted using the Section 8(a) Program.

Given the performance demands and many competing interests faced by VA
acquisition professionals, the FY 2006 accomplishments are noteworthy
and greatly appreciated by small businesses. Through its procurement
dollars, VA has once again shown why it is the chief advocate for
America's veterans!

+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Category**           | **Secretary's    | **Accomplishment**       |
|                        | Goal**           |                          |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Small Business**     | **25%**          | **29.45% (\$3.03         |
|                        |                  | billion)**               |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Small Disadvantaged  | **4%**           | **4.93% (\$507.4         |
| Business**             |                  | million)**               |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Section 8(a) Small   | **5%**           | **3.92%(\$402.7          |
| Disadvantaged          |                  | million)**               |
| Business**             |                  |                          |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Women-Owned Small    | **5%**           | **5%**                   |
| Business**             |                  |                          |
|                        |                  | **(\$513.1 million)**    |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Veteran-Owned Small  | **7%**           | **6.49%**                |
| Business**             |                  |                          |
|                        |                  | **(\$666.8 million)**    |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **Service-Disabled     | **3%**           | **3.39%**                |
| Veteran-Owned**        |                  |                          |
|                        |                  | **(\$348 million)**      |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+
| **HUBZone Small        | **3%**           | **3.28%**                |
| Business**             |                  |                          |
|                        |                  | **(\$336.9 million)**    |
+------------------------+------------------+--------------------------+

***Commercial Items Contracts Now Include Time-and-Materials and
Labor-Hour Type Contracts***

*By William Cox, Acquisition Assistance Division*

Effective February 12, 2007, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
expressly authorized the use of time-and-materials (T&M) and labor-hour
(LH) contracts for commercial services under specified conditions.
Before this change, commercial services were limited to firm-fixed-price
(FFP) and firm-fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) type
contracts when using FAR Part 12 procedures, and services based on
hourly rates were generally excluded. The FAR definition of commercial
services now does not prohibit services sold based on hourly rates
without an established catalog or market price for a specific service
performed or a specific outcome to be achieved.

FAR Part 12 now provides specific conditions for the use of T&M and LH
commercial contracts, including the condition that no T&M or LH
commercial contract be issued sole-source. These types of contracts may
be used under a contract awarded using competitive procedures (e.g., the
procedures in FAR 6.102, the set-aside procedures in FAR 19.5, or
competition conducted in accordance with Part 13); the procedures for
other than full and open competition in FAR 6.3 provided the agency
receives offers that satisfy the Government\'s expressed requirement
from two or more responsible offerors; or, the fair opportunity
procedures in FAR 16.505, if placing an order under a multiple award
delivery-order contract.

In addition, the contracting officer must execute a determination and
findings (D&F) for the contract that no other contract type authorized
by this subpart is suitable, and the contract or order must include a
ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. The
contracting officer can only change the ceiling price after executing
another D&F that states it is in the best interest of the procuring
agency to change the ceiling price.

Any D&F for these types of contracts shall include the following
elements:

\(1\) A description of the market research conducted;

\(2\) Establish that it is not possible at the time of placing the
contract or order to accurately estimate the extent or duration of the
work or to anticipate costs with any reasonable degree of certainty;

\(3\) Establish that the requirement has been structured to maximize the
use of firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment
contracts (e.g., by limiting the value or length of the
time-and-material/labor-hour contract or order; establishing fixed
prices for portions of the requirement) on future acquisitions for the
same or similar requirements; and

\(4\) Describe actions planned to maximize the use of firm-fixed-price
or fixed-price with economic price adjustment contracts on future
acquisitions for the same requirements.

When an indefinite-delivery contract is awarded with services priced on
a time-and-materials or labor-hour basis, contracting officers shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, also structure the contract to allow
issuance of orders on a firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic
price adjustment basis. Contracting Officers are required to execute
D&F\'s for T&M and LH types of contract for each order placed under
those contracts. If an indefinite-delivery contract only allows for the
issuance of orders on a time-and-materials or labor-hour basis, the D&F
for the type of contract shall be executed to support the basic contract
and shall also explain why providing for an alternative firm-fixed-price
or fixed-price with economic price adjustment pricing structure is not
practicable. The D&F for this contract shall be approved one level above
the contracting officer, and for any D&F\'s that extend the performance
period beyond five years, the head of the contracting activity must
first approve the D&F.

