Ann Kirkpatrick

Patient care and safety is our number one concern.

I really appreciate having this hearing on the purchase and use of surgical implants.

These changes are happening at light speed.

You heard our first panel. Mr. Cary said that he does not think that reverse auctions should be used at all in procuring construction services. Would you agree with that?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Frye, for your testimony and your appearance today before the Committee.

So maybe that is also something that should be put into the guidelines.

Do you think guidelines addressing the target price should be included in whatever guidelines are generated to improve the reverse auction process?

I am still not totally convinced that they need to be put into the FAR at this point.

I have a concern that in your testimony that the agencies are not tracking this process.

Veterans expect VA to do better.

I am concerned with the findings of the GAO. I am sure you would agree that lack of guidance, training, and oversight are very common themes that run throughout the majority of the report regardless of what GAO is looking at.

It is important to provide oversight on programs and processes at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure the funding Congress makes available is being spent efficiently and effectively.

Now if you had to prioritize your top three next steps for the Committee, what would that be?

I want to begin by thanking Senator Boxer for sponsoring the bill.

I ask the committee's consent to have the entire text of my statement and CEMEX's statement entered into the record.

I also wish to extend the Santa Clarita City Council's appreciation to Senator Feinstein for cosponsoring S. 771.

According to the April 2013, GAO Report VA CONSTRUCTION - Additional Actions Needed to Decrease Delays and Lower Costs of Major Medical-Facility Project, VA has not yet developed specific guidance or instructions on how to implement…

I applaud the VA for creating the Construction Review Council, that is a step in the right direction.

I feel that double standard need to stop. The same accountability that the regular employees are held to... that needs to be for the top.

Do we need to make some recommendations to the VA regarding the accountability structure?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today.

I just wanted to welcome to the Committee Mr. and Mrs. Somers, who are in the back of the room.

Does it make any sense to you to not allow them to work?

But basically, what you are saying is any progress in that project has come to a screeching halt.