DisabledVeterans.Org Investigates Allegations of Fraud at the VA

DisabledVeterans.Org Investigates Allegations of Fraud at the Department of Veterans Affairs
What started as a point and counterpoint battle between a union and the government uncovered much more with a little patience and an internet connection.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 15, 2012

DisabledVeterans.org today released the results of its initial investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) recent defense of allegations of its back door dealings to avoid hiring additional employees, including veterans.

The organization’s research revealed that at the core of the issue is more than mere point and counterpoint arguments. Public records reveal that the VA had contracted to outsource jobs at the potential expense of making the 1.3 million disability claims backlog for veterans possibly worse.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), a union representing public employees, claimed that the VA violates federal law by illegally outsourcing government jobs. It was correct in pointing out that the VA did award ACS Government Solutions a contract worth over $45 million dollars. AFGE also alleged the contract will allow the VA to avoid hiring new workers to manage the enormous 1.3 million claims backlog. Instead, ACS will manage the backlog with its call centers.

In Federal Computer Week, VA Under Secretary Allison A. Hickey responded by stating that the VA failed to perform a cost-benefit analysis, as required by law. But, she insisted that doing so was legal in this instance. She went on to claim ACS workers are not replacing federal workers; ACS is merely going to perform the same tasks the VA is supposed to perform by hiring its own workers.
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