OrangeSlices AI has heard from numerous leaders this week (both recent former Feds and current industry execs) who are charged with supporting the Veterans Affairs mission, expressing concerns about the significant and recent changes at the VA. These changes include hundreds of millions in contract cuts and the release of over 1,400 employees.
Leaders have pointed out that these policy decisions disproportionately impact veteran-owned small businesses, especially service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). Many of the canceled contracts were specifically designated for these enterprises, and within the Strategic Acquisition Center alone, hundreds of contracts were canceled without warning. This sudden reduction in opportunities raises concerns about the economic impact on veteran entrepreneurs and the broader veteran community.
As the new Department of Government Efficiency implements these measures, many leaders are calling for a careful review of their approach. The concern is that these cuts may undermine the longstanding federal commitment to supporting veterans, particularly those transitioning into the private sector through the Veterans First Contracting Program.
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