WHERE DOES YOUR AUS TEAM RATE?...

The new VISN Grades & Rating Tool is an innovative performance evaluation framework designed to bring clarity, accountability, and measurable insight to the AUS Community across Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). It establishes grading and rating metrics that assess key aspects of procurement performance, from compliance and timeliness to quality and mission alignment, creating a standardized way to evaluate how well acquisition functions support VA objectives. By applying consistent, objective criteria, the tool helps leadership see where strengths lie, where gaps exist, and where targeted improvements can deliver measurable gains.

More than a scorecard, the VISN Grades & Rating Tool drives continuous improvement and operational excellence, empowering AUS teams, VISN leadership, and stakeholders to make data‑informed decisions that elevate acquisition outcomes. With defined metrics and clear performance ratings, the tool fosters transparency across networks, encourages professional growth, and reinforces accountability—ultimately strengthening the acquisition enterprise and enhancing support for Veterans and frontline care delivery.

Evaluation Elements for VISN Grades & Rating Tool Leadership & Supervision 

• Directs, manages, and coordinates multiple interrelated units.
• Conducts semi-annual and annual performance reviews.
• Provides guidance, resolves performance issues, and monitors leave/overtime.
• Handles complaints, grievances, and disciplinary recommendations.
  Metrics: Team performance, timeliness and quality of performance reviews, employee satisfaction, grievance resolution effectiveness.

Strategic Planning & Operational Oversight

• Plans, coordinates, and evaluates logistical and acquisition actions to support clinical and administrative missions.
• Develops and executes acquisition strategies in collaboration with leadership and stakeholders.
  Metrics: Efficiency of operational planning, alignment of procurement actions with mission objectives, execution of acquisition strategies.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Establishes, expedites, and reviews micro-purchase orders and consolidated procurement packages.
• Exercises Ordering Officer Authority; approves reconciled purchase card transactions.
• Prepares requisitions and submits procurement packages; monitors contract compliance.
• Advises and participates in negotiations, contract modifications, and supplemental agreements.
  Metrics: Accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of procurement packages; contract administration effectiveness; value obtained through negotiations.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensures adherence to federal acquisition regulations and internal policies.
• Furnishes instructions on new regulations and procedures.
• Prepares reports, briefs, and contract data for meetings, audits, inspections, and reviews.
  Metrics: Compliance rate, audit findings, clarity and timeliness of reports and briefings.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinates with leadership, staff, and other stakeholders to standardize requirements across sites.
• Negotiates performance requirements among multiple sites and service lines.
• Advises on acquisition-related decisions and provides instruction on processes.
  Metrics: Stakeholder satisfaction, effectiveness of cross-site coordination, ability to standardize enterprise requirements.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Identifies issues in procurement, logistics, or contract administration.
• Recommends and implements corrective actions to improve efficiency and compliance.
  Metrics: Number and severity of process issues, timeliness and effectiveness of corrective actions, measurable improvements in acquisition performance.

Other Duties & Flexibility

• Performs additional tasks as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness.
  Metrics: Responsiveness, ability to handle additional responsibilities, impact of ad-hoc tasks on overall mission success.

 Staffing & Recruitment 

 Ability to recruit qualified AUS personnel, fill vacancies timely, retain talent 

- Has / Uses adequate AUS PRE-HIRE tools 

- Participates in outside recruitment events for facility needs   

- Timely onboarding of new AUS staff
- Maintaining low vacancy rate

 Education & Training 

 Staff development programs, training compliance, mentorship 

- Ensue all AUS have access to valid training sessions
- Ensures all AUS Staff have achieve Lev1 Certifications

- Requires all AUS meet Lev2 Certification in 2 years

- Holds AUS Staff accountably for meeting AUS [80] CLP Requirements
- Mentorship programs implemented successfully 

These elements are scored using grading and rating metrics:

• Grade Levels: Outstanding / Exceeds Expectations / Meets Expectations / Needs Improvement / Unsatisfactory
• Rating Criteria: Timeliness, Accuracy, Compliance, Stakeholder Impact, Team Leadership, Problem-Solving Effectiveness