Faster VA Medical Facility Leasing: New Authority and Infrastructure Fund.
This law grants the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) independent authority to quickly lease major medical facilities, aiming to accelerate the construction and opening of new hospitals and clinics for veterans. It establishes a dedicated leasing fund and imposes strict deadlines and cost controls to ensure efficient use of taxpayer money and faster access to modern healthcare. The goal is to cut bureaucratic delays in property acquisition.
Key points
The VA Secretary gains independent power to lease major medical facilities without GSA approval, speeding up the acquisition process (subject to Congressional approval).
A new Veterans Leasing Fund is created to finance these projects, covering rent, operating costs, and pre-award expenses.
The VA must aim to award leases within one year of solicitation and faces financial penalties if delays occur, promoting efficiency.
New requirements mandate detailed, market-based cost estimates and standardized life-cycle cost analysis for all major facility leases.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6599
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]