Many of the readers of this article may assume that these changes to the
D&F requirements for the type of contract do not affect them because
they issue most or all of their T&M and LH commercial services
requirements through orders under Federal Supply Schedules. This
assumption may not be correct if the Federal Supply Schedule contract
includes the Part 12 clauses. Before excluding the appropriate elements
for the D&F described above, it is recommended to verify the governing
basic Federal Supply Schedule contract clauses before issuing a T&M and
LH order.

The FAR change also includes a revision to FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms
and Conditions - Commercial Items, which now prescribes Alternate I for
inclusion in solicitations and contracts for T&M and LH commercial
services. Alternate I replaces the following paragraphs in this clause:

-   \(a\) Inspection/Acceptance

-   \(e\) Definitions

-   \(i\) Payments

-   \(l\) Termination for the Government\'s convenience

T&M contracts comprise the highest contract type risk to the Government.
As such, they should only be used when it is not possible at the time of
award to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to
anticipate costs with any reasonable degree of confidence. Also,
restricting the use of T&M contracts is consistent with the requirements
for non-commercial T&M contracts. Contractors are generally only
required to use \`\`best efforts\'\' to accomplish the desired results
within the established ceiling price on both commercial and
non-commercial T&M contracts as opposed to FFP contracts which require
contractors to accomplish stated results within the fixed price.
Although contractors are under less budgetary pressure to perform under
a T&M than a FFP contract, it is not appropriate to hold contractors to
the same standards used on FFP contracts. Accordingly, T&M/LH contracts
are only authorized when no other contract type is suitable.

***What's in a Name?***

*By: Justina Hamberg, Procurement Analyst, OA&MM, Acquisition Assistance
Team (049A5D)*

Mercedes-Benz. BMW. Porsche. You know what these companies sell. Their
name says it all. You can hear someone whisper even part of their name
-- Mercedes -- and your mind starts to wander off in a dream...That's
why these companies spend a lot of time, money, and effort to make sure
you know their name.

But as a Government buyer, you're not allowed to buy a brand name
product without a really good reason. So what's a "good" reason? What's
good enough? How do we know whether our customer's reason for specifying
a brand name product is justified? The reason must be tied to the
Government's *minimum* needs. Pure and simple. Taxpayers wouldn't like
it if GSA bought cars from Mercedes-Benz for civil servants like you and
me to drive while we're on travel. Wouldn't it be nice though...? Nice
doesn't cut it. Taxpayers envision this brand as a luxury car maker and
they would storm the Hill in a flash and demand to know why their taxes
are being spent on luxury cars. They might understand that a rental car
is needed when we go on travel. But we just need a basic car to get us
from point A to point B -- that's the minimum need. So, a car with four
wheels, clear windows, steering wheel...that should do it. Ok, we might
need brakes too. All kidding aside, an inexpensive car could fit our
minimum needs, but a Mercedes-Benz? How would we rationalize our minimum
needs to require only that brand? The taxpayers aren't the only ones
that would question this; other car manufacturers would likely protest
the brand name only specification.

I think most folks would agree that we don't need a Mercedes-Benz for
general use. But there are other examples of brand name only
specifications that are commonly solicited because the brand name
products have so dominated the market (or they've successfully branded
their products in our mind) that we think of them almost as if they're
generic products. In fact, some brand name products have become part of
our every day vocabulary. For example, have you ever asked someone to
make a Xerox copy? Have you ever thrown a Frisbee or used a Kleenex?
Here's a new one -- have you googled something today? Even when a brand
name product has attained the status of a generic word, in the world of
federal procurement, that brand name product is still *a product
peculiar to one manufacturer*.

