32581 Pharmacy Wholesaler RFP.2023 .pdf

State of Minnesota

MMCAP INFUSE, OFFICE OF STATE

PROCUREMENT

Request for Proposals (RFP) For

Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distribution Services

SPECIAL NOTICE: This is a request for proposal. It does not obligate the State of Minnesota or MMCAP Infuse to award a contract or complete the proposed program, and the State of Minnesota reserves the right to cancel this solicitation if it is considered in its best interest.

Minnesota’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The State of Minnesota is committed to diversity and inclusion in its public procurement process. The goal is to ensure that those providing goods and services to the State are representative of our Minnesota communities and include businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities. Creating broader opportunities for historically under-represented groups provides for additional options and greater competition in the marketplace, creates stronger relationships and engagement within our communities, and fosters economic development and equality.

To further this commitment, the Department of Administration operates a program for Minnesota-based small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities. For additional information on this program, or to determine eligibility, please call 651-296-2600 or go to www.mn.gov/admin/oep.

http://www.mn.gov/admin/oep

Request for Proposals for Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distribution Services

Proposal Due Date: April 13, 2023, by 2 p.m. Central Time

RFP Release Date March 2, 2023 Deadline for Questions March 30, 2023, 2 p.m. Central Time Final RFP Answers Posted April 4, 2023 Proposal Due Date April 13, 2023, 2 p.m. Central Time

SECTION 1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS

Steps for Completing Your Response

Follow the steps below to complete your response to this RFP:

Step 1: Read the solicitation document and ask questions, if any.

Step 2: Request RFP Data and Cost Proposal Worksheet by returning attestation that Responder meets the mandatory criteria.

Step 3: Write your response.

Step 4: Sign and submit your response.

Incomplete Submittals

A proposal must be submitted along with any required additional documents. Incomplete proposals that materially deviate from the required format and content may be rejected.

STEP 1 – READ THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT & ASK QUESTIONS, IF ANY

How to Ask Questions

Questions must be emailed to MMCAP_Infuse.RFP@state.mn.us by March 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. Central Time.

Questions will be responded to, via an addendum to this RFP, in batches as they arrive and will not be attributed to the asking entity. Similar questions may be combined with a single answer.

Other personnel are not authorized to answer questions regarding this RFP.

STEP 2 – SUBMIT ATTESTATION OF INTENT TO RESPOND

How to Access Data and Cost Proposal worksheet

Upon Responder’s submission of intent to respond, MMCAP Infuse will provide both the necessary supporting data and the Cost Proposal Worksheet.

To request access to supporting data and Cost Proposal Worksheet, submit a request by email to MMCAP_Infuse.RFP@state.mn.us, with the following subject line: Pharmaceutical Wholesaler RFP Usage Data.

When requesting access to supporting data and Cost Proposal Worksheet, Responder must also provide an attestation that they meet the mandatory criteria included in Section 2, paragraph 3 of this RFP, scored as “Pass/Fail”

Responders who do not provide the attestation or are not in a “pass” status for the mandatory criteria will not be eligible to receive the supporting data and Cost Proposal Worksheet.

If you do not receive the information within one business day, please resend your request.

mailto:MMCAP_Infuse.RFP@state.mn.us

RFP Data and Cost Proposal Worksheet The following will be available as supporting data for this RFP:

• MMCAP Infuse pharmaceutical purchases by state and month for state fiscal year 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)

• MMCAP Infuse pharmaceutical purchases by facility and month for state fiscal year 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)

• MMCAP Infuse pharmaceutical sales by GCN_SEQ number for state fiscal year 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)

• MMCAP Infuse pharmaceutical units sold by generic name for state fiscal year 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)

• MMCAP Infuse pharmaceutical sales by generic name for state fiscal year 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22)

• MMCAP Infuse current pharmaceutical purchasing members listing dated 2/23/2023

• MMCAP Infuse suppliers as of 1/1/2023

• MMCAP Infuse Reporting: Report Layout Files

STEP 3 – WRITE YOUR RESPONSE

Request for Proposals

(RFP)

In Section 3, insert your response to the questions as asked or provide content as requested.

By signing this response, your company is making a legal, binding offer for a contract to provide services to the State of Minnesota.

