need aus staffing?

Need AUS staffing solutions that are strategically aligned, mission-ready? 

The VISN Group provides certified VISN Certified AUS Professionals™ with 3 to 20 years of experience in VA procurement operations. Our certified professionals bring advanced expertise in the VA Procurement Manual, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR), enabling compliant, efficient, and mission-aligned acquisition execution.

Need AUS staffing that scales with your workload without compromising quality or compliance? 

The VISN Group provides scalable VISN Certified AUS Professional™ staffing solutions designed to align with workload demands without compromising quality, compliance, or mission outcomes.  Our certification selection model combines provide facilities to scale with the flexible in choosing AUS staffing capacity based on their needs ranging from entry-level acquisition support to senior Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). 

This approach minimizes overhead, enhances value delivery, and ensures VA Medical Centers and VISNs receive cost-effective, mission-ready acquisition support. It also supports contracting officers in readily determining price reasonableness in accordance with federal acquisition standards.

Pre-Certification Recruitment Philosophy

Before certification, the VISN Group’s recruitment approach is anchored in identifying individuals with a direct careline perspective and a mission-first mindset. The focus is on capability, accountability, and execution—prioritizing demonstrated performance and judgment over credentials alone.

Candidates are selected based on their ability to apply sound judgment, navigate regulatory frameworks, and operate independently within complex acquisition environments. This disciplined approach ensures the development of professionals who are not only technically capable, but operationally reliable to strengthen acquisition performance, reduce risk, and support the delivery of timely, high-quality care to Veterans.

Our Recruitment Metrics:

• *30% in Law School and/or Law School Grads
• 60% Level 2 in Federal Contracting 
• 20% Hold Master's Degree
• 50% VA Warranted 1102 Experience
• 30% DoD Acquisition Experience
• *10% Construction / AE-Design Industry
• *10% Cost Price Specialist 
• *10% Commercial Leasing Industry
• *10% IT Software Industry 
• 10% Civilian Hospital Experience 
• 3+ years in their career fields

*Proprietary Placement above is based on a department assessment & the "unique" needs of the Medical Center.

VISN SME Pipeline 

Integrating seasoned subject matter experts (SMEs) from private industry into the public sector provides a distinct strategic advantage in strengthening the VA’s Acquisition Utilization Specialist (AUS) community. These professionals bring deep, applied experience navigating complex regulatory environments, executing large-scale initiatives, and driving operational efficiency across diverse organizations.

The VISN Group leverages this cross-sector experience to enhance training, staffing, and operational support—bridging the gap between policy and execution while advancing the capability, readiness, and overall effectiveness of the AUS workforce across the VA enterprise.

VISN SME Pipeline Includes:

• Medical Center Supplies
• Medical Center Services
• Medical Facility Construction / AE
• Medical Center Contract Management 
• Prosthetics
• Medical Sharing
• Medical Center Leasing
• Medical Center IT Acquisitions
• Medical Center Project Management
• Medical Center Cost Estimator
• Medical Center Project Scheduler 

VISN SME Qualification Standard

The VISN Group establishes and maintains a rigorous qualification standard to ensure all Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) meet the experience, capability, and professional maturity required to support VA acquisition operations at an enterprise level. This standard is designed to ensure SMEs deliver consistent, high-quality advisory support, strengthen workforce capability, and enhance acquisition execution across the VA.

To be considered qualified, VISN SMEs must meet the following criteria:

• Professional Experience:
  A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience within private or commercial industry, demonstrating sustained performance in acquisition, procurement, logistics, or compliance functions.
• Functional Expertise:
  Direct, hands-on experience supporting acquisition or operational activities within complex, regulated environments, with the ability to translate industry practices into public sector application.
• Enterprise-Level Exposure:
  Proven experience supporting large, enterprise-level organizations, including the execution of high-visibility or large-scale initiatives.
• Advisory & Training Capability:
  Demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance, workforce training, and operational consulting to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Certification & Professional Standards:
  Achievement of Level II–III SME certifications or equivalent professional credentials, reflecting advanced technical knowledge and applied proficiency.

All SMEs are further evaluated on their ability to exercise sound judgment, operate independently, and deliver results aligned with mission priorities. This ensures each SME contributes not only technical expertise, but also measurable impact in strengthening acquisition performance, reducing risk, and supporting the delivery of high-quality care to Veterans.