BUILD for Veterans Act of 2022

To improve the management and performance of the capital asset programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to better serve veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2022 BUILD for Veterans Act of 2022 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Capital asset management Sec. 101. Establishment of offices of capital asset personnel at medical centers of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 102. Development of performance metrics of capital asset management by Department of Veterans Affairs and monitoring for improvement. Sec. 103. Expansion of membership of the Capital Asset Planning Committee. TITLE II—Reports Sec. 201. Review of climate resilience of facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 202. Reports on capital asset planning, management, budgeting, staffing, and performance of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 203. Annual report on completion of disposal and reuse requirements of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 204. Report on improvements to medical staffing for new medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 205. Report on improvements to alignment of information technology funding and activation of medical and other space of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 206. Bimonthly report on key capital asset investments, activities, and performance of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 207. Reports on projected need for funding for infrastructure and capital assets of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 208. Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs reports on Department infrastructure projects. Sec. 209. Comptroller General report on capital asset program management and execution by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 210. Reports on dental and long-term care physical infrastructure needs of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 211. Report on feasibility and advisability of using a dedicated budget account for maintenance of capital assets of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 212. Report on women veterans retrofit initiative. Sec. 213. Report on physical infrastructure needs of the research and development facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 214. Review and report on provisions of law relating to Department of Veterans Affairs construction and facilities management. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress (A) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives. (2) Capital asset The term capital asset I Capital asset management 101. Establishment of offices of capital asset personnel at medical centers of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Offices of capital asset personnel (1) In general By not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs has a dedicated office and sufficient staff to conduct— (A) facility planning; (B) long-range capital planning; (C) management of projects and capital assets relating to the execution of major construction projects, minor construction projects, major leases, minor leases, non-recurring maintenance, and related matters at the medical center and facilities of the Department in the catchment area surrounding the medical center; (D) engineering, including matters relating to seismic repairs and projects; (E) maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure; (F) the collection of views of veterans and employees of the Department to understand the capital assets needs of the Department; and (G) other relevant functions relating to capital assets of the Department as determined by the Secretary. (2) Tasks To the greatest extent possible, the Secretary shall ensure that each of the requirements under paragraph (1) are held by a different individual or group of individuals so as not to overburden a small number of individuals with such requirements. (3) Lead official The Secretary shall designate one individual as the lead senior official responsible for integration and coordination of, and accountability for, the functions described in subparagraph (A) through (F) of paragraph (1). (4) Staffing model (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain a staffing model for the offices under paragraph (1) that ensures a minimum base level of capital asset staffing. (B) Update The Secretary shall update the staffing model under subparagraph (A) regularly to ensure it is effective in achieving the goals of this section. (5) Treatment of States and territories without a medical center In the case of a State or territory of the United States in which the Department does not operate a full-service medical center, the office required under paragraph (1) shall be located at the largest medical facility of the Department in that State or territory, and any reference in this section to a medical center shall be deemed to be a reference to that medical facility. (b) Qualifications The Secretary shall establish appropriate professional certifications, educational background, and other qualifications to be required of individuals employed at a position in an office described in subsection (a) to manage the duties of such position under this section. (c) Duties (1) In general The duties of an office described in subsection (a) for a medical center of the Department shall include the following: (A) The development, monitoring, and implementation of capital asset objectives for the catchment area surrounding the medical center, including community-based outpatient clinics and other sites of care of the Department in that area. (B) The coordination of capital asset management and planning with counterparts at other medical centers of the Department in the region and facility planners for the Veterans Integrated Service Network or Networks in the region. (C) Effective delivery of capital asset projects. (D) Maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure. (E) Constantly monitoring the needs of veterans and employees of the Department as it relates to medical space and services at the medical center and facilities in the catchment area surrounding the medical center to forward plan and identify and submit plans, through processes of the Department, to meet those needs, including by formulating local and regional capital improvement and asset management plans for medical facilities of the Department through the regular