R -- PROFESSIONAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Notice Date

October 22, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs, Medical Center, A&MMS(90), University & Woodland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19104

ZIP Code

19104

Response Due

November 26, 2001

Point of Contact

G. Michael Miller (570) 821-7219

Description

The VA Stars & Stripes Healthcare Network (VISN 4) consists of ten (10) Medical Centers, located in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. We are interested in developing energy alternatives, to reduce costs, while partnering with the private sector and using their expertise. Our VISN Strategic Plan identifies strategies/partnerships with vendors for utilizing services for our Medical Centers. We are gathering preliminary information to determine if there is vendor interest to develop long-term partnerships for sharing VA property and/or buildings for utility services. The VA's Enhanced Use Leasing Authority allows for such arrangements. I would like to explain what Enhanced-Use Leasing is, and how it works. Enhanced-Use Leasing is a cooperative arrangement for the development of VA property under which:  VA property is made available to a public or private entity through a long-term lease;  The leased property may be developed for non-VA and/or VA uses; and  In return for the lease, the Department obtains fair consideration in the form of revenue, facilities, space, services, money or other "in-kind" consideration. The Department of Veterans Affairs has specific authority to enter into these types of arrangements. Originally enacted in fall of 1991, the Enhanced-Use Leasing Authority is now codified at Section 8161 through Section 8169 of title 38, United States Code. The technical elements of this authority are:  The term of an enhanced-use lease may be up to 75 years;  The site to be leased must be controlled by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;  All uses must be consistent with and not adversely affect the mission of the Department;  VA may use "minor" construction funds (up to $4 million) as a capital contribution in connection with an enhanced-use lease;  VA may purchase services, space or facilities in connection with an enhanced use lease.  VA must hold a public hearing at the location of any proposed enhanced-use lease to obtain veteran and local community input  VA must provide two notices to its congressional oversight committees prior to entering into an enhanced-use lease. The Enhanced Use Leasing Authority allows both the VA and its selected partner to be innovative and creative in developing long term partnering relationships. As noted above, we are gathering preliminary information only, and responses will be used to determine interest and for future planning in this matter. Response should be sent to: G. Michael Miller (VISN 4/SAM) Senior Acquisition Manager VA Medical Center 1111 East End Boulevard Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 Email Address: G-Michael.Miller@med.va.gov NOTE: Please disregard the information listed in Block #7 and send reponses to the address listed above!

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011024/RSOL012.HTM (W-295 SN511292)