“An effort to improve an online system that verifies veteran-owned small businesses and allows them to compete for government contracts has backfired, leading to delays and frustration for hundreds of companies, according to members of a committee who oversee the program…”
“The process to get verified is lengthy and involves submitting proof-of-ownership documents through an online portal. In an attempt to make the online system more secure, the VA switched platforms this summer.”
“First, the site went down altogether. Then, the new system was riddled with bugs…”
“The 15-member advisory committee for Veterans Business Affairs oversees the process. Following their quarterly meeting Sept. 6, multiple members spoke out about the issue, believing they weren’t getting truthful answers from the VA about the extent of the problems or when they would be fixed…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA process to verify veteran-owned small businesses fraught with errors, delays – By Nikki Wentling, September 12, 2018. Stars and Stripes.