collection of— (i) views and expectations of veterans in that area who are eligible users of health care and related services provided by the Department with respect to— (I) preferences and needs of those veterans for the care received from medical facilities of the Department in that area; and (II) the need for improvements and enhancements to infrastructure of the Department; and (ii) views of relevant medical staff of the Department at the medical center and facilities in that catchment area regarding their preferences and needs for how to deliver health care to veterans and how those preferences impact the infrastructure needs of the Department. (F) Having an understanding of the capital asset policies, procedures, and directives of the Department, including those issued by the central office of the Department, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, the Veterans Health Administration, the Office of Information and Technology, the Office of Management, the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, the Office of General Counsel, or any successor offices, and any other office of the Department with significant responsibility over capital asset management and planning. (G) Implementing locally those policies, procedures, and directives. (H) Providing feedback regarding ways in which those policies, procedures and directives can be improved. (I) Having an understanding of the importance for collaboration and coordination among all relevant offices of the Department, including the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, the Office of Asset Enterprise Management, the Office of Information and Technology, and other internal stakeholders as required to achieve success in all phases of capital asset management. (2) Collection of views and expectations (A) In general Views and expectations may be collected under paragraph (1)(E) through multiple channels and the process used for such collection shall ensure that the views and expectations collected provide a representative sample of the population from which such views and expectations are collected. (B) Confidentiality Any information collected under paragraph (1)(E) shall be collected in a manner that provides an option for submission of views that are anonymous and confidential. (C) Inclusion of diverse viewpoints In collecting views and expectations of veterans and medical staff under paragraph (1)(E), an office described in subsection (a) for a medical center of the Department shall ensure that the viewpoints of a diverse population of veterans being served by the medical center and medical staff of the medical center or in the catchment area of the medical center are captured. (d) Development of standard process To solicit views on effectiveness (1) In general The Secretary shall develop a standardized process to regularly solicit feedback from individuals and entities described in paragraph (2) regarding the effectiveness of and ways to improve— (A) the infrastructure and asset management investment processes and procedures of the central office of the Department and Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department; and (B) the guidance of the central office and Veterans Integrated Service Networks regarding such processes and procedures to the medical centers, facilities in the catchment area of those medical centers, and Veterans Integrated Service Networks, as appropriate. (2) Individuals and entities described The individuals and entities described in this paragraph are the following: (A) Each office described in subsection (a) for a medical center of the Department. (B) Medical staff of the Department at facilities in the catchment area of the medical center. (C) Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (D) Staff of offices within the central office of the Department, including the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, the Office of Asset Enterprise Management, the Office of Information and Technology, and the Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Programs. (3) Confidentiality Any information collected under paragraph (1) shall be collected in a manner that provides an option for submission of views that are anonymous and confidential. (e) Use of report findings The Secretary shall use the results of the report required under section 202 in establishing the offices required under subsection (a) and carrying out any other requirements of this section. 102. Development of performance metrics of capital asset management by Department of Veterans Affairs and monitoring for improvement (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— (1) develop meaningful and measurable goals and metrics— (A) to assess the performance of the capital asset management programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow the Secretary to make sound decisions regarding construction, leasing, acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of capital assets; and (B) that are in alignment with Department strategic plans, budgets, and mission to serve veterans, their families, and caregivers; (2) develop an internal dashboard or other tool to monitor progress towards meeting those goals; (3) establish and implement internal governance processes to direct necessary improvements to strengthen performance and achievement of those goals; and (4) submit to appropriate committees of Congress a report on the development of those goals and metrics in paragraph (1) and the implementation of the internal dashboard or other tool under paragraph (2) and the internal governance process under paragraph (3). (b) Internal dashboard The Secretary shall ensure that the internal dashboard developed under subsection (a)(2) includes meaningful and relevant goals with related metrics that— (1) would evaluate capital asset management performance of the Department and provide relevant information to guide necessary improvements; and (2) are developed consistent with recommendations set forth by the Comptroller General of the United States. (c) Consideration of part two of Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Asset In developing the internal dashboard under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall consider the findings in part two of the Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Asset required under section 202(a)(4). 