What is His Motive?
VA Chief of Acquisition Spills Guts Regarding
“Veteran’s First” Sham
In this episode of the Twilight Zone, we have a very special guest on the set who you’ll meet further down the column. In an astounding display of bureaucratic stupidity or marvelous cunning, Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Acquisition and Logistics phoned Wayne Gatewood, a fierce advocate for veterans—with a weight on his chest than needed to be re-leased. Wayne, take it away:
“Yesterday I had a conversation with Mr. Jan Frye, VA’s Chief of Acquisitions. Mr. Frye talked with me about the workings of the VA FSS Program and what he believes to be the importance of the FSS in relation to procurement methodology and the importance of the VA Supply Fund to OAL Operations. At the following Link, please read about the VA FSS Schedule: http://www.fss.va.gov At the following Link, please read about the VA Supply Fund: http://www.va.gov/oal/about/finance.asp.
Mr. Frye also let me know that Secretary Shinseki stands by the VA FSS Schedule as the go-to procurement methodology and it was Secretary Shinseki’s personal decision to not go Vets First! (I am attempting to get a past Press Release from VA PA Office that is supposed to contain the Secretary’s words relative to this matter). Please read the below two paragraphs from the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL) webpage – “About Us.”
“The complex functions required to support the diverse programs of VA are reflected in the mission and organization of OAL. In addition to its primary role of supporting VA’s pro-grams, OAL has a Government-wide role in the supply management of medical supplies and non-perishable subsistence.”
“All OAL operations are funded through the self-sustaining VA Supply Fund which is managed by OAL. The operating costs are recovered through a variety of cost recovery mechanisms that are designed to pass the costs of services provided along to the beneficiaries of such service.”
The VA’s Supply Fund offsets the operating costs of OAL, such as the VA Acquisitions Academy, Denver Acquisitions and Logistics Center, National Contract Service, National Acquisition Center, and the staff that operates these activities. The fund also pays for bonus’ and other items. How does it work? VA gets .05 % of every dollar of every FSS Schedule contract that is let. Given the VA purchases billions of dollars in products, supplies, medicine, services, etc., per year, with much of that through FSS, the FSS program brings in millions of dollars to the Supply Fund. In addition to the money that comes back to the Supply Fund to support OAL, Mr. Frye also told me that VA believes that FSS provides the best cost and the most reliable and timely source of services and supplies to support our millions of Veterans. (But, since there are no cost comparisons with SDVOSBs for certain products and supplies I ask, ―how can that claim be supported”?)*
A GAO Report on the Supply Fund along with an “anonymously prepared Analysis of the VA FSS and the Supply Fund”, are also attached. I have looked over the Analysis but can-not confirm its validity or support its claims. Nonetheless, it appears to be very thorough.
So there you have it folks….FSS Priority…so says Secretary Shinseki! If you want to comment on this matter, send me an e-mail and I will place it in the News for Mr. Frye and staff to read. For me personally, nothing changes until the Law changes and until that happens, it re-mains Vets First as required by PL 109-461. Also, for any and all purchases under the small purchase threshold (to include the “griddle” Aldevra was trying to sell to VA when VA went FSS), by Law, has to be purchased from a small business! So says the Law, so says SBA….. Small purchases are for small business only and not VA FSS to large business.
—————————————-
VetLikeMe is developed by BluePoint Productions,
Hardy Stone Publisher
301-845-1330
—————————————
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
Florida Veterans Job Fair
(Bring your resume and dress for SUCCESS!)
Friday, February 24, 2012
12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M.
J. C. Cobb Room at Bay Pines Medical Center
10000 Bay Pines Blvd.
JOB FAIR TARGETS EMPLOYMENT FOR VETERANS
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and Abilities of Florida, part of the ServiceSource Network are hosting a Job Fair on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M. at The J. C. Cobb Room at Bay Pines Medical Center, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.
The Job Fair will have special emphasis on employment opportunities for Veterans and Veterans with disabilities. Similar job fairs have been conducted in the past and have been instrumental in making employment connections for scores of Veterans. A job Fair hosted at Bay Pines in February 2011 drew more than 425 Veterans and nearly two dozen employers with openings. “Our emphasis is to find jobs for disabled Veterans,” said Muriel Boysen of the Veterans Employment Outreach Program. “We will certainly assist all disabled Veterans and are specifically targeting Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Laverne Feaster, Employment Re-entry Service at Bay Pines VA said, “Veterans want jobs and need jobs to assist in their recovery and re-integration to civilian life. Any employer who can hire one of America’s Heroes is helping that Veteran with more than just a paycheck, they are helping that Veteran get back on track.”
Employers with job openings are actively being solicited. For more information contact Muriel Boysen (727) 538-7370, extension 336 or Laverne Feaster (727) 398-6661 extension 7593.