Therefore, for example, a solicitation for personal computers that
includes a specification for an Intel™ processor is still subject to FAR
11.105, Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer. The personal computer may
not have been specified as a Dell™ computer, but an Intel™ processor is
a microprocessor specified by brand name only. That specification
excludes microprocessors manufactured by other sources. Why wouldn't a
microprocessor from other sources (e.g., Advanced Micro Devices) meet
the Government's need? Do we have the need for performance
characteristics that only an Intel™ processor could meet and if so, what
are those characteristics? Do we have market research to support that
Intel's processor is the only brand with the needed performance
characteristics? Do we have market research to support that no other
brand name product can be modified to meet the performance
characteristics? These are the types of questions that we should be able
to address in our contract documentation to support a brand name only
specification. If we haven't addressed these questions at all, then we
don't have a valid justification for the brand name only requirement.
Also, if we don't have market research to support our conclusion that
only an Intel™ processor can meet our needs, that specification may not
be justified and it may be construed as unduly restricting competition.

So, when you receive a brand name only requirement from your customers
without any rationale, ask some questions to see if there is a true need
for the brand name requirement. Try to have your customers write down
their answers to your questions. That will help them start writing the
documentation needed to support the brand name only requirement.
Depending on the dollar value and the method of procurement, the
documentation may need to be a formal justification in the format
prescribed by FAR 6.302-1(c), FAR 13.501(a), and FAR 8.405-6(g). For
open market procurements, these formal justifications are sole-source
justifications. For buys on the Federal Supply Schedule, the formal
justifications are limited sources justifications. When drafting the
brand name justification or the documentation, just remember the basic
principle in FAR 11.105, Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer, which is
that we should not write our requirements for a particular brand name
unless it is essential to meet our Government needs.

For further reading, click on the following links:

Office of Procurement Policy (OFPP) memoranda:

(<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/brandname_specs.pdf>) on
April 11, 2005

(<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/memo/2006_brand_name.pdf>)
on April 17, 2006

Federal Register, FAR Case 2005--037, Implement OMB Policy on the Use of
Brand Name Specifications

<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2006_register&position=all&page=57357>

(Note: Once an FR page has been retrieved, use the arrows or input box
to go to other FR pages)

The interim rule published in the Federal Register implemented the
posting requirement of the two OFPP memoranda. I encourage you to read
the following FAR references as they have changed:

FAR 5.102(a)(6)

FAR 6.302-1(c)

FAR 8.402

FAR 8.405-1(c) and (d)

FAR 8.405-6

FAR 8.406-1

FAR 11.105

FAR 13.105(c)

FAR 13.106-1 and -3

FAR 13.501

***On The Green***

***New Executive Order Expands and Strengthens Federal Green Purchasing
Program***

*By Barbara Matos, Environmental Program Manager, Office of Acquisition
and Materiel Management*

On January 24, 2007, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order
(EO) 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and
Transportation Management." This order revokes, consolidates, and builds
upon a series of orders issued between 1998 and 2000 that mandated
federal agency compliance with a wide range of environmental, energy
efficiency, and vehicle fleet management requirements. Among other
things, EO 13423 sets goals for the acquisition and procurement of
recycled content, energy efficient, biobased, and environmentally
preferable products and services that are least as stringent as, or go
beyond, prior EO goals and statutory requirements.

In a press release announcing the new order, the Federal Environmental
Executive (FEE), Edwin Piñero, noted that the goals of the new EO would
result, in part, in "in better management of our environmental and
energy footprint through the expanded procurement of environmentally
sound products and services, such as the growing area of biobased
products." As a result, Mr. Pinero pointed out, federal agencies will be
more efficient and effective in meeting their respective missions, while
at the same time leading by example in the areas of environmental and
energy stewardship, and helping to catalyze the marketplace.

EO 13423 expands the Federal Green Purchasing Program by making
mandatory the purchase of environmentally preferable products and
services (EPP). The order also raises to the level of a presidential
directive two previously voluntary sustainable practice programs,
electronics stewardship and sustainable design/green buildings, which
include significant green purchasing elements. The Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) is a signatory to both the Memorandum of
Understanding on Promoting the Sustainable Environmental Management of
Federal Electronic Assets, and on Federal Leadership in High Performance
and Sustainable Buildings, the elements of which have been adopted by
the new EO.