STEP 4 – SIGN & SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE

Documents making up a complete proposal

� Section 3:

� Responder’s Contact Information � Provide all required business applications or forms for setting up a new account � Vendor Technical Proposal � Attachment A: Top Customer Sheet � Attachment B: Customer Termination Sheet � Attachment C: Reference Sheet � Attachment D: Proposed Distribution Centers � Attachment E: MMCAP Infuse Contracted Suppliers � Attachment F: Ordering System Data Fields � Attachment G: Invoice Detail and Sample Invoice

� Section 4:

� 1-Cost Proposal Worksheet (in a separate document from the technical proposal)

� Section 5:

� Responder Certifications Acknowledgment � Exhibit A: General Requirements and Acknowledgement in Section 2.6 of the RFP Document � Exhibit B: Certification Regarding Lobbying � Exhibit C: Workforce Certificate Form � (if applicable) Exhibit D: Veteran Owned Preference

Where to Send Responses

Responder’s proposal should be sent in BOTH physical and email format.

All physical proposals must have Responder’s name and address written on the outside of the package. Proposals should be sent to:

Robbin Tschida MMCAP Infuse Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distributions Services RFP State of Minnesota, Department of Administration 50 Sherburne Avenue, Suite 112 Saint Paul, MN 55155

Submit three copies of the Technical Proposal Questionnaire, attachments, and exhibit forms.

Cost Proposal needs to be submitted electronic only.

Responder should also email an electronic proposal to MMCAP_Infuse.RFP@state.mn.us with “[Company Name] Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distribution RFP Response” in the subject line.

If your email is larger than the maximum allowed size, send your response in multiple emails. Use “[Company Name] Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distribution RFP Response Part [1] of [#]” in the Subject line.

Faxed responses will not be accepted.

Response Submission Deadline

Must be received no later than April 13, 2023, at 2 p.m. Central Time as indicated by a notation made by the Receptionist or email timestamp. Late proposals will not be considered. All costs incurred in responding to this RFP will be borne by the responder.

mailto:MMCAP_Infuse.RFP@state.mn.us

SECTION 2 – RFP PROJECT INFORMATION

1. Description of Project

MMCAP Infuse (MMCAP Infuse) is a national cooperative purchasing group serving thousands of state, county, and local government facilities across the United States. MMCAP Infuse is operated by the State of Minnesota (State) Department of Administration’s Office of State Procurement (OSP) and is governed by Minnesota laws and procurement policies.

MMCAP Infuse Members are governmental agencies and political subdivisions throughout all fifty (50) states.

For more information on MMCAP Infuse and its membership, visit www.infuse-mn.gov (Members or Membership). Membership is available to government-operated facilities, and the extent to which a Member participates in the program is voluntary. Membership includes a diverse set of facilities, but is primarily made up of the follow following classes of trade:

• Correctional facilities

• Psychiatric treatment facilities

• Public hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

• Public health clinics

• Primary and higher education

• Emergency responders

• Harm reduction clinics and facilities

MMCAP Infuse requests proposals for Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Distribution Services. The distribution process must be efficient, reliable, and secure. MMCAP Infuse conducts a public solicitation using fair and open competition to contract with Responders.

The annual collective purchasing power of the Membership exceeded $1.7 billion amongst three (3) incumbent Vendors and is anticipated to continue to grow. MMCAP Infuse is issuing this RFP to establish multiple contracts with qualified pharmaceutical wholesalers to provide full-service pharmaceutical distribution to its Membership (Authorized Wholesaler). Responders are expected to distribute a full portfolio of prescription pharmaceuticals (branded, generic, and over the counter), nutritional products, routine vaccines (all vaccines except influenza), diabetic supplies, some specialty or limited distribution medication, dispensing vials and containers, and participate in 340B distribution.

In addition to Responder’s offering, MMCAP Infuse facilitates an RFP for its own contracts with pharmaceutical and over the counter (OTC) manufacturers (Contracted Suppliers); these products (Contract Product(s)) are awarded annually as a result of that solicitation. Responders are expected to load these Contracted Products and stock when Member demand supports it. MMCAP Infuse reserves the right to work with its Contracted Suppliers during the RFP process to verify information related to Responders’ proposals. In certain limited or alternative distribution models, other distributors may also serve as wholesalers or suppliers. This RFP is designed to expand offerings to MMCAP Infuse Members. This RFP cannot be used as a procurement vehicle by which the Responder and Member enter into their own standalone agreement.