—————————————
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
The National Veterans Small Business Conference, the government’s premier event for Veteran-owned small businesses, is coming to Detroit’s Cobo Center June 25-29, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today.
VA also announced that a “VA for Vets” Hiring Fair will be held during the conference for Veterans looking for careers in the public and private sectors. The conference is expected to attract thousands of Veterans, business owners and federal employees, and bring an estimated $3 million in direct spending to the city.
“VA is committed to bringing more Veteran-owned businesses into the public-private partnership,” said VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich. “In addition to the National Veterans Small Business Conference, our Detroit Hiring Fair will provide Veterans with on-the-spot job opportunities and interviews, while also offering career search classes and one-on-one counseling.”
The Detroit Hiring Fair builds upon VA’s success Jan. 18 in Washington at which a partnership of federal agencies and private industry attracted over 4,100 Veterans and resulted in over 2,600 on-the-spot interviews and more than 500 tentative job offers.
“These events are part of Secretary Shinseki’s ongoing efforts to help Veterans find employment in both the public and private sectors,” said Gingrich. “As the President said in yesterday’s State of the Union address, Veterans are crucial to our economy, and we need to find them jobs.”
This year’s conference will include an open house that gives Veterans the chance to learn the wide range of resources available to help them with their own businesses. Also available will be the VetGovPartner online platform, which enables networking, viewing the business profiles of all participants, and identifying business opportunities with more than 400 government procurement decision makers in attendance.
Known historically as the world’s capital for the transportation industry, the Detroit metro area is reinventing itself with six booming industries: medical research, defense, entertainment, green tech, urban farming, and aeronautics. About 330,000 Veterans are served by the city’s VA medical center, and more than 704,000 Veterans live in Michigan.
VA invites all interested persons and businesses to attend. More information is available at www.nationalveteransconference.com. Registration for the conference begins Friday, January 27.
—————————————
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
Solicitation Number: VA24312I0592
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Office: Bronx VAMC (NAL)
Location: Department of Veterans Affairs
****Request for information only****
Email Contact: Christopher Ward
VA NY/NJ Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN3) is seeking potential small business sources for Architect/Engineer (AE) firms certified in the following categories: Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), 8(a), HUBZone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB.) or Small Business (SB). This Source Sought / Request for information (RFI) is posted for market research purposes ONLY. It is not a solicitation. Not a request for an SF-330.
The intent of this RFI is to help determine the procurement strategy in soliciting sources for three subsequent AE multiple award IDIQ schedules for VISN3 in the following A/E design areas:
1. COMPREHENSIVE
a. This area is seeking professional architectural and/or engineering services for the design of various projects that require a comprehensive range of services. They may include architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, pluming, fire protection, landscape architecture, interior design, automatic transport systems, as well as lead and asbestos abatement. The scope of work may include, but is not limited to, the preparation of design, working drawings, planning, programming studies, investigations, site selections, specifications, cost estimates, miscellaneous reports, review of shop drawings, samples, equipment, data and other related documents. On certain projects the Architect/Engineer (A/E) may be requested to provide most or all of the professional services necessary. Additionally, contracts awarded on this schedule obligate the A/E to provide all supplemental and/or advisory input as required for projects being designed within VISN 3.
2. ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL (MEP)
a. This areas is seeking professional architectural and/or engineering services necessary for the design of various projects that require primarily (MEP) electrical and mechanical services. They may include, but are not limited to, the preparation of design, working drawings, planning, programming studies, investigations, site selections, specifications, cost estimates, miscellaneous reports, review of shop drawings, samples, equipment, data and other related documents. On certain projects the A/E may be requested to provide most or all of the professional services necessary. Additionally, contracts awarded on this schedule obligate the A/E to provide all supplemental and/or advisory input as required for projects being designed within VISN
3. STRUCTURAL
a. This area is seeking professional architectural and/or engineering services necessary for the design of various projects that require structural services. They may include, but are not limited to, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, landscape architecture, interior design, automatic transport systems, as well as lead and asbestos abatement. The scope of work may include, but is not limited to, the preparation of design, working drawings, planning, programming studies, investigations, site selections, specifications, cost estimates, miscellaneous reports, review of shop drawings, samples, equipment, data and other related documents. On certain projects the Architect/Engineer (A/E) may be requested to provide most or all of the professional services necessary. Additionally, contracts awarded on this schedule will obligate the Architect/Engineer to provide all supplemental and/or advisory input as required for projects being designed within VISN 3.
The geographic area of consideration is restricted to firms with an office located within a 250-mile radius of the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, New York 10468.
VISN3 anticipates the estimated maximum cumulative A/E fees (for a base year + 4 option years) under any resultant contracts shall not exceed: $10.0 million for M/E and Structural and $8.3 million for Comprehensive. For individual task orders, the minimum is anticipated to be $500 and the maximum will $1,000,000.