In the near future, the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office
of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) are expected to issue detailed
instructions implementing EO 13423. The instructions will have the same
effect as the order and will make clear that the requirements to
purchase green products and services apply to all types of acquisitions,
including purchases made with the government purchase card, and
purchases of construction, transportation, janitorial, and operation and
maintenance services. The OFPP instructions will address agency
implementation of the currently disparate components of the Federal
Green Purchasing Program as a single, integrated plan.

Following are excerpted highlights of the acquisition and procurement
requirements of the new order. The italicized portion below the
requirement reflects the intent of the implementing instructions.

-   Section 2(d): The head of each agency shall: require in agency
    acquisitions of goods and services (i) use of sustainable
    environmental practices, including acquisition of biobased,
    environmentally preferable, energy-efficient, water-efficient, and
    recycled-content products, and (ii) use of paper of at least 30
    percent postconsumer fiber content. The implementing instructions
    will:

    -   *Make clear that the scope of the Federal Green Purchasing
        Program includes alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels,
        and non-ozone depleting substances. "Energy efficient products"
        includes both Energy Star® and FEMP-designated products, as
        required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Low stand-by power
        provisions will also be addressed.*

    -   *Require agencies to conduct pilot projects annually.*

    -   *Add address acquisition of energy-related products as services
        (e.g., energy savings performance contracts), as well as energy
        efficient products.*

-   Section 2(e): The head of each agency shall...reduce the quantity of
    toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired.....

-   Section 2(h): The head of each agency shall, when acquiring an
    electronic product to meet its requirements, meets at least 95
    percent of those requirements with an Electronic Product
    Environmental Analysis Too (EPEAT)-registered product, unless there
    is no EPEAT standard for such product....

-   Section 3: The head of each agency shall (a) implement within the
    agency sustainable practices for (iv) acquisition...(vi) reduction
    or elimination of acquisition...of toxic or hazardous chemicals.....

-   Section 3: The head of each agency shall (e) ensure that contracts
    entered into after the date of this order for contractor operation
    of government-owned facilities of vehicles require the contractor to
    comply with the provisions of this order with respect to such
    facilities or vehicles to the same extent as the agency would be
    required to comply if the agency operated the facilities or
    vehicles.

-   Section 3: The head of each agency shall (f) ensure that agreements,
    permits, leases, license, or other legally-binding obligations
    between the agency and a tenant or concessionaire entered into after
    the date of this order require, to the extent the head of the agency
    determines appropriate, that the tenant or concessionaire take
    actions relating to matters within the scope of the contract that
    facilitate the agency's compliance with this order.

For a copy of Executive Order 13423, visit the new Green Purchasing page
on the Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management's Environmental
Affairs -- Greening VA Web site at:

<http://www1.va.gov/oamm/recycle/ea_GreenPurchasing.cfm> or
<http://vaww1.va.gov/oamm/recycle/ea_GreenPurchasing.cfm>. Once issued,
the implementing instructions will be posted here as well.

According to Mr. Piñero, "this is a timely step forward, building upon
the many notable accomplishments of the Federal community." VA is poised
to take this step forward and is committed to minimizing its footprint
on the environment through the purchase of environmentally preferable
and energy efficient products and services.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4423611111111112in"
height="1.038888888888889in"}**Remember Earth Day...**

April 22

*Take action to promote good environmental stewardship.*

***JWOD Corner***

***VA Assistant Secretary for Management is the New VA Committee Member
Appointed by the President***

The Wagner-O'Day Act of 1938 created the Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the independent Federal
agency that administers the socio-economic program that assisted people
who were blind to find gainful employment on Federal contracts. The Act
was later amended in 1971 to also include employment for people with
severe disabilities, and to allow for the provision of services. Eleven
Presidentially-appointed Committee members represent Governmental
agencies (Departments of Agriculture, Air Force, Army, Commerce,
Defense, Education, Justice, Labor, Navy and Veterans Affairs, and the
General Services Administration). The remaining four Committee members
are private citizens knowledgeable about the employment problems of
people who are blind or have other severe disabilities, including those
employed by nonprofit agencies affiliated with the JWOD Program.

