# VA Faces Contracting Workforce Challenges Post-RTO

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting workforce, especially 1102 series employees, is experiencing significant operational challenges following the return to office (RTO) mandate. Critical understaffing and increased workload pressures are impacting contract management and procurement efficiency. Although hiring efforts continue, stringent USA hiring assessments are limiting rehire eligibility, complicating workforce replenishment. Remote work remains limited primarily to contractors in select roles due to office space constraints, contributing to low morale and operational difficulties.

- **Why this matters:** Persistent understaffing and hiring challenges at the VA contracting office may delay procurement timelines and affect contract execution quality.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate potential impacts on VA contract awards and administration due to workforce capacity constraints.
- Contractors and vendors may experience slower processing times and should plan accordingly for extended procurement cycles.
- Organizations supporting VA contracting operations should evaluate strategies to mitigate risks associated with workforce shortages and RTO-related operational changes.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

### Key Quotes
> My husband is getting ready to retire from VA contracting. They are so short its not even funny. Run while you can and if I were you I wouldnt even consider it. It was a good choice when they were mostly remote. With RTO who in their right mind would pick VA over any other Fed agency. Its a mess, youve been warned!
> — Anonymous commenter

### Sources
- [For those currently working as 1102s at the VA, how has the job been since RTO?](https://www.reddit.com/r/1102/comments/1wpiaru/for_those_currently_working_as_1102s_at_the_va) - reddit-1102