VA and DOD partner to modernize department’s health care supply chain

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) entered into a strategic partnership Aug. 12 to enhance VA’s supply chain management modernization efforts.

This first step gives VA networks across the country increased access to DLA’s broader supply catalog; improving productivity and efficiency.

The agreement provides VA access to DLA’s worldwide procurement system to acquire medical and surgical items; cleaning supplies and equipment; construction materials and equipment; and other items needed to support Veterans.

“The adoption of a single health care logistics system by VA and DOD highlights the commitment of both organizations to improve military and Veteran health care by increasing the access and quality of care they receive,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.  “This is a huge step forward in our efforts to transform VA into a modern, high-performing organization by simplifying operations and leveraging DOD’s supply chain system to support our Veterans.

The agreement combines resources from VA and DOD to create a centralized ordering system for VA, reducing risk, waste, fraud and abuse in purchasing medical equipment and supplies.

“On behalf of DOD, we are proud to be a value-add to VA on behalf of America’s Veterans,” said Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams.” Leveraging economies of scale, like the ones outlined in this agreement, help us reduce costs for the military services and other government partners like VA.”

In March, VA’s Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center became the pilot site for DLA’s Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support commodity ordering system.

For more information visit, https://www.dla.mil.