In May 2006 the President appointed Mr. Robert J. Henke to serve as VA's
Committee Member, and in November 2006 he was sworn-in. As the Assistant
Secretary for Management, Mr. Henke is responsible for the Department's
budget (in excess of \$80 billion for fiscal year 2007), financial
policy and operations, acquisition and materiel management, real
property asset management, and business oversight. He serves as VA's
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Acquisition Officer, and Senior Real
Property Office.

Prior to his nomination by the President to serve as the Assistant
Secretary for Management, Mr. Henke served as the Principal Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) at the Department of Defense (DoD).
In that capacity; he was the principal advisor to the DoD
Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer and his duties involved a broad
range of financial management responsibilities including development,
justification and execution of DoD's budget, and the formulation of
DoD-wide financial and accounting policy.

Mr. Henke served as a Professional Staff Member with the U.S. Senate
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense from 1999 to 2004
and as a Presidential Management Intern with the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) from 1997 to
1999. From 1993 to 1996 he was with General Electric Company, where he
completed GE's Financial Management Program.

A Navy officer, Mr. Henke was mobilized as a reservist and deployed
overseas for Operation Enduring Freedom and served on active duty in
combat during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Henke is a native of Chicago,
Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government &
International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and earned a
Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell
School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The Committee has welcomed Mr. Henke in bringing his expertise to the
table. He has eagerly accepted the challenge to work together to provide
more opportunities for individuals who are blind or have other severe
disabilities that enable them to lead more productive and independent
lives.

***Departing VA JWOD Liaison Honored, New Liaison Named***

Mr. Arthur East was honored by the Committee for Purchase From People
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee) for his two-year term as
the Department of Veterans Affairs JWOD Program liaison. Providing jobs
to more than 46,000 people who are blind or have other severe
disabilities, the JWOD Program is the single largest source of
employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in
the United States. This award recognizes JWOD liaisons' significant
contributions in creating employment opportunities for people who are
blind or have other severe disabilities within their respective Federal
agencies. JWOD liaisons are the front line, providing the Committee,
National Industries for the Blind, NISH (serving people with a range of
severe disabilities), and JWOD-participating nonprofit agencies with
procurement news and information from their agencies. Liaisons also
disseminate JWOD information throughout their organizations.

"Arthur's efforts have helped individuals who are blind or have other
severe disabilities to continue to have stable, meaningful employment,\"
said Andrew Houghton, Committee Chairperson.

Mr. East is the Chief of Business Development & Marketing located in the
Acquisition Program Management Division of Acquisition Resource Service,
Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management (OA&MM) for the VA. From
2004 through 2005, he provided outstanding support for the JWOD Program
in a variety of ways. He coordinated two consecutive VA-JWOD Vendor Day
events during October's National Disability Employee Awareness Month.
And in so doing, he increased awareness of the JWOD Program by providing
VA customers with the opportunity to interact with JWOD-participating
nonprofit agencies and learn more about their capabilities.

Taking over the role of VA JWOD Program Liaison from Mr. East is Ms.
Sandra Hallmark, CPCM, Senior Procurement Analyst. Ms. Hallmark is
located in the Acquisition Program Management Division of Acquisition
Resource Service, OAMM. Ms. Hallmark recently left the United States
Coast Guard Headquarters to rejoin the VA team in DC. Previously, Ms.
Hallmark was a Contracting Officer with the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) and welcomes the opportunity once again to serve
our veterans. Ms. Hallmark is responsible for reviewing and analyzing
complex, unique and sensitive procurement and contracting issues
involving the full spectrum of functions for which OAMM is responsible.
Reviews include all contract types for supplies, services, information
technology, research, enhanced sharing, management studies,
construction, and all other health categories that ultimately benefit
our veterans. In addition, as a department expert for acquisition
issues, she expends the majority of her time providing guidance to the
field covering the United States. She also participates as an advisory
member to major systems brought by the departments, VHA, Veterans
Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration.

