VOSBs to benefit from VA's IT overhaul

VA's massive IT overhaul, which has been in the works since last year, will award nearly $1 billion in contracts annually to veteran-owned small businesses during the next five years, according to VA.

The department's $12 billion IT contract should give veteran-owned companies a chance to compete with larger firms for business. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has said that seven of the 15 prime contracts will be given to veteran-owned businesses, while service-disabled veteran-owned businesses will receive four of them.

The IT overhaul is part of VA's Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology program, or T4. The initiative will provide a variety of hardware and IT services, including program management and strategy planning, systems and software engineering, enterprise networks, cybersecurity, operations and maintenance, and IT facilities.

The commitment to provide contracts and potential business opportunities to veteran-owned businesses is part of VA's goal to employ and provide work to as many former military personnel as possible.