MMCAP Infuse does not guarantee that an awarded Authorized Wholesaler will be selected by any state to provide distribution services. Each state will make its selection internally. MMCAP Infuse will provide each state a personalized financial scorecard demonstrating the overall state savings. These savings will be calculated using the Authorized Wholesaler’s discount offerings and generic source program pricing (if made available to Members) and will be based on actual purchases from the previous twelve (12) months within that state.

MMCAP Infuse expects the Responder to load MMCAP Infuse pricing without a markup. Contract solutions that have not historically been used will be considered during contract negotiations if provided in the RFP response.

Awarded Responders may be asked to provide a “best and final offering” during negotiations. MMCAP Infuse anticipates entering into contracts for an initial two (2)-year term, with an option to extend three (3) additional years in increments determined by MMCAP Infuse.

http://www.infuse-mn.gov/

Definitions

Account and Field Management Team – a dedicated team of customer service personnel responsible for ensuring an optimum experience for and conduct quarterly business reviews with Members.

Cost of Goods Discounts – service fee discounts provided by the wholesaler as reflected in the cost of goods matrix.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – inter-process (computer to computer application) communication of business information in a standardized electronic format.

State Contact – procurement and pharmacy professionals designated by MMCAP Infuse Member States as experts on state-specific issues that act as liaisons between Members and MMCAP Infuse. More information about state contacts and roles can be found at https://infuse-mn.gov/resources/state-contacts/index.jsp.

Senior Healthcare Consultants (SHC) – the MMCAP Infuse team of experienced field-based healthcare professionals who work to strengthen current Member relationships and develop new ones. SHCs provide front-line support to State Contacts and Members to ensure the best possible value and experience.

Shareback – MMCAP Infuse returns all unused administrative fees collected from suppliers to our Members based upon their purchases. This shareback is provided in the form of a wholesaler credit.

https://infuse-mn.gov/resources/state-contacts/index.jsp

2. Scope of Work and Services (SOW)

The SOW for this RFP will be developed using the responses to the Technical Proposal Questionnaire. The following is a non-exhaustive list of many of the expected tasks:

1. Provide prescription and OTC medications, various pharmacy supplies, and support services related to pharmacy operations;

2. Pick, pack, and ship medications in a manner complaint with state and federal regulations;

3. Transport medications in a manner ensuring appropriate storage, as recommended by the manufacturer;

4. Provide customer service, including account management for both MMCAP Infuse and its Members;

5. Provide inventory management, including stocking MMCAP Infuse Contract Products, management of stock outages, manufacturer backorders, shift demands, and service levels;

6. Ensure MMCAP Infuse Contract Products are available to Members, including timely price loading, price accuracy auditing, contract file change processing (product additions and deletions), convenience contract coordination, and updating products from the annual bid roll (period of transition from old to new product changes resulting from the MMCAP Infuse annual multisource Pharmaceutical and OTC RFP);

7. Coordinate member utilization of the 340B drug program pricing and stocking;

8. Make available an online ordering system that can perform the following on behalf of the Member:

order placement, auto-substitution, order analysis, order confirmation, and controlled substance ordering;

9. Coordinate special orders on behalf of members, including emergency preparedness stockpiling orders;

10. Supply full cycle delivery support for routine deliveries, drop-shipments, special products, bulky items, and emergency orders;

11. Administer operational support, including device package rentals for annual inventory, training, back-up services, and labeling;

12. Maintain Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance;

13. Ensure contract compliance, including on-contract purchasing;

14. Accurately invoice customers, including credits and rebills, chargebacks, product returns, reverse distribution, and recalls;

15. Arrange onboarding support for facility implementations and transitions;

16. Maintain business interruption planning;

17. Provide reporting for both MMCAP Infuse and its Members; and

18. Distribute the MMCAP Infuse annual Shareback to Members in the form a wholesaler credit to the appropriate accounts according to MMCAP Infuse.

In addition to the tasks or activities set forth above, Responders are encouraged to propose additional tasks or activities if they will substantially improve the delivery of services. These items should be separated from the required items on the Cost Proposal (Section 4).

3. Minimum Qualifications Required (Pass/Fail)

• Responder will provide evidence of $750 million or more in annual revenue from pharmaceutical distribution services.

• Responder will provide evidence it is able to serve and meet state regulatory requirements for at least five (5) entire geographic States.

• Responder has provided confirmation they have achieved NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation;

formerly a Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD).