***AbilityOne - New Name for Federal Procurement Program Employing
People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day
Act***

AbilityOne will become the new name of a longstanding procurement
program employing people who are blind or who have other severe
disabilities under the auspices of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.
According to Andrew D. Houghton, Chairperson of the Committee for
Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee),
AbilityOne will replace the "JWOD" acronym, but does not change the
underlying law, which was established to create job opportunities for
people who are blind or severely disabled in the manufacture and
delivery of products and services for the Federal Government. Today,
this program is the single largest employer of people with severe
disabilities in the United States, with more than 46,000 jobs
nationwide.

The Committee, the independent Federal agency that administers the
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, determined that the program's future success
requires an enhanced ability to communicate its purpose and value to
others. After a long-term, comprehensive study, the Committee decided
that "AbilityOne" best fit its criteria for an effective name, and
published its decision in the November 28, 2006 Federal Register.
"AbilityOne has a much closer linkage to the program's workforce and
capabilities, and alludes to the convergence of all participants into
one umbrella program," said Mr. Houghton. "A stronger, more unified name
will help us increase overall awareness, understanding and support for
our program, and ultimately, to better fulfill our employment mission."

While the enabling Act remains important and its sponsors retain their
place of honor in the program's history, the Committee believes that in
the 21^st^ century, it is necessary to build a program identity beyond
the legislation in order to fulfill its mission, Mr. Houghton said. "We
honor our founders by maximizing employment for people who are blind or
severely disabled, and we believe that as AbilityOne, we are better
positioned to succeed in our goals."

To ensure that all stakeholders familiar with the JWOD acronym are able
to recognize and transfer their support to the new program name, the
Committee will continue to use Javits-Wagner-O'Day along with AbilityOne
for a transition period of about 18 months. An unveiling of the new name
and graphic design is expected in early Spring 2007. The well-recognized
SKILCRAFT® brand will continue to be licensed and managed by National
Industries for the Blind for a wide range of products furnished to the
Government under Javits-Wagner-O'Day authority, and is not affected by
the program name change.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled is the independent Federal agency responsible for administering
the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. The JWOD Act creates employment for people
who are blind or who have other severe disabilities in the manufacture
and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government. For
more information, visit <http://www/jwod.gov>

For more information regarding the JWOD Program, please contact
Stephanie Lesko, Public Affairs Specialist, Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, at <slesko@jwod.gov> or (703)
603-2146; or Sandra Hallmark, CPCM, VA-JWOD Program Liaison, Senior
Procurement Analyst, OAMM, VA Central Office at (202) 273-5044 or
<Sandra.Hallmark@va.gov>.

***New Products on Federal Supply Schedule***

**[Major Supplier of Orthopedic Trauma Implants Now Under FSS
Contract]{.underline}** - Smith & Nephew (S&N), one of largest suppliers
of these implants that are heavily used for war related injuries,
offered to add their products to their existing FSS contract. Through
extensive negotiating, the items were recently added to their FSS. No
other supplier for these items has them under an FSS contract. For
further details regarding this contract modification, please contact
Jane Brusveen at (708) 786-7659 or <Jane.Brusveen@va.gov>.

**[New Product Under FSS Contract Ideal for Many Combat-Related
Injuries]{.underline}** - HMS Technologies, a service-disabled
veteran-owned small business, was awarded a Federal Supply Schedule
contract effective December 15, 2006 for products relating to
intraosseous infusions. An intraosseous infusion is the process of
injection directly into the bone marrow and is used to administer fluids
and medication when existing methods of vascular access (the preferred
IV route) is excessively time consuming or not possible. Clinical
applications of the product include traumatic injuries and other medical
conditions when immediate vascular access is required. Due to the nature
of the product, the system is ideal for use in combat-related injuries.
Questions regarding this contract may be directed to Geovanni Masson at
(708) 786-5123 or via <Geovanni.Masson@va.gov>.