103. Expansion of membership of the Capital Asset Planning Committee Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, in order to facilitate Federal health infrastructure planning, coordination, and investment, the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall modify the membership of the Capital Asset Planning Committee established as a subordinate entity of the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established under section 320 of title 38, United States Code, to include the following: (1) Not fewer than one officer or employee of the Indian Health Service. (2) Not fewer than one officer or employee of the Department of Health and Human Services who is not an employee of the Indian Health Service. II Reports 201. Review of climate resilience of facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a comprehensive review of the climate resilience of facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets under the authority and jurisdiction of the Secretary. (b) Elements (1) In general The review conducted under subsection (a) shall— (A) provide a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets that may be at risk due to changes in the climate, including potential vulnerabilities related to— (i) proximity to a body of water; (ii) proximity to an area prone to flooding; (iii) proximity to an area prone to wild fire; (iv) proximity to an area prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or other storms; and (v) such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate after consulting with the United States Global Change Research Program on the best available observations and forward-looking climate projections by region, including sea level rise data; (B) include a description of strategies to improve the climate resilience of existing facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets at risk due to changes in the climate, including potential modifications to facility operations and maintenance practices, and the cost of such strategies; (C) include an analysis of the design standards and building codes used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to site, plan, build, lease, renovate, and purchase land, facilities, infrastructure, and other capital assets of the Department and whether those design standards and building codes reflect both observed and forward-looking climate information; (D) include an analysis of the effect of climate change on energy usage, energy sources, and utility systems of the Department and the Department’s mitigation strategies; (E) use, in consultation with the United States Global Change Research Program, forward-looking climate information and other projections to anticipate changing environmental conditions during the design life of existing or planned facilities, land, and other capital assets of the Department and make relevant decisions and planning strategies based on this information; (F) after consulting with the United States Global Change Research Program and other relevant Federal and non-Federal entities, include recommendations for best practices, standards, and solutions for future placement, planning, renovation, leasing, purchase, and construction of facilities and land of the Department so as to avoid or mitigate the challenges resulting from placing a facility in an area at risk of being vulnerable to harm from the impacts of changing environmental conditions; and (G) assess how the Department can incorporate climate resilience information into its processes and procedures for capital asset investment decisions. (2) Sources of information and projections Sources of information and projections used under paragraph (1)(E) may include the Bureau of the Census (for population projections), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (for land use change projections and climate projections), the United States Geological Survey (for land use change projections), the United States Global Change Research Program and the National Climate Assessment (for climate observations and projections), and such other sources as the Secretary considers reliable in consultation with the United States Global Change Research Program. (c) Report (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the results of the review conducted under subsection (a) and the actions the Secretary will take in response to the findings of such review. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Recommendations for legislative and administrative action to mitigate and respond to the findings contained in the review conducted under subsection (a). (B) A description of action to be taken by the Secretary to improve the climate resilience of existing facilities, land, infrastructure and other capital assets under the jurisdiction or control of the Department. (C) A description of changes in policy, directives, and procedures of the Department to mitigate, plan for, and improve resilience of future constructed, leased, or other facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets under the jurisdiction or control of the Department. (D) A description of how the Department will incorporate climate resilience information into its processes and procedures for capital asset investment decisions. (E) A description of changes the Department will make to ensure the facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets of the Department are available to furnish care and services under section 1785 of title 38, United States Code, during or following a disaster or emergency. (F) The estimated cost to implement the changes described in the report. (G) The estimate timeline to implement the changes described in the report. (H) Such other matters, recommendations, or requests as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Updates (A) In general Not later than five years after the date on which the Secretary submits the report under paragraph (1) and not less frequently than once every five years thereafter until the date that is 21 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an update of the report submitted under paragraph (1). (B) Contents Each update submitted under subparagraph (A) shall describe the efforts of the Department since the submittal of the latest report or update, as the case may be, relating to matters covered by the report and such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Climate resilience defined In this section, the term climate resilience (1) anticipating, preparing for, and adapting to changing environmental conditions such as variations in average weather conditions that persist over multiple decades or longer that encompass increases and decreases in temperature, shifts in precipitation, and changing risk of certain types of severe weather events; and (2) the ability to withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions while ensuring the sustainment of mission-critical operations. 