The VA Federal Supply Schedule (VA FSS) is a government procurement program administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, designed to streamline the acquisition of medical products, pharmaceuticals, laboratory services, and healthcare-related solutions.
For companies interested in contracting with the VA, the FSS offers a structured, pre-negotiated vehicle that simplifies access to one of the largest and most stable government buyers in the healthcare sector.
Through the VA FSS, federal agencies—particularly those within the Veterans Health Administration—can efficiently purchase high-quality goods and services from pre-vetted commercial vendors.
For businesses operating in the healthcare space, this program represents one of the most lucrative and reliable opportunities in the federal market. In recent years, the VA FSS has facilitated over $16 billion in procurement volume annually, making it a central purchasing channel for a wide range of medical categories, including:
- Medical equipment and supplies;
- Pharmaceuticals and biologicals;
- Laboratory testing and diagnostics;
- Dental products;
- Patient mobility devices;
- Professional and allied healthcare staffing services.
In addition to its sheer scale, the VA Schedule offers long-term contract stability, consistent demand, and access to a highly trusted federal buyer. Companies that qualify and secure a position on the schedule gain a strategic advantage in navigating the complex world of government sales.
With nearly two decades of experience in federal procurement, Price Reporter has helped hundreds of healthcare businesses successfully break into the government marketplace—supporting them through every stage of the VA contracting process, from application to post-award compliance.
If your business is in healthcare, there’s a major opportunity waiting in the VA’s procurement ecosystem. Here’s why you should pay attention.
Reason #1: Access to a Multi-Billion-Dollar Federal Market
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a VA Federal Supply Schedule (VA FSS) contract is the vast size and scope of the market it unlocks.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest civilian agencies in the U.S. government, operating a nationwide system of medical centers, clinics, and healthcare facilities that serve millions of veterans.
Each year, the VA and other participating agencies conduct thousands of procurement transactions through the VA FSS, covering everything from high-volume pharmaceutical acquisitions to specialized diagnostic services.
With over $16 billion in annual federal spending flowing through this program, the VA Schedule offers vendors a direct route into one of the most robust and stable markets in government contracting.
The VA FSS program is divided into nine core schedules, each tailored to specific categories within the healthcare industry. Here’s a breakdown of these contract schedules and what they cover:
| VA FSS Contract Schedule | Category Description | Examples of Products/Services |
| 65 I B | Pharmaceuticals and Drugs | Prescription medications, vaccines, IV fluids |
| 65 II A | Medical Equipment and Supplies | Surgical instruments, hospital beds, diagnostic tools |
| 65 II C | Dental Equipment and Supplies | Dental chairs, sterilizers, orthodontic instruments |
| 65 II F | Patient Mobility Devices | Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, rehabilitation aids |
| 65 V A | X-Ray Equipment and Supplies | Imaging systems, radiology accessories, film and digital tools |
| 65 VII | In Vitro Diagnostics, Reagents, Test Kits, and Test Sets | Blood test kits, reagents, diagnostic cartridges |
| 66 III | Clinical Analyzers, Laboratory, Cost-Per-Test | Hematology analyzers, lab automation systems |
| 621 I | Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing Services | Physicians, nurses, physical therapists, behavioral health staff |
| 621 II | Medical Laboratory Testing and Analysis Services | Lab testing services, pathology analysis, specimen transport |
By aligning your offerings with the appropriate contract schedule, your business can position itself directly in front of federal buyers actively searching for trusted vendors in these categories.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or service provider, the VA Schedule gives you the scale, structure, and visibility needed to thrive in the federal marketplace.
Reason #2: Long-Term Revenue Stability
One of the key advantages of the VA Federal Supply Schedule is the long-term nature of the contracts it offers. Most VA FSS contracts are awarded for an initial term of five years, with the possibility of a five-year extension, providing up to a decade of consistent business with the federal government.
This extended contract period offers a unique level of predictability and financial stability, allowing businesses to plan with confidence, invest in growth, and allocate resources more effectively. Unlike short-term or one-off contracts, a position on the VA Schedule provides ongoing access to purchasing opportunities throughout the contract’s lifespan.
For small and mid-sized companies, this kind of stability can be transformative. It reduces reliance on volatile private-sector demand, supports steady cash flow, and enhances the ability to secure funding or expand operations.
Whether you’re a medical supplier, a pharmaceutical distributor, or a provider of diagnostic services, a VA contract creates a reliable foundation for long-term success.
Reason #3: Streamlined Sales Through Government Portals
Selling to the federal government through the VA Schedule isn’t just about access—it’s also about efficiency.
Once your business is awarded a VA Federal Supply Schedule contract, your approved products and services are listed on key government procurement platforms such as GSA Advantage, DOD FedMall, and the National Acquisition Center’s Contract Catalog Search Tool (NAC CCST).
These portals are designed to simplify and standardize the purchasing process for both vendors and government buyers.
Instead of navigating complex, open-market bids for every transaction, federal purchasers can browse pre-approved items, compare pricing, and place orders directly through these systems—significantly reducing administrative burden and speeding up sales cycles.
Because all pricing, terms, and product details are negotiated and fixed in advance, transactions are transparent, predictable, and compliant with federal acquisition regulations. For businesses, this means fewer surprises, lower overhead costs, and a more consistent procurement experience.
