Why the VA Selected Behring’s Oakland Site

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently awarded Behring Capital the lease for its new Oakland Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, a game-changing investment into the Oakland community driven by urgent healthcare needs, strategic site selection processes, and Behring’s ability to deliver a state-of-the-art facility under tight deadlines. For EB-5 investors, the renovation of the VA’s space at 1950 Franklin represents the unparalleled CIVIC project.

This blog post explores why the VA needed a new home, the steps it takes to notify the public of its requirements, its decision-making process for site selection, and why Behring’s site was chosen.

 

Why the VA Needed a New Home

The VA’s existing outpatient clinic in Oakland was deemed inadequate due to aging infrastructure and logistical challenges that hindered its ability to provide quality care. Serving over 42,000 veterans in Alameda County alone, the demand for modernized healthcare facilities has grown significantly. The VA identified critical gaps in accessibility, space optimization, and compliance with current medical standards, prompting the urgent need for relocation. The new facility aims to address these issues by offering enhanced outpatient services, including mental health care, primary care, and telehealth services, while improving access for underserved veteran populations.

 

How the VA Notifies the Public of Its Needs

When the VA identifies a need for new facilities, it follows a structured process to notify stakeholders and solicit proposals. This includes:

• Request for Lease Proposal (RLP): The VA issued an expedited RLP under “Emergency Lease” authority to bypass lengthy procurement timelines. This formal document outlined technical requirements, location preferences, and operational specifications for the new clinic.
• Public Announcements: The VA communicates its needs through official channels such as press releases and government websites.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Feedback is solicited from local governments, community organizations, and veteran advocacy groups to ensure alignment with regional needs.

 

The Decision-Making Process for Site Selection

The VA employs a rigorous evaluation process to select sites that meet its operational and logistical requirements:

• Proximity to Veterans: Sites are chosen based on their accessibility to densely populated veteran communities. The Oakland location is strategically situated near public transportation hubs like the 19th Street BART Station.
• Infrastructure Compatibility: The selected site must accommodate specialized medical facilities and comply with federal healthcare standards. Behring’s property at 1950 Franklin Street offered adaptable floor space and modern amenities necessary for VA operations.
• Cost Efficiency: Leasing rather than purchasing allows the VA to optimize resources by avoiding upfront capital costs while ensuring long-term stability through predictable lease terms.
• Emergency Procurement: Given the urgency of replacing outdated facilities, the VA relied on an expedited timeline to finalize its decision quickly.

 

Why the VA Expedited Site Selection for Its New Oakland Facility

The VA invoked emergency lease authority to expedite site selection due to several factors:

• Inadequate Infrastructure: The clinic was outdated, undersized, and unable to support the growing needs of the large veteran population in Alameda County, nor the projected 43,200 annual clinical visits required to meet demand.
• Urgency of Continuity: Delays in securing a new facility would have resulted in service disruptions, adverse health outcomes for veterans, and increased costs to the government.
• Emergency Procurement Justified: The VA designated the lease as an “Emergency Lease” because traditional procurement processes could not accommodate the critical timeline needed to avoid interruptions in care.
• Support for National Interest and Public Good: The new facility directly supports healthcare for over 5,000 local veterans, improves regional healthcare infrastructure, and enhances emergency response capabilities.

 

Why Behring’s Site Was Chosen

Behring Capital’s Oakland property emerged as the ideal choice due to several factors:

• Strategic Location: Situated in Oakland’s Uptown District, the site offers veterans convenient access to public transportation, local businesses, and community amenities.
• Rapid, Exacting Delivery: Behring demonstrated its ability to meet aggressive milestones for design, permitting, and construction while adhering to stringent federal standards.
• Comprehensive Infrastructure: The property includes modernized office space, parking facilities, and adaptable layouts that align with VA specifications. Planned upgrades such as advanced security systems and Green Globes-certified sustainability initiatives further enhanced its appeal.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Behring’s expertise in public-private partnerships allowed it to efficiently navigate federal guidelines while delivering cost-effective solutions tailored to the VA’s mission-critical needs.

 

Conclusion

The VA’s decision to lease Behring Capital’s Oakland property reflects a strategic approach to addressing urgent healthcare needs while optimizing resources. By selecting a site that combines accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and cost efficiency under emergency procurement authority, the VA ensures uninterrupted delivery of vital services to veterans in Northern California. For EB-5 investors seeking stable opportunities aligned with national interests, the CIVIC project exemplifies impactful development backed by government commitments.