Despite numerous decisions by the Court of Federal Claims, numerous clarifying speeches from Secretary Eric Shinseki, the VA, SBA, et. al. and contracting officers (COs) still refuse to apply Public Law (P.L.) 109-461 as intended. While regulations have been interpreted as "shall" and "must" set aside, COs are conducting business as if they have discretion and as such, still apply laws as if they read "may" set aside. While legislation should be in favor of using a VSOBs/SDVOBs regardless of their GSA status, the VA continues to award contracts to GSA schedule holders that should be set aside for veteran and/or service disabled veteran owned businesses. Finally, if the government is so indebted to VSOB/SDVOB, why not allow SBA to fund initial operations if VSB/SDVOB can't get a loan.
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