202. Reports on capital asset planning, management, budgeting, staffing, and performance of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the planning, management, budgeting, staffing, and performance by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to capital assets. Such report shall be known as the Strategic Plan to Improve VA’s Delivery and Management of Capital Assets Report (2) Structure The Report shall consist of not fewer than two parts as set forth in this subsection. (3) Part One (A) In general Part one of the Report shall focus on the human capital needs for the capital asset and related areas workforce of the Department (in this subsection referred to as Part One (B) Elements Part One shall include the following: (i) A description of the steps being taken by the Department, and the steps that the Department plans to take during the 10-year period following the date of the Report, including a specific timeline, to ensure sufficient capital asset personnel at the local, regional, and central office levels of the Department are available and prepared to— (I) execute the current level of capital asset work, including maintenance, delivery of new facilities, disposal, and reuse; (II) handle future capital asset work described in subclause (I) during such 10-year period; and (III) perform any other capital asset activities as identified by the Secretary. (ii) A plan that addresses the needed capital asset workforce of the Department by— (I) identifying and describing the staffing needs and status of such workforce, including— (aa) the number of currently authorized positions; (bb) the number of filled positions of those positions authorized; (cc) the number of unfilled positions of those positions authorized, including reasons why those positions are not filled and steps the Department is taking to fill those positions; (dd) the number of current positions needed above the level currently authorized; and (ee) future needs, including expected growth or reduction, during the 10-year period following the date of the Report; (II) providing the data under subclause (I) at the Departmental level, disaggregated by relevant divisions of the Department and by— (aa) data for the Veterans Health Administration, broken out by field, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and central office, including the Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Programs; (bb) data for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, broken out by field, region, and central office; (cc) data for the National Cemetery Administration, broken out by field, region, and central office; (dd) data for the Veterans Benefits Administration, broken out by field, region, and central office; (ee) data for the Office of Asset Enterprise Management; (ff) data for the Office of Information and Technology, broken out by field, region, and central office; and (gg) data for all other offices of the Department not covered under items (aa) through (ff) that have capital asset staff or significant capital asset responsibilities at the field, regional, or central office level; and (III) including an estimate of the funding required to accomplish filling the unfilled and future positions specified under subclause (I) during the 10-year period following the date of the Report. (iii) A description of the efforts taken and planned to be taken by the Department to recruit, retain, and develop the existing and future capital asset workforce of the Department. (iv) A description of any changes needed to the qualifications, standards, position descriptions and other related matters to ensure the qualification standards of the workforce— (I) match the needs of the Department; and (II) align where appropriate with relevant Federal Government and industry standards and best practices. (v) A description of how the Department will coordinate the human capital efforts of the Department across the Veterans Health Administration, the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction, the National Cemetery Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Office of Asset Enterprise Management, and other entities of the Department so as to leverage collective efforts, reduce unnecessary duplication, and identify opportunities for collaboration and efficiency. (vi) With respect to a Department-wide succession plan for leadership and mission-critical occupations in the capital asset workforce of the Department— (I) if such a plan is not already developed, a timeline for the development of such a plan; and (II) if such a plan is already developed, the current implementation status of such plan. (vii) An assessment of different regional challenges in rural, suburban, and urban areas to recruit and retain the necessary capital asset workforce of the Department and steps to be taken by the Department in response to such challenges. (viii) With respect to the report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on December 24, 2019, entitled Facilities Staffing Requirement for VHA-Resource Planning and Methodology for the Future (I) a plan and timeline to implement all recommendations from the report; and (II) if the Secretary decides not to implement a recommendation of the report, a description of why such decision was made. (ix) A description of how the Department will leverage contract support and partnerships with other Federal agencies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to meet the short-, medium-, and long-term human capital needs for infrastructure to ensure that the Department has the experience and workforce needed to match the current and future projected infrastructure workload of the Department. (x) A description of any improvements to training or curriculum of the Department that are needed to enhance the education of the capital asset employees of the Department to ensure they are as proficient as possible in their jobs. (xi) A description of such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers necessary. (xii) Such other matters as the Secretary considers necessary. (C) Staff covered by report Part One shall cover