VA Form 8824i: CAATS Contractor Access Request Form Guide

VA Form 8824i: CAATS Contractor Access Request Form Guide – If you are a contractor supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), especially through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, you may need secure access to the Centralized Administrative Accounting Transaction System (CAATS). VA Form 8824i, officially titled the CAATS Contractor Access Request Form, is the required document to request new access, modify existing permissions, or delete a user account in this critical financial system.

This SEO-optimized guide explains everything U.S. contractors need to know about VA Form 8824i, including who must use it, how to complete it accurately, where to submit it, and best practices for maintaining compliant access. All information is drawn from current official VA sources.

What Is VA Form 8824i?

VA Form 8824i is the official CAATS Contractor Access Request Form used by VA contractors to establish, modify, or remove access to the Centralized Administrative Accounting Transaction System (CAATS). CAATS is a web-based system owned by the VA Office of Information Technology and sponsored by the Office of Financial Management. It enables electronic input, approval, and processing of accounting source documents and transactions while enforcing internal controls, standardization, and separation of duties.

The form supports three primary actions:

  • Create a new CAATS user account (new customer)
  • Modify an existing account (e.g., update roles or stations)
  • Delete an existing account

Access is granted through Common Security Services (CSS) and requires supervisor-level approval via this form. Contractors who have not logged into CAATS for more than 90 days will have their accounts automatically deactivated.

Who Needs to Use VA Form 8824i?

VA Form 8824i is required for contractors (including third-party VR&E service providers) who need access to CAATS for official VA financial and accounting functions. Typical users include contractors supporting:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program operations
  • Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) invoicing, payment processing, and accounting tasks
  • National Cemetery Administration (NCA) administrative accounting functions

You need this form if your contract or task order requires you to initiate transactions, review records, or perform other accounting-related duties inside CAATS. VR&E personnel must verify and approve contractor access before it is granted. Only authorized contractors tied to specific obligation or contract numbers should request access.

Understanding the CAATS System and Contractor Access

CAATS improves efficiency and accountability for VA financial transactions. It serves as the automated system for entering and approving accounting documents before they interface with the Financial Management System (FMS). Contractors receive role-based access (primarily Initiator or Read Only) limited to specific VA stations and tied to their contract/obligation numbers.

Key roles include:

  • Initiator — Allows entry and submission of accounting transactions and source documents.
  • Read Only — Permits viewing of records and reports without the ability to make changes.

Access is strictly controlled. The Privacy Act Statement on the form cites authority under Title 38, United States Code, and Executive Order 9397. Providing the requested information is voluntary, but failure to do so prevents VA from processing your access request.

How to Download VA Form 8824i?

Always download the most current official version directly from the VA website to ensure you have the correct form and avoid outdated copies.

Official Download Links:

The current revision date listed on the official VA page is May 2014. The form itself is marked VA Form 8824i, May 2013. Both point to the same active document still in use as of 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 8824i

Download the PDF and complete it electronically if your PDF reader supports fillable fields, or print it and fill it legibly by hand. Only one action may be checked per form.

Section 1: Action Requested

Check only one box:

  • CREATE NEW CUSTOMER — For first-time access requests.
  • MODIFY EXISTING CUSTOMER — To update roles, stations, or other details on an existing account.
  • DELETE EXISTING CUSTOMER — To remove access entirely.

Section for CREATE NEW CUSTOMER

  • A. Full Name — Enter the contractor’s first and last name exactly as it should appear in the system.
  • Station Access Needed — List every VA station (regional office or facility) where access is required. For each station, provide the corresponding Obligation Number / Contract Number and select the appropriate Role (Initiator or Read Only). Multiple rows are available for additional stations.
  • C. Company — Full legal name of the contracting company or organization.
  • D. Address — Complete business mailing address.
  • E. City/State/ZIP — City, state, and ZIP code.
  • F. Telephone Number — Include area code.
  • G. Job Title/Department — Contractor’s specific job title and department.
  • H. Vendor Code (Tax Identification Number) — The company’s TIN or vendor code used for VA payment processing.

