The Federal Supply section of the Department of Veterans Affairs web site, www.fss.va.gov, has been overhauled. The improvements are not only visually appealing, but make the site quicker to navigate and easier to work with.

According to a statement released by the VA, “The redesign initiative was undertaken to provide enhanced usability for OAL customers and a cohesive/updated interface across the sites, as well as a web address consistent with their identity. The restructuring effort addressed the recent Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction reorganization as part of the Secretary’s initiative to transform VA’s acquisition and facilities management activities.”

The most notable improvement to the VAFSS site is the addition of a “word cloud” in the center (a graphical representation of relevant information contained within the site). A large graphic box with cycling announcements also greets the user, calling attention to the most urgent contractor-related news and information. The announcement updates are prominently displayed, eliminating guesswork as to how current the site is.

The pull-down menus cover more than just contractor-related issues. Under each heading is a complete list of options that cover just about anything a visitor would want to know. Everything from how to get Traumatic Injury Insurance to the department’s budget is listed. An open Browse by Audience listing allows users to quickly find the data they need at a glance.

Overall, the new site is clean, concise, and timesaving in its layout. Worth a regular visit for those directly or indirectly serving the VA market.