all relevant staff required for the entire lifecycle of facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets of the Department, including the following: (i) Individuals who keep facilities clean, such as janitorial and housekeeping staff and housekeeping aids. (ii) Individuals who maintain facilities, such as through repairs and preventative maintenance. (iii) Groundskeepers. (iv) Planners, engineers, and architects. (v) Project managers. (vi) Individuals with expertise in real estate, acquisition, leasing, and easements. (vii) Energy or utility experts, including experts with respect to energy efficiency and renewable energy. (viii) Individuals who work in— (I) capital asset management; (II) healthcare engineering; (III) environmental management; or (IV) occupational safety and health. (ix) Individuals who conduct contracting, including contracting officers, related to capital assets locally, regionally, or nationally for all various types of construction or infrastructure work, such as minor construction, major construction, non-recurring maintenance, minor leases, and major leases. (x) Individuals knowledgeable in relevant rules and procedures related to property disposal or transfer, environmental remediation, historic preservation, and other similar topics. (xi) Any other position that has a critical role in the planning, contracting, delivery, maintenance, upkeep, and disposal of capital assets. (xii) Any other positions the Secretary determines relevant. (4) Part Two (A) In general Part two of the Report shall cover the methods undertaken by the Department to accomplish changes to improve the planning, execution, and delivery of capital asset projects of the Department, such as maintenance, renovations, land acquisition, or new construction or leasing, including through better planning, project management, cost, and schedule performance (in this subsection referred to as Part Two (B) Elements Part Two shall include the following: (i) A timeline for accomplishing the changes described in subparagraph (A). (ii) A description of the steps the Department is taking or will take to shorten the time it takes from project concept to completion while controlling costs and budget, meeting schedule, and achieving established goals. (iii) A description of what new or modified contracting or other services, arrangements, strategies, contract vehicles or mechanisms, innovations, pilots, and partnerships the Department is planning to use during the five-year period following the date of the Report, including— (I) a timeline of how and when the Department will test and implement those approaches; and (II) a description of any limitations under current law (including regulations) that would prevent or are preventing the Department from using innovative contracting vehicles, services, arrangements, administrative action, or other agreements and strategies and what legislative changes are needed to facilitate use of those approaches, including a description of whether each limitation is a limitation for all Federal agencies or only for the Department. (iv) A description of the costs incurred or added to meet Federal or Department standards, including those for resiliency that are needed and greater or more stringent than private industry standards. (v) A description of the steps the Department has taken or plans to take to improve capital project delivery by standardizing facility design, modularizing facilities components, and taking other steps to accelerate project delivery while maintaining flexibility, agility, and quality, including a timeline for the completion of such steps. (vi) A description of steps the Department is taking to make all of its relevant capital assets energy efficient and climate resilient. (vii) The steps the Secretary will take to ensure the Office of Information and Technology and the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction of the Department, or similar successor offices, are integrated into all relevant aspects of the capital asset planning and implementation process of the Department, including at the earliest stage of every capital asset project in the field so as to improve communication, coordination, and project scope, cost, and schedule. (viii) A description of any other actions the Department is taking or will take to improve its delivery and management of capital assets. (ix) A description of such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers necessary to more effectively manage and deliver needed capital assets of the Department. (x) Such other matters as the Secretary considers necessary. (b) Subsequent reports Not later than three years after the date on which the initial report required by subsection (a) is submitted, and once every three years thereafter for a period of six years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report including— (1) a description of any changes with respect to the matters described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) since the previous report was submitted; (2) an explanation of plans under the previous report compared to actions taken since that report was submitted; and (3) a discussion of the results and performance of the Department since the previous report including in cost savings, faster facility delivery, or reduction in the number of unaddressed priority capital asset improvements. 203. Annual report on completion of disposal and reuse requirements of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Initial report (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include with the budget justification materials that are submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs budget for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act (as submitted with the budget of the President for such fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a report containing a specific timeline to accomplish the actions required of the Secretary included in the disposal and reuse reports included in the annual budget of the Department of Veterans Affairs submitted by the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, or similar future reports. (2) Contents The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of a specific timeline and plan to sell, reuse, dispose of, demolish, or otherwise manage the property that the Secretary has identified in the reports described in such subsection. (B) A list of any impediments or challenges to carrying out any