# Congress Introduces VA Innovation Bill

Representatives Morgan McGarvey and Morgan Luttrell introduced the bipartisan INNOVATE Act on November 11, 2026. The proposal would give the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faster pathways to partner with private-sector innovators, prioritize collaboration with veteran-owned small businesses, and establish an Office of Innovation within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It is proposed legislation—not a solicitation, award, or current contracting requirement—so its procurement significance depends on whether Congress advances and enacts the bill.

- Veteran-owned small businesses working in healthcare technology or clinical innovation may find new VA partnership opportunities if the proposed authorities become law.
- The proposed VHA Office of Innovation and streamlined partnership approach could affect how VA identifies and engages innovators; contractors should distinguish these possible future changes from existing procurement opportunities.
- Companies can follow the INNOVATE Act’s legislative progress when planning VA business development, but the signal identifies no solicitation, contract value, or submission deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** November 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
- U.S. Congress (Congress)

### Key Quotes
> Veterans deserve the best and most cutting-edge care in the world. We must leverage VA’s resources to speed up and encourage that innovation. Like DARPA did for the Defense Department, this bill gives VA the flexibility and agency to discover the newest treatments and keep up with veterans’ changing needs.
> — Morgan McGarvey, Congressman

> Innovative treatments shouldn’t be held up by years of red tape before they reach the veterans who need them. The INNOVATE Act empowers the VA to partner with veteran-owned small businesses to speed up and optimize treatments. I thank Congressman McGarvey for his leadership and urge the passage of this bill.
> — Morgan Luttrell, Congressman

### Sources
- [McGarvey, Luttrell Introduce Bill to Speed Up Healthcare Innovation for Veterans | Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky's 3rd District](https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcgarvey-luttrell-introduce-bill-to-speed-up-healthcare-innovation-for-veterans) - Mcgarvey House