VetLikeMe News Alert

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.

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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.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of over 8,000 members.

The following approved sub-categories have been suggested by one or more of our Veteran Owned Business Directory members.

1. Funeral Transportation Services (in the main Transportation Category)
2. Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
3. Motorcycle Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
4. Coffins and Caskets (under Burial Equipment and Supplies in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)
5. Coffins and Caskets (under Cases, Crates and Packaging in the main Manufacturing Category)
6. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Services (under Mental Health Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (under Health Care Services for Veteran under Veterans Services in the main Nonprofit Category)
8. Veterans Service Offices (in the main Nonprofit Category)
9. Insurance Adjustment Services (in the main Insurance Services Category)
10. Consignment Stores (in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)

A special “Thank You” to our members and visitors who suggested one or more of the aforementioned new sub-categories!

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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.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new sub-categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of over 8,000 members.

On November 9, 2011, the American Legion’s Post 1, its Small Business Taskforce and a group of corporate partners are coming together to launch a national Jobs Growth Initiative for veterans’ small businesses. This initiative is particularly noteworthy because it’s a public-private partnership focused on stimulating job growth in the veteran-owned small business community.

The event will bring together veteran-owned public sector contractors, both large and small, that are interested in leveraging the advantages of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. This Act, which the President signed on September 27, 2010, was the most significant piece of small business legislation in more than a decade. The new law provides critical resources to small businesses – the engines of economic recovery and job creation.

Walter Cotton, a Legion Taskforce member who leads this effort, said “To produce sustainable veteran job growth, we must assist veteran-owned businesses in the pursuit of contracting opportunities as well as equip them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive environment.”  This is the central mission of the Jobs Growth Initiative.

The Small Business Task Force of the American Legion is also looking to spur innovation within the broader small business community. The task force believes the best practices that have worked for the veteran-owned business community will also work for all small businesses.

As well as unveiling the partnership’s strategy for jobs growth, this event will include a mentor-protégé match making session for large and small business contractors. It will also honor Senator Olympia Snowe for her work on the Senate’s Small Business Committee, and celebrate the many years of service of Mr. Billy Jenkins, SBA’s Retiring Veterans Procurement Liaison.

The Jobs Growth Initiative led by the American Legion is yet another great example of organizations around the country stepping up to support those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. As the President said at a recent American Legion convention, it is imperative for this country to take care of its veterans “as well as you’ve taken care of us.” The President is deeply committed to supporting veteran job growth and the American Legion’s Jobs Growth Initiative is a great example of the extraordinary capacity of the nation to lend a hand to those who have served us so well.

Matt Flavin is the Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy.

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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.

Does Your Company Have Job Openings?

Hire A Veteran: Paving The Way To Welcome Our Troops Home

WHY HIRE A VETERAN? A large number of our troops are returning home and need employment. Participate in the Hire a Veteran job fair and give back to our troops.
WHEN? November 9th from 11:00AM- 3:00PM
WHERE? Merri-Makers Caterers at The PNC Reception Center in Holmdel, Exit 116 off the Garden State Parkway.
REGISTRATION? Table registration fee is $200, for a 6ft table with two chairs.

Questions?
Call Scott at 973-538-1250 x 1355
Or email hireaveteran@greatermedianj.com

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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.

Aquila Theatre is a twenty year-old company that has established a reputation as the leading classical touring theatre group in the USA earning prestigious support from the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. Aquila is professional company in residence at New York University’s Center for Ancient Studies and based in NYC. www.aquilatheatre.com.

Actors are paid a stipend for each reading.

To apply please send a short note describing your interest, the details of your service and a picture to:
Kimberly Pau Donato, Artistic and Producing Associate
Aquila Theatre
4 Washington Square North #452
New York, NY 10003
(212) 992-9642
(212) 995-4352 fax
kimberly@aquilatheatre.com
www.aquilatheatre.com
www.ancientgreeksmodernlives.org

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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.

San Diego Department of Environmental Health has teamed up with Veteran Owned Business to bring a huge savings to San Diego County Veteran Owned Businesses!

Small Businesses: Save Money & Recycle Your Fluorescent Lights Free of Charge!!!  If you own a small business, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health wants to save you money by helping you recycle your fluorescent lights free of charge! To qualify for this opportunity, businesses must be located in San Diego County.

California State law requires everyone must recycle florescent lights, which can cost small businesses hundreds of dollars a year. Thanks to an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant from The US Department of Energy, The San Diego County of Environmental Health is currently able to offer a limited time opportunity to properly recycle lamps at no cost.

To participate, simply fax or mail your request form (available at: www.sdhhw.org under “universal waste”). Once your request is processed, you will receive a pre-postage paid kits that can be filled and shipped directly to a recycler for proper management.

Businesses can acquire a maximum of four (4) kits that will accommodate up to 200 bulbs (depending on size and type) while supplies last. This program is anticipated to run through June 2012.

Remember: Disposal of Fluorescent lamps (tubes and bulbs) to the trash is prohibited in California

Fluorescent lamps must be managed as Universal Waste and properly recycled according to Section 66273.33 of Title 22, California Code of Regulations. Fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of toxic metal mercury so do your part and recycle!

For more information and/or to request forms, please contact:
Yazmin Amado Vu
(858) 694-2232
yazmin.amadovu@sdcounty.ca.gov

Protect Your Health & Our Environment! Recycle!

Click here to view: the San Diego Recycling Program Brochure

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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 following approved sub-categories have been suggested by one or more of our Veteran Owned Business Directory members:

1. On-Site Document Destruction (under Document Destruction and Shredding in the Security and Safety Category)
2. Off-Site Document Destruction (under Document Destruction and Shredding in the Security and Safety Category)
3. High Volume Shredding (under Document Destruction and Shredding in the Security and Safety Category)
4. Microfilm Destruction (under Document Destruction and Shredding in the Security and Safety Category)
5. Drum Set Manufacturers (under Musical Instrument Manufacturing in the Manufacturing Category)
6. Guitar Manufacturers (under Musical Instrument Manufacturing in the Manufacturing Category)
7. Musical Instrument Manufacturing (under the Manufacturing Category)
8. Musical Instruments (under Movies and Music in the Stores, Dealers, and Products Category)

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.

Wings for Warriors Details: “Welcome to Wings for Warriors. We are a volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in support of combat wounded military service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our mission is to provide necessary tools, insights and resources for wounded veterans as they go through the recovery process and transition into new realities. Among the services and activities we support include:

* Guidance and counseling in dealing with military and government entities to secure healthcare, financial and legal benefits.

* Financial assistance for immediate family members traveling to visit wounded loved ones located at military and hospital facilities around the nation.

* Public awareness events and programs to highlight the unique challenges our wounded warriors face and to ensure that they receive strong community support.

“These wounded warriors fought for us, it’s time we fight for them.”

Contact Wings for Warriors today at: (480) 779-9464. Please be sure to mention you proudly found them on Veteran Owned Business!

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory.