I. Language in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations Report encouraging the VA to explore the use of PRP therapy/treatment for veterans who suffer from chronic wounds
In March 2015, Simon&Co. submitted a request form for report language in the House Military Construction Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.
Report Language
Wound therapies.
—The Committee seeks to ensure that our veterans have access to the most cutting-edge wound therapies in the world. As such, the Committee asks VA to report to the Committee no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on the types of alternative therapies for wound treatment that are available to veterans through the VA system.
Non-healing pressure ulcers.
—Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) often suffer from non-healing, chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, which are the second, most frequent and significant complication of SCI. According to a 2011 study published by the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, researchers found that the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy appeared to stimulate acceleration of wound healing with SCI. The Committee encourages the VA to explore the use of PRP therapy/treatment for veterans who suffer from chronic wounds.
II. Facilitating Relationships with VA Illinois-Based Procurement Team and Senior VA Officials
After the client received an email from the VA National Acquisition Center, Simon&Co. arranged a meeting with the Senate staff to discuss having a price reduction appear on the Federal Supply Schedule. However, before an introduction VA procurement team could occur, the VA Acquisition Center resolved the FSS issue. Therefore, the Senate staff offered to schedule a meeting with the VA staff.