Boot Camp for VA Schedules Contracting

VA (Veterans Affairs) Schedules hold a prominent position in a significant growth area of the federal market – health care products/equipment, pharmaceuticals, and services. The VA’s National Acquisition Center (VANAC) manages nine (9) separate FSS Schedules dedicated to this growing market segment. And while the VA manages these schedules under authority derived from the General Services Administration (GSA), those seeking to transfer their negotiation and management skills under GSA Schedules into this market are in for some surprises when they enter the unique world of VA Schedules.

Attend this course to learn about the following:

• The solicitation, negotiation and award process followed by the VANAC in awarding VA Schedules,
• Best practices for negotiating and managing ”tracking customers” under these Schedules,
• The significant role the VA’s Office of Inspector General plays in auditing Commercial Sales Practice disclosures and establishing the pricing of VA Schedules,
• The VA’s distinct requirements for accomplishing renewals after 5 years and establishing new contracts after 10 years,
• The role of and process for establishing DAPAs and Prime Vendor relationships in the health care product and pharmaceutical market,
• VA and DLA electronic commerce programs and requirements,
• VA unique contracting requirements related to contracting with Veterans, patient safety, business associates and HIPAA
• The thorny compliance issues associated with the Service Contract Act under contracts for health care services, and
• Many more insightful topics from the experts

Topics:

• Overview of the VA Schedule programs
• The proposal process
• The Schedule negotiation process
• Tracking customers issues
• Mastering the five year renewal and 10 year new contract requirements ordering processes
• Maintaining the Schedule contract
• Monetary reporting and payment requirements
• Myriad uses of Schedules, BPAs, teaming arrangements, and more
• Government audits and investigations
• Pending Changes
• e-Commerce Requirements Business associate agreements
• HIPAA, Business Associate Agreements
• Strategic uses of schedules, DAPAs and Prime Vendor agreements

Learn How To:

• Submit proposals that will be accepted by GSA or the VA the first time
• Navigate the latest developments in GSA Schedules
• Understand the ordering process from A to Z
• Use Schedules innovatively, including establishing BPAs, teaming arrangements, and participating dealer arrangements
• Maximize your negotiation position on pricing, software licenses and other terms
• Avoid compliance pitfalls

What’s Included:

• Breakfast (Breakfast and registration open at 8:00am)
• Light refreshments
• Course materials