Why It Matters

Black Knight Medical LLC, the service-disabled veteran-owned small business wants to influence legislation that could reshape how the Department of Veterans Affairs acquires medical equipment and supplies.

Congress is advancing major reform efforts including the ARCA Act, which would establish a Chief Acquisition Officer and consolidate fragmented VA procurement operations. The SERV Act could significantly expand opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, while the VA modernizes its medical supply chain—creating demand aligned with Black Knight Medical’s focus.

By the Numbers

Black Knight Medical LLC retained JLF Political Consulting Co. effective January 1, 2025, marking their first federal lobbying effort.

Their sole registered lobbyist is John Leland Findlay, who brings no prior congressional staff experience. The firm represents two clients total, including DroneUp LLC, which generated $30,000 in 2025 fees.

Black Knight Medical has no in-house lobbying operation or prior lobbying expenditure history, relying entirely on external representation focused solely on Veterans policy issues.

The Agenda

Black Knight Medical is lobbying specifically on "Federal Contracting for Veteran Affairs Related Equipment," targeting several active legislative priorities.

Key targets include the ARCA Act (S. 1591), creating a Chief Acquisition Officer and streamlining VA procurement, and the SERV Act (H.R. 828), removing barriers for veteran-owned contractors. They’re also monitoring H.R. 3944, the VA appropriations bill, and the VITAL Act (S. 2988), focusing on VA infrastructure modernization.

Congress maintains strong bipartisan support for expanding SDVOSB opportunities. Reps. Barry Moore, Terri Sewell, and Jake Ellzey are advancing protections for veteran-owned firms, while Senator Joni Ernst and 62 colleagues designated National Veterans Small Business Week.

Broader Context

The political environment is unusually favorable for veteran-owned businesses. The VA’s $441.3 billion fiscal 2026 budget request—a 10% increase—creates substantial opportunity, though new oversight procedures for contracts exceeding $10 million signal tighter scrutiny.

The VA faces documented operational challenges. A House bill allocates $50 million for cloud-based medical supply systems after audits revealed nearly 10% of reusable medical equipment missing or unneeded. Congressional scrutiny over contract transparency and facility modernization reflects broad concern about VA acquisition efficiency.

Black Knight Medical faces entrenched competition from First Nation Group LLC, which dominates VA medical supply lobbying with $50,000 quarterly spending. However, potential alignment with the National Veteran Small Business Coalition could amplify their influence in the crowded advocacy space.

Between The Lines

The ARCA Act (S. 1591) stands as the most consequential initiative, fundamentally restructuring the VA’s $40+ billion annual contract spending through a Chief Acquisition Officer and "other transaction authority" for healthcare technologies.

Congressional members are actively engaged on SDVOSB protections. Senator Edward Markey and bipartisan colleagues are pushing the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act to codify the "Rule of Two" contracting principle.

Recent oversight reveals serious gaps. Senator Angus King publicly rebuked the VA for withholding contract information, signaling rigorous scrutiny of contractor performance and transparency.

Competitive Landscape

First Nation Group LLC maintains sophisticated lobbying through Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, spending $50,000 quarterly on "VA procurement best practices for CPAP medical devices and supplies."

The National Veteran Small Business Coalition Inc. serves as the leading advocacy voice for veteran-owned businesses, spanning numerous legislative vehicles including the BUILD of Veterans Businesses Act (H.R. 8357). Black Knight Medical’s interests closely align with the coalition’s systemic advocacy agenda, suggesting potential partnership opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Black Knight Medical’s first-time lobbying effort comes as Congress reshapes VA procurement through legislation like the ARCA Act and SERV Act. While facing established competitors like First Nation Group LLC, the company benefits from strong bipartisan support for veteran entrepreneurs.

Success will depend on the lobbying firm navigating legislative changes and articulating clear value during VA operational modernization. Lobbyist John Leland Findlay’s lack of Capitol Hill experience poses challenges, but the company’s timing aligns with documented VA supply chain needs and congressional reform momentum.

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