The applicable NAICS Code is 541310 Architect Services, with a size standard of $4.5 Million.
If your firm meets the criteria for any or all of the A/E Design area’s (Comprehensive, MEP, Structural) please send an email to Christopher Ward by 3:00 pm EST on January 12, 2011, with the subject line “AE- IDIQ” – and your firm’s name.
Emails should include the following:
1. Contact info (name, name of firm, address, phone, email)
2. DUNS number
3. Proof of valid ORCA and CCR registration.
a. (note: CCR listing should include NAICS Code 541310)
4. Proof of SDVOSB/VOSB certification (if applicable)
5. State each of the areas above (Comprehensive, MEP, Structural) you meet the requirements for and can be expected to respond to a subsequent request for more information (SF-330) and solicitation for.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR AN SF-330. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.
Response date (Deadline):
For planning and scheduling purposes, to insure being included in our market research for this upcoming procurment, responses must be received no later than close of business on Thursday, January 12, 2012 EST. Time permitting, responses received after that date may be included in our research but cannot be guaranteed.
Contracting Office Address:
VISN 3 Network Contracting Activity
James J. Peters VA Medical Center
MCC: 10N3/NCO,
130 West Kingsbridge Road
Bronx, New York 10468-3992
Place of Performance:
The Veterans Health Administration of NY & NJ (VISN 3):
Bronx, NY 10468
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Castle Point, NY 12511
East Orange, NJ 07018
Lyons, NJ 07939
Montrose, NY 10548
New York, NY 10010
Northport, NY 11768
St. Albans , NY 11425
Point of Contact(s):
CHRISTOPHER WARD, CONTRACTING OFFICER
Special Projects Coordinator
VISN 3 Network Contracting Office
E-mail: Christopher Ward
Disclaimer
This “Sources Sought” Request For Information (RFI) notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.
All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
Date: January 18, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Washington, D.C. Convention Center
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and your fellow Veterans on Wednesday, January 18, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Veteran Career Fair and Expo, a free event brought to you by VA for Vets.
The Veteran Career Fair and Expo is an exciting event designed to provide career and education opportunities for Veterans in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As a Veteran, you will be able to register for the benefits and services you have earned through your military service.
Prepare for a Civilian Career
VA and other federal agencies are looking to hire qualified Veterans. Hiring managers from VA and other federal agencies will be on-site to interview and hire Veterans for a variety of positions. Career Coaches will be available to help you:
Translate your military experience into marketable skills
Build a resume in the federal job application format
Find career opportunities in the federal government that are a fit for you
Closer to the event, information about special non-competitive hiring authority positions will be posted on this website. You will then have the opportunity to submit your resume, DD214 and eligibility letter to qualify for an onsite interview.
Enroll in Veteran Benefits and Services
Join your fellow Veterans in exploring booths and attending learning sessions that will inform you about benefits, career advancement, and health and wellness services.
Gain access to programs like eBenefits or the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Receive medical and dental checks
Meet with representatives from programs for Women Veterans, Survivors and Minority Veterans
Learn how to chart a rewarding career path
—————————————
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
On December 13, U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke, Edolphus Towns, Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Michael Grimm, Bob Turner, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Velázquez and Peter King, hosted a forum providing veteran-owned small businesses the resources they need to bolster their enterprises. Special guests include the American Legion and the United Veterans War Council, Inc. Panelists represented at the forum included the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Small Business Association (SBA); Department of Defense; The U.S. Department of Treasury; The American Legion; NYS Small Business Development Center; Academia; and the financial sector.
Rep. Clarke spoke to the important role veteran-owned small business play in turning our economy around stating, “As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I understand that small businesses are the economic engines of our country. It is time that we protect and bolster our veteran –owned small businesses,” she continued, “Unfortunately, our veterans are coming home to a job crisis. For this reason, it was an honor to host this forum with my colleagues, for veterans who want to start or grow a small business in New York City with the intent to hire veterans and create jobs through entrepreneurship, ushering the United States into a new age of prosperity.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of unemployed veterans was 7.4% in November 2011, far above the national average, and as more soldiers return from duty, these percentages could very well increase as veterans struggle to find employment in a languid job market. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 8.2% of working veterans are self-employed in 2010; a statistic reinforcing the absolute necessity of supporting veteran-owned small businesses as a mechanism for job growth.
Members of the New York City delegation expressed their committement to ensuring that our veteran-owned small businesses have the resources they need to prosper in New York City, as well as across the nation.
“Honoring our veterans requires more than just lip service – it means providing economic opportunities. By helping veterans become entrepreneurs, we empower them to support themselves and their families,” stated Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee.
“Our veterans risk everything to fight for our nation’s security and it is incumbent upon both the government and our communities to ensure that they are successful when they return to civilian life,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY). “By helping veterans grow small businesses, we not only help the American economy but also get the opportunity to thank those who have fought and sacrificed for their country.”
