The ARCA Act of 2025 reorganizes how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages large acquisition projects—like buying medical equipment, IT systems, or professional services. Right now, different VA offices handle their own purchases independently. This bill creates a unified structure under a single Assistant Secretary for Acquisition who oversees all major purchases across the entire department. A major acquisition is defined as any purchase exceeding $1 billion in total lifetime cost or $200 million per year.

The bill establishes several new leadership positions: Program Executive Officers who oversee acquisitions in specific areas (medical, IT, professional services, and other), and Major Acquisition Program Managers who run individual large projects. These managers must be certified in project management and report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition. The bill also creates a new Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation who reports to the VA Secretary and independently reviews the cost estimates and effectiveness of major acquisition programs. Additionally, the VA must hire independent contractors to verify and validate that major acquisition projects are designed properly and stay on budget and schedule. The bill requires the VA to expand its acquisition internship programs to build a stronger workforce for these roles.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to reorganize the acquisition structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs and to establish the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation in the Department, and for other purposes.