action described in subparagraph (A), including environmental remediation and preservation mitigation and any assistance need for executive or legislative action to address those impediments or challenges. (C) A discussion of whether disposal and reuse actions do not get completed or initiated because they most compete with urgent direct health care or other more time-sensitive infrastructure needs of the Department. (D) A detailed cost estimate of the funding, including funding type, needed to accomplish all of the actions described in paragraph (1), including the number of fiscal years for which such funding is needed. (E) A discussion of whether the Department would benefit from having a distinct and separate account within the budget of the Department dedicated to the management of the disposal of these assets. (F) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Subsequent reports (1) In general For the first fiscal year after the fiscal year referred to in subsection (a)(1) and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall include with the budget justification materials that are submitted to Congress in support of the Department budget for that first fiscal (as submitted with the budget of the President for such fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a report on actions described in such subsection. (2) Contents Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An update to the most recent report under subsection (a) or this subsection, as applicable, with respect to each of subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (2) of such subsection. (B) Information on how many disposal and reuse actions from the previous year's report were accomplished or not accomplished. (C) Information about what may have inhibited the accomplishment of those actions described in subparagraph (B) that were not accomplished. (D) A description of best practices or lessons learned with respect to actions described in subsection (a)(1). 204. Report on improvements to medical staffing for new medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on planned actions to improve the alignment of staffing of new or expanded medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall— (1) describe the current process for how and when in the construction, leasing, and other relevant capital improvement process staff are hired to fill expanded or new medical space of the Department; and (2) assess whether such process requires improvement to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that new medical space and staffing levels for that space are in complete alignment allowing for full medical staffing at the time of opening of that space, including such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate. 205. Report on improvements to alignment of information technology funding and activation of medical and other space of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on any potential improvements to the alignment of funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs for information technology so as to facilitate more effective and efficient activation of medical and other relevant space of the Department. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of any current limitations on funding mechanisms, including the timing and sequencing of information technology and health care resources that are needed to purchase, procure, and install information technology equipment and related information technology assets and services needed for the activation of medical and other relevant space of the Department, whether leased, owned, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Department. (2) Any proposed solutions the Secretary may have to address the limitations described in paragraph (1). (3) Any legislative or administrative action required to achieve the solutions described in paragraph (2). (4) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. 206. Bimonthly report on key capital asset investments, activities, and performance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than the first March 31 occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every other month thereafter until the eleventh March 31 occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on completed and planned key capital asset investments of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Elements (1) In general Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following: (A) A list of the major construction, minor construction, non-recurring maintenance, major and minor lease projects (including lease renewals, extensions, standstill agreements, and interim leases) and construction or infrastructure management support contracts awarded since the last report submitted under subsection (a) (or in the case of the first report submitted under such subsection, in the last 90 days). (B) For each contract award listed pursuant to subparagraph (A), the following: (i) The contract amount. (ii) A description of the project for which the contract was awarded. (iii) The location of the project for which the project was awarded. (iv) An indication of whether the amount of the contract award, including relevant increment awards, was more than 10 percent greater than the estimated cost of the project, or project increment, or 180 days later than the planned schedule for the project or project increment, the reason for such overages and delays, and actions being taken to address the overages and delays. (C) A list of major construction, minor construction, non-recurring maintenance, major and minor lease projects (including lease renewals, extensions, standstill agreements, and interim leases) and construction or infrastructure management support contracts the Secretary plans to initiate or award. (D) For each contract award listed pursuant to subparagraph (C), the following: (i) The general month or quarter of expected award. (ii) Whether the planned action is off- or on-track as it relates to schedule and cost and if off-track, an explanation of why and a description of the corrective actions being taken. (E) Such observations of best practices, impediments, and accomplishments as the Secretary may find that relate to the capital asset management and performance of the Department, including such needs for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to such practices, impediments, and accomplishments. (F) Meaningful metrics that show the progress of the