While federal law mandates prioritizing Made in America equipment for military hospitals, VA healthcare, and other government medical facilities, the benefits of procuring American made healthcare equipment extend well beyond compliance.
This post will explore:
Why Sourcing Made in America Medical Equipment is Important
Key Regulations and Policies for Government Healthcare Procurement
Why Sourcing Made in America Medical Equipment is Important
Prioritizing and sourcing Made in America medical equipment for government healthcare facilities is about more than compliance. It's about:
Quality and Reliability
- High Standards: American-made medical equipment is held to stringent regulatory standards, ensuring the quality needed for patient and staff safety. This is critical for all medical centers, including VA healthcare facilities, who serve veteran patients in our local communities.
- Durability and Performance: Medical equipment Made in the USA is known for the durability and reliable performance essential to consistently delivering the healthcare necessary for positive patient outcomes.
Economics
- Job Creation: Purchasing American-made medical equipment supports domestic manufacturers and contributes to the creation of jobs within the United States. This economic boost can have widespread benefits, including more tax revenue and improved economic stability.
- Local Business Support: By investing in domestically manufactured healthcare equipment, the VA can help sustain the small and medium-sized businesses that are so vital to our economy.
Public Welfare
- Supply Chain Reliability: Reliance on American-made equipment reduces dependence on foreign manufacturers which can be critical during global crises or transportation disruptions. A reliable supply chain ensures the care provided by VA healthcare facilities is not compromised by medical equipment shortages.
- Strategic Independence: A robust domestic healthcare equipment manufacturing sector significantly contributes to public welfare by ensuring the country can meet the healthcare needs of the population.
Leading Edge Technology
The United States is a global leader in medical technology. By sourcing healthcare equipment domestically, VA healthcare facilities can ensure they are using the latest, most advanced technology and by extension, improving operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
Key Regulations and Policies for Government Healthcare Equipment Procurement
The procurement of medical equipment for VA healthcare facilities and military hospitals is governed by a comprehensive framework of federal regulations and policies. These regulations ensure that acquisitions are conducted with integrity, prioritize American-made products, support veteran-owned businesses, and meet the specific needs of the VA and DoD. Compliance with these regulations helps to ensure that medical equipment used in these facilities is of high quality, dependable, and cost-effective.
Here are some key mandates:
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
- Overview: FAR is the primary regulation used by all federal executive agencies for the acquisition of supplies and services.
- Key Points: This regulation provides uniform policies and procedures for acquisition planning, contract formation, and management. It ensures that acquisitions are conducted with integrity, fairness, and openness.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
- Overview: DFARS supplements the FAR for the Department of Defense (DoD), which includes military hospitals.
- Key Points: These supplements outline DoD-specific acquisition regulations, including those related to national security, military requirements, and defense contracting.
Buy American Act
- Overview: This act requires federal agencies to prefer U.S.- made products in their purchases.
- Key Points: Buy American applies to medical equipment purchases by requiring that the equipment be manufactured in the United States unless a waiver is granted under certain conditions.
Trade Agreements Act (TAA)
- Overview: This act requires that products (including medical equipment) purchased by federal agencies must be made in the United States or in designated countries with whom the U.S. has trade agreements.
- Key Points: TAA helps ensure fair trade practices and compliance with international agreements.
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program
- Overview: Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), the FSS program provides federal agencies with a streamlined procurement process.
- Key Points: FSS includes pre-negotiated contracts for medical equipment and supplies, ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with federal regulations.
Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
- Overview: This act promotes the adoption of health information technology.
- Key Points: HITECH governs the purchase of electronic health record (EHR) systems and related medical equipment to ensure they meet specific standards and certifications.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Procurement Policy
- Overview: The VA has its own procurement policies that align with federal regulations and address the specific needs of VA healthcare facilities.
- Key Points: These policies include guidelines for purchasing medical equipment, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with veteran preference laws.
While compliance with federal regulations and policies associated with healthcare equipment procurement for VA healthcare facilities is obligatory, it could be said that the most important reason to source healthcare equipment Made in America is the end goal of delivering high quality care to our veterans and their families. Add in the serendipity of supporting the national economy and maintaining a secure supply chain and it is a win for everyone.
Partner with CME to Procure Made in America Healthcare Equipment
CME is proud to provide healthcare equipment expertise and services to the VA, Military, and other government facilities delivering care to our troops and veterans across the country.
We hold several key government contracts including:
DoD ECAT
DoD DAPA
VA FSS
GSA
These contracts are accessible to DoD, VA, Indian Health, and other government agencies through federal sales channels.
Click CHAT to speak with a CME expert about how we can help procure Made in America medical equipment for military hospitals, VA healthcare, and other government medical facilities.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.