VHA Healthcare Technology Management Program Office- Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist - Medical Support Services

VHA Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) departments at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) have experienced a staffing shortage with a vacancy rate of 21% in 2024 for the GS-1601 job series, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS). Retention and recruitment incentives have been implemented to fill various positions across various HTM departments at VAMCs. BESS positions have had an increased turnover rate due to retirement, new positions, and leaving Federal service. HTM departments are located at all VAMCs in all fifty (50) states with varying difficulties in recruitment and retention, such as locations in rural areas and VA salaries lower than the average for the private sector in the location, making hiring highly qualified applicants challenging. While positions are in a variety of locations, inflation and lack of competitive salary at some locations make recruitment efforts difficult. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS/MAJOR CHANGES: This qualification standard revises the Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist occupation under VA’s title 38 hybridexcepted service employment system according to the authority established underP.L. 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. VA Secretary has authority under 38 U.S.C. § 7402 to prescribe qualifications for occupations identified in or established under 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3), Appointments in Veterans Health Administration and 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B), Temporary full-time appointments, part-time appointments, and without-compensation appointments. The revised standard is effective on the date of this publication. This qualification standard is maintained on the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer website and the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) (va.gov).Significant changes include: a. Revises the basic qualifications regarding Education, Experience, or Certification. b. Revises all assignments. c. Adds new assignments for Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (IntensiveCare), GS-12; Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-14; and Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-14.

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment. Biomedical support requires the application of engineering and mechanical concepts and methodology to provide lifecycle management and technical support of diagnostic, therapeutic devices, monitoring, and other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, and to improve clinical care provided by doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff throughout VA. Medical equipment supported by the BESS is maintained to the standards required by multiple accrediting agencies (e.g. Food and Drug Administration, The Joint Commission, the National Fire Protection Association, etc.). Lifecycle management encompasses the following: technology assessment including defining requirements and analyzing alternatives with clinical users; technology acquisition including technical evaluation and best value determination of proposed equipment and systems; technology implementation including site preparation, incoming inspections, device/system integration, network device security implementation and clinical/technical training; technology sustainment including regular and unscheduled maintenance, upgrades and enhancements, continuing education; end of useful life tasks including decommissioning, data sanitization, and technical evaluation for condition prior to disposal; and strategic planning for end of life replacement.