VA Adopts Final Rule for Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines

In the July 12, 2017, edition of the Federal Register, VA published its Final Rule implementing its revisions regarding the length of the eligibility period for inclusion in the VA Vendor Information Pages Database (VIP) (www.vip.vetbiz.gov).  This Final Rule implements an Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2017, extending the length of eligibility from two years to three years.  VA invited public comments on or before April 24, 2017.

VA’s Final Rule notice discusses comments received in response to its request for public comment, including comments requesting clarification as to whether currently verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs would be automatically extended.  VA indicates all verified firms in the VIP Database automatically had their eligibility term extended by one year.

The Final Rule notice also reiterates information contained in the February 21, 2017, where VA sets forth its rationale for extending the eligibility period for re-verification from two to three years.  VA expresses high confidence in the robust examination process conducted by its Center for Verification and Eligibility, citing Fiscal Year 2016 data to support this conclusion.  Moreover, the change reduces the administrative burden on SDVOSBs/VOSBs participating in the Veterans First Contracting Program at VA.