In short, the VA Schedule turns what could be a complicated sales process into a streamlined, repeatable, and scalable model—a major advantage in the world of government contracting.
Reason #4: Increased Bidding & Visibility Opportunities
Holding a VA Federal Supply Schedule contract significantly boosts your company’s visibility within the federal procurement ecosystem. Once you’re on the schedule, your business becomes eligible to participate in exclusive bidding opportunities not available to non-schedule holders.
This includes access to SAM.gov, the central platform for federal contracting notices, as well as GSA’s eBuy, a powerful request-for-quote (RFQ) system reserved for pre-approved contractors.
Through these platforms, contracting officers actively seek vendors to fulfill specific agency needs. Being part of the VA Schedule not only qualifies you to respond to these solicitations but also positions your company as a trusted, go-to source for federal buyers who prefer to work within established procurement channels.
Additionally, your company’s offerings—complete with contract pricing and technical details—are published in centralized federal databases. This increases passive visibility, as buyers can discover your products and services during their routine market research and purchasing activities.
In an environment where awareness and credibility drive contract wins, VA Schedule participation gives your business a competitive edge by putting you on the radar of decision-makers across multiple agencies.
Reason #5: Enhanced Credibility as a Government Supplier
Securing a VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a powerful validation of your company’s reliability, professionalism, and operational readiness.
Becoming a VA-approved vendor means your organization has successfully passed through a comprehensive vetting process, proving that your products or services meet stringent federal standards for quality, pricing, and performance.
This stamp of approval has a wide-reaching impact on your company’s reputation, influencing not only how federal buyers perceive you, but also how you’re viewed by partners, investors, and clients in the private sector. For many companies, the VA Schedule acts as a differentiator in a competitive market—especially in B2B and B2G sales.
Here’s how a VA Schedule contract enhances your credibility:
Federal Validation of Your Business Practices
- Being awarded a VA Schedule means your pricing, compliance documentation, and product/service quality have been formally reviewed and approved by a federal contracting officer.
- This serves as proof of your ability to work within a regulated environment, which is often a requirement for partnerships in government and corporate procurement.
Trusted Status Among Government Buyers
- Government agencies often prefer to work with vendors that have an existing federal contract, as it reduces procurement risk and accelerates the acquisition process.
- Being “on schedule” signals that your company is a low-risk, high-reliability supplier, making contracting officers more likely to choose you over non-schedule vendors.
Improved Positioning in the Private Sector
- Many commercial enterprises—especially those in highly regulated industries like healthcare—view federal contracting credentials as an indicator of trustworthiness and capability.
- A VA Schedule can support your case in private-sector RFPs, grant applications, and strategic partnerships by demonstrating your track record of performance.
More Opportunities for Teaming and Subcontracting
- Prime contractors often look for schedule holders as preferred subcontractors on federal opportunities.
- Your VA-approved status makes your business more attractive for teaming arrangements, joint ventures, and mentor-protégé programs.
Long-Term Relationship Building
- Once you’re in the system, you’re positioned to build lasting relationships with procurement officers, facility managers, and acquisition teams across the VA and other agencies.
- Over time, this leads to increased visibility, repeat business, and a stronger foothold in the government market.
In a landscape where credibility and trust directly influence purchasing decisions, the VA Federal Supply Schedule becomes more than just a vehicle for sales—it’s a strategic asset.
It helps build a reputation of excellence, opens doors to new partnerships, and serves as a launching pad for further expansion across both public and private sectors.
Reason #6: Competitive Edge in the Healthcare Industry
In a highly competitive healthcare marketplace, differentiation is key. A VA Federal Supply Schedule contract offers a distinct strategic advantage by giving your business access to government procurement channels that many of your competitors may not have.
Companies without a VA Schedule are often excluded from federal purchasing opportunities, limiting their reach to the private sector alone. In contrast, schedule holders can tap into centralized VA purchasing, giving them a foothold in a protected, high-volume market with consistent demand and streamlined purchasing processes.
This access not only sets you apart from competitors but also creates new growth pathways. By participating in the VA procurement system, your company can expand into new geographic regions and customer segments—such as VA hospitals, federal clinics, and regional medical centers—without the need for traditional marketing or sales outreach.
Moreover, being on the VA Schedule often leads to repeat business and long-term relationships with institutional buyers, reinforcing your market position and reducing customer acquisition costs.
In short, a VA contract isn’t just a sales channel—it’s a competitive moat that can elevate your standing in the healthcare industry and accelerate your expansion into the federal marketplace.
Conclusion: Is a VA Schedule Contract Right for You?
If your business operates in the healthcare sector—whether you provide medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or staffing services—a VA Federal Supply Schedule contract can be a powerful catalyst for growth.
It offers more than just access to government buyers; it provides a structured, long-term pathway to expand your market reach, stabilize revenue, and build stronger partnerships with federal agencies.
The VA Schedule isn’t for every business—it requires preparation, compliance, and a strategic mindset. But for companies ready to invest in the process, the rewards are substantial. From increased credibility to scalable federal sales, this contract can position your company for success in one of the most resilient and well-funded sectors of government procurement.
With nearly two decades of experience in GSA and VA contract support, Price Reporter has helped over a thousand companies navigate the complexities of federal contracting.
Backed by a team of seasoned consultants and federal market intelligence experts, Price Reporter offers the insight, tools, and operational support businesses need to succeed in the government space—both during the application process and far beyond.
