Selling to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – A Federal Channel for Rollators

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare and mobility equipment to millions of American veterans. As a federal healthcare giant, the VA operates its own procurement network—separate from Medicare—requiring rollator manufacturers like RELAXSMITH ROLLATOR to meet specific contracting, registration, and delivery standards.

1. VA System Overview

• Largest Integrated Health System: The VA runs 1,200+ care sites and serves 9 million+ enrolled veterans.
• VA Hospitals + Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs): Rollators are distributed via centralized contracts to these sites.
• Formulary & Eligibility: Physicians prescribe devices through VA-approved Durable Medical Equipment (DME) catalogues.

2. Federal Procurement Process

• SAM Registration: RELAXSMITH ROLLATOR must register at SAM.gov to be eligible for federal contracts.
• GSA Schedule: Optional but preferred—allows pre-negotiated pricing and visibility to VA buyers.
• NAICS Code: Use 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) when applying for government opportunities.

3. Distribution Models

• Prime Contractors: Many VA purchases go through vendors holding existing contracts (e.g., Medline, McKesson).
• Direct Awards: Some facilities can place small business direct buys if under $250,000 threshold.
• RELAXSMITH ROLLATOR Strategy: Partners with SDVOSB-certified firms for JV bids and targets VISN-level blanket agreements.

4. Technical and Quality Requirements

• Technical File: Include specs, user instructions, and quality certifications in bid packages.
• Durability: Products must pass VA-referenced ANSI/RESNA tests to ensure long-term patient use.
• RELAXSMITH ROLLATOR Design: Engineered with padded seating, folding frame, and UDI labeling to meet VA DME specs.

5. Post-Award Performance

• Electronic Invoicing: Must bill via the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).
• Logistics: Timely delivery to regional VA medical centers (VAMCs) and detailed shipment tracking required.
• Complaint Protocol: All issues are logged in the VA’s Supplier Risk Assessment System (SRAS).