“Military service is the highest expression of patriotism,” stated U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY). “As with all Americans, I am thankful for the commitment and daily sacrifices our military makes to protect our country and defend our democracy.  As members of Congress, we have a duty to address the needs of our men and women in uniform. In part because of their training and experience in the military, in part because of their energy, ideas, and enthusiasm – and with a little help from the rest of us — veterans can be very successful small business owners and entrepreneurs. Today’s event will help equip them with many of the essential tools necessary to start or expand a business.”
“Our military members and veterans are truly the best of America. As we emerge from the Great Recession, all too many veterans are having a difficult time finding jobs or expanding their businesses – despite the skills and high degree of professionalism that former members of our military bring to the workplace. I thank my colleague and good friend Congresswoman Clarke for organizing today’s forum and for her leadership in helping today’s veterans become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).
“It is unconscionable that veterans, who were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, are not afforded the very best in economic opportunities the greatest country in the world has to offer. America must provide access to entrepreneurship for those veterans who are willing to seek it. We have the resources. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure every veteran’s dream to become a small business owner, a reality,” stated Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-NY).
Congresswoman Clarke was fervent in expressing her desire to support veterans stating, “… let us continue to honor the soldiers who risked their lives for us. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must not leave any veterans behind when they come home. Know that I and my colleagues hosting today, will continue to honor our veterans by supporting legislation that provides them with the benefits they deserve.”
We recently added a new Veterans Administration Medical Center links page to the Veteran Owned Business Resource section. Here you will find links to each VAMC around the United States (including Puerto Rico). We’ve also added a link to many VAMC Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and more!
We recently completed our list of links to national VA websites around the United States (as well as for U.S. Territories). State VA Office Links include: VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Veterans Benefits Administration Offices, Vet Centers, VA Regional Offices, National Cemetery Administration Offices and more!
Click below to view the entire list or the list by state:
At the President’s direction, the SBA led the first-ever Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development, which included representation from seven federal agencies and four leading veterans organizations. The Task Force is focused on increasing the number of veteran-owned businesses and the number of Americans – including other veterans – those businesses employ. Through public meetings, the Task Force gathered input and ideas which ranged widely in scope, strategy, and feasibility.
The result of their work was compiled in a report, “Empowering Veterans Through Entrepreneurship.”
To read the report, click the image above (PDF).
———————————–
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
Collaboration with Milicruit Increases Job Opportunities for Veterans
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a partnership with Milicruit.com to sponsor a nationwide, virtual online job fair on Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.
“As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
To date, more than 60 military-friendly national employers from both the private and federal sectors and more than 36,000 Veterans have registered to participate in the all day online event.
Veterans can pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for this event. On the day of the event, Veterans can log in and visit employer booths, view job openings, apply for jobs, watch employer videos and presentations, chat live with recruiters, and complete on-the-spot video interviews.
They can also interact with VetSuccess counselors to learn more about VA benefits, as well as additional resources and tools for transitioning Servicemembers and family members regarding training, employment, and independent living.
VA’s VetSuccess.gov website offers services by providing access to a job board of more than 8 million job openings, as well as tools for Veterans to build or upload resumes and for employers to search for Veterans who match their recruiting needs.
“Using technology allows us to connect excellent Veteran job seekers with businesses in need of the leadership, discipline, skills, and training that Veterans bring to the workplace,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.
The job fair not only connects employers with Veterans who are a match for their staffing needs, but also allows Veterans to visit the VA’s virtual help desk to obtain information about VA benefits.
Benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess program, which provides job training and placement skills for transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans.
For more information on the job fair go to http://www.va.gov and click on VA’s Facebook site or go to http://www.vetsuccess.gov.
Veterans filing claims may file online through eBenefits, a joint project between the Department of Defense and VA, at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a Premium account, and use a growing number of online services.
This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.  Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.
If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.
The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.
In this episode of the Twilight Zone, we have a very special guest on the set who you’ll meet further down the column. In an astounding display of bureaucratic stupidity or marvelous cunning, Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Acquisition and Logistics phoned Wayne Gatewood, a fierce advocate for veterans—with a weight on his chest than needed to be re-leased. Wayne, take it away:
JOB FAIR TARGETS EMPLOYMENT FOR VETERANS
On December 13, U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke, Edolphus Towns, Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Michael Grimm, Bob Turner, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Velázquez and Peter King, hosted a forum providing veteran-owned small businesses the resources they need to bolster their enterprises. Special guests include the American Legion and the United Veterans War Council, Inc. Panelists represented at the forum included the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Small Business Association (SBA); Department of Defense; The U.S. Department of Treasury; The American Legion; NYS Small Business Development Center; Academia; and the financial sector.
