Comment on AO49-Interim Final Rule-L., J.R.

AO49 - Interim Final Rule - VA Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines Document ID: VA-2012-VACO-0019-0001 Document Type: Rule Docket ID: VA-2012-VACO-0019 RIN: 2900-AO49 Topics: Administrative Practices and Procedures, Privacy, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, Small Businesses, Verification, Veterans This interim final rule contains a minor revision to require re-verification of SDVOSB/VOSB status only every two years rather than annually. The purpose of this change is to reduce the administrative burden on SDVOSB/VOSBs regarding participation in VA acquisitions set asides for these types of firms. I think that making this revision is a very good decision that will accomplish the stated purpose of the change. The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise recently released a simplified reverification process. As posted on the website, “The VA's Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), is proud to announce implementation of its new Verification Case Management System (VCMS). VCMS serves as CVE’s verification information management system and a document repository for Veteran business applicant’s business documents. It will streamline the eligibility and verification process, simplify the business owner’s ability to track their company’s progress, improve case management, and minimize evaluation processing time.” Streamlining this system benefits the business owner and the government – it will significantly increase the efficiency of the reverification process. The Verification Assessment Tool is also a good method to self-check for eligibility before beginning the official application process. Changing the reverification requirement from one to two years will make the requirement less onerous for the veteran and decrease the administration burden on the agency.