***FSS Small Business Contract Awards***

For complete information, go to the National Acquisition Center Contract
Catalog Search Tool at [www1.va.gov/nac]{.underline} or
[www.va.gov/vastorenac](http://www.va.gov/vastorenac).

GSA Schedules E-library is also available at
[www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/ElibHome](http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/ElibHome).

########  621 I

######## Professional Medical Contract# Business Effective 

########  Healthcare Services V797P- Size Award Dates

> Ready Tech-Go Inc.
>
> dba RTG Medical 7063A VOSB 09/15/07-09/14/2011
>
> MedTrust LLC 7068a SDB/8a/VOSB 09/15/07-09/14/2011
>
> Morgan Resources Inc. 7075A VOSB 10/01/2006-9/30/2011
>
> IHC LLC (Intermountain Hospital Consult) 7077A VOSB
> 10/15/2006-10/14/2011
>
> American Nursing Services, LLC 7098A VOSB 03/15/2007-03/14/2012

########  65 II A

**Medical Equipment Contract# Business Effective**

**and Supplies V797P- Size Award Dates**

> Ashbrook Audiology 4934A VOSB/HubZone 06/15/2006-06/14/2011
>
> Viscot Medical LLC 4944A VOSB 07/01/2006-06/30/2011
>
> Alliant Enterprises LLC 4946A VOSB 07/01/2006-06/30/2011
>
> CFI Medical Solutions 4968A VOSB 10/15/2006-10/14/2011
>
> Cardiomedics Inc. 4972A VOSB 10/25/2006-10/24/2011
>
> E&S Associates dba National Hospital Svc 4977A VOSB
> 12/01/2006-11/30/2011
>
> Medical Instrument Specialties 4991A VOSB 02/15/2007-02/14/2012
>
> Gartner's Functional Footwear, Inc. 5006A SDB/WOSB/
> 04/01/2007-03/31/2012
>
> VOSB

**65 Part VII Contract# Business Effective**

**Invitro Diagnostics/Reagents V797P- Size Award Dates**

> Audit Microcontrols, Inc. 5938X VOSB 02/15/2007-02/14/2012

#########  65IIF Contract \# Business Effective

**Patient Mobility Devices V797P- Size Award Dates**

**(Including wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, etc.)**

> Lasher Sport, LLC 3099M VOSB 07/01/2006-06/30/2011
>
> MHM Enterprises, LLC 3120M VOSB 02/15/2007-02/14/2012

#########  65 VA Contract \# Business Effective

**X-Ray Equip/Supplies V797P- Size Award Dates**

> X-Cel X-Ray Corporation 3112M VOSB 09/01/2006-08/31/2011

*For additional information on the above, contact the Federal Supply
Schedule Service at (708) 786-5180*

***National Contract Small Business Contract Awards***

For complete information, go to the National Acquisition Center Contract
Catalog Search Tool at [www1.va.gov/nac]{.underline} or
[www.va.gov/vastorenac](http://www.va.gov/vastorenac).

**Pharmaceuticals: Contract \# Business Award Date**

**VA797-P- Size Effective Dates**

Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 0035 WOSB/VOSB 10/29/2006-10/28/2007

Prosthetics: Contract \# Business Effective

VA797-P- Size Award Dates

Bruno Independent Living Aids 0031 VOSB 09/25/2006-09/24/2007

*For additional information on the above, contact the National Contract
Service at (708) 786-5250*

***New Denver Acquisition and Logistics Center Awards***

Listed below are contracts with effective award dates of
07/01/06-02/28/07. For additional information, contact the VA Denver
Acquisition and Logistics Center (DALC) at (303) 914-5180.

**Product Contract \# Business Effective**

**V791P- Size Award Dates Contractor**

Upper Extremity Myoelectric

And Electric Prosthesis 0007 Small 01/01/2007 MHC Prosthetics, LLC

Upper Extremity Myoelectric

And Electric Prosthesis 0008 Small 01/01/2007 Fillauer Companies, Inc.