VA Spent Tens of Millions on Ad Campaigns, Audits, Green Energy

◼ Spending part of $1 billion in contracts disbursed by administration for ‘professional services’ - Washington Free Beacon

An analysis of more than $1 billion dollars in spending by the Department of Veterans Affairs on “professional services” finds several instances of questionable spending, including millions for a national ad campaign and energy programs to make VA facilities more sustainable....

A review of records also showed millions of dollars was spent on surveys during the past five years to ensure VA standards were met at state-owned and operated facilities. The Free Beacon found a $6.3 million contract awarded in 2011, another $5.9 million contract in 2013, and another $1.7 million contract in 2013, all of which were awarded to Ascellon Corp. during the past five years to conduct surveys to ensure compliance.

Two other additional contracts—one for $2.6 million completed in March 2013 and another for $5.3 million contract completed in September 2012—all focused on monitoring veteran’s facilities.

In total $18.1 million was awarded over the past five years to “conduct surveys at state owned and operated veteran’s homes to monitor compliance with VA Standards.”

The Free Beacon also found numerous contracts for a “peer review” program to ensure quality management at VA facilities. That program was instituted as a result of a directive from the Veterans Health Administration in June 2010....