The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved legislation aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) acquisition processes. The bill, known as the Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment (ARCA) Act, was introduced by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Co-sponsors include Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
The ARCA Act seeks to create a centralized Office of Acquisition within the VA. This office will define major acquisition programs, streamline oversight and contracting, enhance accountability through independent evaluations and reporting, and improve training for VA personnel. These changes are intended to address existing shortcomings in the VA’s acquisition process.
Senator Moran stated, “VA should be high-performing, accountable and continually working to improve the services and benefits that our nation’s veterans have earned through their service. This legislation builds a modern and accountable procurement framework that makes certain VA can efficiently acquire the tools, technology and services veterans rely on without waste or delays, and I look forward to its passage in the House and to it being signed into law.”
Senator Blumenthal added, “We need to improve the systems that help prevent fraud, waste, and abuse for veterans. This bill will provide much needed oversight, structure, and guardrails for the restructuring of multiple acquisition offices at VA— benefiting veterans by delivering a more efficient VA in the process.”
Senator Banks commented on past inefficiencies: “Veterans deserve a VA that works efficiently. VA procurement has been too slow, wasteful, and bureaucratic for too long. This legislation modernizes inefficient processes to deliver the timely care and services our nation’s heroes deserve.”
Senator King emphasized bipartisan support: “For generations, veterans across Maine and our nation have courageously answered the call of duty when serving, and we owe it to them to provide the very best support after they hang up their uniform. That begins with a high-performing Department of Veterans’ Affairs with strong staffing. The passage of the bipartisan Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment (ARCA) Act is a common-sense step forward that will ensure the VA is equipped to deliver top-notch care for our veterans in the 21st century. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for proving once again that caring for our veterans is not a partisan issue.”
Senator Warner highlighted improvements for both veterans and clinicians: “Our veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our country, deserve quick access to high-quality care, and a VA that works for them. I’m proud to have worked with Chairman Moran and bipartisan colleagues to pass this legislation that reforms and modernizes the way the VA manages acquisitions and its contracting processes, strengthens accountability, and improves the experience of veterans and their clinicians.”
Senator Rounds noted efficiency gains: “Our nation’s veterans deserve a VA that delivers results, not red tape. By simplifying the purchase of necessary supplies, we expedite the delivery of services to our veterans. I’m pleased that our effort to eliminate this red tape and speed up service for veterans has passed the Senate.”
The Government Accountability Office has listed deficiencies in VA acquisitions as "high risk" since 2018 while reports from its Office of Inspector General have called attention to ongoing issues needing reform.
James McCormick from Vietnam Veterans of America said: “Vietnam Veterans of America supports the Acquisition Reform Cost Assessment Act. Veterans need systems and facilities delivered on time and on budget... ARCA complements [previous work] by sharpening cost review and transparency on major programs.” Roger Waldron from Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement praised consolidation efforts under ARCA: "Consolidation of procurement operations will standardize practices... The result will be a VA acquisition management framework that delivers essential goods ... more efficiently." James Carroll from Professional Services Council stated: "The ARCA Act addresses long-standing structural challenges at VA... Collaboration across the aisle was essential..."
The bill now moves forward for consideration by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Support letters from organizations such as Vietnam Veterans of America highlight broad backing among veteran groups.