Section for MODIFY EXISTING CUSTOMER

In addition to the fields above, provide:

  • B. CAATS User ID (Email Address) — The email address associated with the existing CAATS account.

Section 3: Signatures

All requests require three levels of approval with dates:

  1. Requesting Official and Title — Usually the contractor’s supervisor or authorizing official.
  2. VR&E Official and Title — The VR&E representative who verifies the contractor’s need for access.
  3. CAATS Approving Official and Title — Final VA approval authority for CAATS access.

Important Note on the Form: “All access requested above will require approval before action can be completed. Send this form electronically to your VR&E representative. NOTE: Do not combine multiple staff in one email request.”

Where and How to Submit VA Form 8824i?

Submit the completed and signed form electronically (scanned PDF or filled PDF) directly to your assigned VR&E representative. Do not mail paper copies unless specifically instructed. Each contractor must be submitted individually — never combine multiple staff requests in a single email.

After submission:

  • Your VR&E official reviews and signs the form.
  • The CAATS Approving Official grants final approval.
  • You will receive notification once your account is created or updated and can access the system at the authorized CAATS portal (typically caats9.va.gov for VR&E third-party contractors).

Practical Tips for Completing VA Form 8824i Accurately

  • Gather all required contract details (obligation numbers, contract numbers, and station codes) from your contracting officer or COR before starting.
  • Use the exact legal company name and TIN that appears on your VA contract or vendor registration.
  • Request only the minimum access necessary (specific stations and appropriate role) to follow the principle of least privilege.
  • If modifying an existing account, have your current CAATS User ID (email) ready.
  • Double-check that all three signature blocks are completed with titles and dates.
  • Keep a copy of the submitted form and confirmation emails for your records.
  • If you need access to multiple stations, list every one clearly with its associated obligation/contract number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with VA Form 8824i

  • Checking more than one action box (new, modify, or delete).
  • Combining multiple contractors or staff on a single form or email submission.
  • Missing or incomplete obligation/contract numbers for requested stations.
  • Submitting without all required signatures (especially the VR&E official).
  • Using outdated versions of the form instead of downloading from va.gov.
  • Failing to follow up with your VR&E representative if you do not receive confirmation within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Requesting broader access than your contract actually requires.

Maintaining Your CAATS Access as a VR&E Contractor

Once approved, log in regularly to prevent automatic deactivation after 90 days of inactivity. If your contract ends or your role changes, promptly submit a new VA Form 8824i to modify or delete access. Notify your VR&E representative immediately of any changes in employment status, company affiliation, or contract details that affect your CAATS permissions.

Complete all required VA security awareness and role-based training through the Talent Management System (TMS) as directed by your VR&E or contracting points of contact.

Security Best Practices for VA Contractor Access

CAATS contains sensitive financial and veteran-related data. Contractors must:

  • Never share login credentials or allow others to use your account.
  • Use only VA-approved devices and networks when accessing the system.
  • Report any suspected security incidents immediately through official VA channels.
  • Follow all VA Directive and Handbook 6500 series requirements for information security.
  • Limit access requests to what is essential for your specific contract deliverables.

Helpful Resources and Related Official Sources

Here are trusted, current resources for VA contractors working with CAATS and VR&E programs:

Final Notes and Disclaimer

VA Form 8824i remains the required method for contractors to request CAATS access as of 2026. Processes and systems can be updated by VA at any time, so always verify you are using the latest form directly from va.gov and follow instructions from your specific VR&E representative or contracting officer.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official VA sources. It is not a substitute for official VA guidance or legal advice. For questions specific to your contract or access needs, contact your VR&E representative or VA contracting officer directly.

Proper use of VA Form 8824i helps ensure secure, compliant, and efficient access to the systems that support veterans’ benefits and services.