Department toward meeting relevant goals of the Department relating to capital asset management. (G) Steps the Department is taking in individual projects that are behind schedule or otherwise underperforming and steps the Department is taking to improve overall capital asset management. (H) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Metrics Beginning not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the metrics described in subsection (b)(1)(F) shall include the metrics developed under section 102(a). (c) Matters relating to reporting schedules In each report under subsection (a), when reporting on schedule for completion, the Secretary shall distinguish between the date an award was to occur, the date a construction action was to be completed (meaning the space is ready for use), and the date veteran patients or other users, including employees of the Department, are scheduled to begin using the new facility or capital asset. (d) Matters relating to reporting costs In each report under subsection (a), when reporting on costs for capital asset projects of the Department, the Secretary may include information regarding Federal requirements that may drive cost increases to projects that may not exist in the non-Federal construction sector. 207. Reports on projected need for funding for infrastructure and capital assets of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Initial report Not later than May 31, 2023, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report summarizing the projected amount of funding for infrastructure and capital assets that the Department of Veterans Affairs will need for the 10 fiscal years that begin immediately following such date. (b) Subsequent reports The Secretary shall include in the annual budget of the Department submitted by the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter a report described in subsection (a) relating to the 10 fiscal years that begin immediately following the date on which such budget is submitted. (c) Elements Each report required by this section shall include, for each fiscal year covered by the report and for the entire period covered by the report, the following: (1) The funding needs of the Department disaggregated by funding purpose, including the following: (A) Land acquisition. (B) Operations and maintenance of facilities of the existing capital asset portfolio of the Department to include the minimum level of funding below which facilities could not be appropriately maintained. (C) Operations and maintenance of the planned future capital asset portfolio of the Department. (D) New construction, by type, including major construction, minor construction, and nonrecurring maintenance. (E) Major and minor leasing. (F) Activation of space. (G) Disposal, reuse, and remediation. (H) Staffing to support the planning, delivery, management, and maintenance of the Department’s current and future capital asset portfolio. (I) Such other categories as the Secretary deems relevant. (2) The funding needs under paragraph (1) disaggregated by component of the Department and type of capital asset investment. (3) A description of the cost increases which may or have been incurred because of the delay in adequate funding and forward movement on capital asset projects. Such description may include a discussion of the negative effect of the lack of stable and predictable funding on the ability of the Department to plan, staff, and execute effective capital asset management. (4) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate, include matters relating to necessary legislative or administrative action. 208. Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs reports on Department infrastructure projects (a) In general Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and at least twice during the ten-year period beginning on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report examining the management and performance of relevant capital asset projects of the Department that were initiated after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Sample projects The Inspector General shall select meaningful and representative samples of categories of projects for review, such as major construction, minor construction, nonrecurring maintenance, major and minor leases, land acquisition, and disposals. (c) Elements Each report submitted under subsection (a) may include, at the discretion of the Inspector General, the following: (1) A comparison of planned versus actual cost, schedule, and scope metrics. (2) Improvements or lack thereof to project management at the local, regional, or national levels. (3) Observations on key characteristics inhibiting successful delivery of projects or allowing for successful delivery of projects. (4) An identification of areas of waste, fraud, and abuse, if any. (5) Such other matters as the Inspector General considers appropriate. 209. Comptroller General report on capital asset program management and execution by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every three years thereafter until the date that is 12 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report reviewing the progress of the Department of Veterans Affairs toward meeting the goals, metrics, and other plans of the Department under this Act, including under sections 101, 102, and 202. (b) Elements Each report required by subsection (a) may include the following: (1) A review of the performance of the Department related to planning, oversight, management of human capital, contracting, and execution of capital asset projects. (2) A review of how the Department is complying with the requirements of this Act. (3) Such other topics as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. 210. Reports on dental and long-term care physical infrastructure needs of Department of Veterans Affairs Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress— (1) a report, disaggregated by medical center or other relevant health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, on— (A) the physical infrastructure needed (new facilities, renovations, remodels, leases, etc.) to provide dental services to veterans eligible for such services under the laws administered by the Secretary; and (B) additional physical infrastructure needed to respond to the need for additional capacity to provide dental services if eligibility standards are modified to make a greater number of veterans eligible for such services; and (2) a report identifying the physical infrastructure needs of the Department to support current and future anticipated long-term care needs and models of care for veterans, including— (A) infrastructure needed to support the delivery of long-term care for women veterans, veterans with traumatic brain injury, veterans with memory loss, and other population groups with unique needs; and (B) information regarding the plans of the Department to provide such care as it is building capacity but space is not yet available to meet the demand for such care. 211. Report on feasibility and advisability of using a dedicated budget account for maintenance of capital assets of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of having a dedicated budget account from which the Department of Veterans Affairs would draw funds to pay for maintenance, preventative maintenance, and repair of the capital assets of the Department. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The best practices in the Federal Government and private industry relating to planning and budgeting for capital asset maintenance. (2) Relevant formulas and percentages that organizations use to set aside resources in advance to pay for needed and expected maintenance costs based on the size, need, and other requirements of the organization. 212. Report on women veterans retrofit initiative Section 5102 of the Deborah Sampson Act of 2020 (title V of Public Law 116–315 38 U.S.C. 8110 (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c): (c) Annual report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2022 (1) an identification of the funding provided to the Department for retrofitting prioritized under subsection (a) for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted; (2) a list of projects conducted with such funding, including— (A) amounts obligated for each such project; (B) the locations of each such project; (C) a short description of each such project; and (D) the status of each such project; and (3) a list of projects for retrofitting prioritized under subsection (a) that remain unfunded and the estimated funding required for those projects to be completed, on a project by project basis. . 213. Report on physical infrastructure needs of the research and development facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Report required Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the physical infrastructure needs of the research and development facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Recommendations for new facilities, renovations of existing facilities, leasing of facilities and any other such facilities the Department is in need of or currently uses to perform its research and development function. (2) Detailed information on the information technology resources the Department requires in order to make the research and development facilities of the Department functional and high performing in the short, medium, and long term, and those needed to enable employees of the Department to perform their research and development in an effective and efficient manner. (c) Considerations In preparing the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following: (1) The findings of the 2012 final report of the Research Infrastructure Program of the Department. (2) Current and updated data providing the most accurate and holistic presentation of the physical infrastructure needs of the research and development program of the Department, including with respect to information technology. 214. Review and report on provisions of law relating to Department of Veterans Affairs construction and facilities management (a) Review The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall review section 312A of title 38, United States Code, and determine whether the provisions of such section, including the qualifications and responsibilities of the Director of Construction and Facilities Management set forth in subsections (b) an (c) of such section, respectively, are meaningful, relevant, and reflect the current operational needs, organization structure, and all other requirements for the effective and efficient management of construction and facilities management. (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding whether provisions of section 312A of title 38, United States Code, or other provisions of such title relating to construction and facilities management should be revised to align more closely with current and future operational needs of the Department. (c) Contents The report required by subsection (b) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of whether other offices, administrations, or entities of the Department should be directed to take over certain functions currently assigned to Director of Construction and Facilities Management pursuant to statute so as to match operational realties and needs, improve efficiencies, streamline management and lines of authority and responsibility, or other reasons that would be beneficial to the capital asset management and planning and delivery of the Department. (2) An assessment of whether functions of other entities of the Department should be assumed by the Director of Construction and Facilities management to match operational realities and needs, improve efficiencies, streamline management and lines of authority and responsibility, or other reasons that would be beneficial to the capital asset management and planning and delivery of the Department. (3) Identification of whether any new offices, structures, or reporting structures should be created or modified in the Department to improve operational effectiveness for capital asset management. (4) Specific reasons for the changes that are recommend in the report or if no changes are necessary, a justification for not making any changes. (5) Identification of such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary determines necessary to implement the changes necessary to improve capital asset management at the Department.

Summary: Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2022 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2022 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) capital asset management, including by requiring the VA to ensure that each of its medical centers has a dedicated office and sufficient staff to conduct facility planning, long-range capital planning, and other relevant functions relating to VA capital assets.