4. Response Evaluation

Responses will first be reviewed to confirm compliance with the minimum qualifications identified above.

Responses that meet all the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated in accordance with the following:

Factors Percentage Corporate Overview and Stewardship 2% Account Management and Customer Service 5% New Accounts and Implementation 4% Inventory Management & Systems 10% Managing MMCAP Infuse Contracted Suppliers 8% Ordering Process 7% Picking and Delivery 8% Invoicing and Payment 5% Returns and Recalls 2% Additional Programs 2% Drug Supply Chain Security Act – DSCSA 2% Contract Compliance 10% Reporting 5% Available Products and Cost 30%

Preferences

• 6% Minnesota Certified Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged Preference

• 6% Veteran-Owned Preference

• 6% Minnesota Resident Vendor Preference

Responses will be evaluated by a team of MMCAP Infuse staff, MMCAP Infuse advisory board members, and/or staff from Member facilities. Each evaluator will read all proposals that have passed the minimum qualifications.

MMCAP Infuse reserves the right to require a demonstration of capabilities and/or ordering systems via in-person meetings, webinar, or other such mechanism.

Any award that may result from this solicitation will be based upon the total accumulated points as established in the solicitation. MMCAP Infuse reserves the right to award this solicitation to a single Responder, or to multiple Responders, whichever is in the best interest of the State and MMCAP Infuse, provided each Responder is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the solicitation. MMCAP Infuse reserves the right to accept all or part of an offer, to reject all offers, to cancel the solicitation, or to reissue the solicitation, whichever is in the best interest of the State and MMCAP Infuse. If a Responder with an active contract with MMCAP Infuse is awarded as a result of this RFP, MMCAP Infuse reserves the right to amend the active contract to include the scope of this RFP rather than issue a brand-new document.

5. MMCAP Infuse Rights Reserved/Pre-Proposal Meeting/Background Checks/Budget A. Reject any and all responses;

B. Waive or modify any informalities, irregularities, or inconsistencies in the responses;

C. Negotiate with the highest scoring Responder[s];

D. Terminate negotiations and select the next response providing the best value for the State;

E. Short-list the highest scoring Responder[s];

F. Require Responder[s] to conduct presentations, demonstrations, or submit samples;

G. Award by item (including category, location, etc.), by groups of items, or all items, therefore, the

Responder is encouraged to offer a response for all items;

H. Award by location;

I. Interview key personnel or references; and J. Request a best and final offer from one or more Responders.

6. Alterations or Additions to the State’s General Terms If you wish to take an exception to the State’s General Terms (see Exhibit A), please indicate that below and attach any appropriate documentation.

☐None

☐See attached document detailing proposed alterations and/or additions to the State’s General Terms.

By signing, I acknowledge that the above-named responder accepts, without qualification, all terms and conditions stated in this solicitation (including the sample contract) except those clearly outlined as exceptions above.

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Printed Name: _________________________________________________

Title: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________

SECTION 3 – VENDOR RESPONSE

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the information requested below.

1. Responder’s designation as either national (50 states) or regional distribution services to MMCAP Infuse

Members. A Responder proposing service in a regional area must identify whole (not partial) states it is able to service with a full range of services to all requesting Members within the service area.

Indicate whether Responder is proposing national or regional distribution.

a. _____ National

b. _____ Regional

2. Provide: all required business applications or forms a Member is required to submit for setting up a new account (e.g., credit application, software license, returns certification, etc.).

3. Responder’s Contact Information Company Information

Company's Full Legal Name:

Business Address:

Company Website:

Federal Employer Identification Number:

Company Contacts

Wholesaler's Authorized Representative Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Contract Manger Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

National Account Manger Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Administrative Fee Contact Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Contract Eligibility & Membership Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

General Customer Service Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Functional Contacts Contract issues/discrepancies

(product stocking, product loading, pricing):

Title:

E-Mail Address:

Class of trade issues (contract eligibility, denials, etc.):

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Issues concerning MMCAP Infuse’s invoice auditing:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Data/reporting issues:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Shareback fee process:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Cost of Goods discounts:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

DSCSA:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Accounts receivable:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Accounts Payable:

Title:

In the event the Primary Account Representative is non-responsive

Contact:

Title:

E-Mail Address:

Field Management Team North East Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

South East Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

North Central Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

South Central Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

North West Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

South West Region Contact:

Title:

Telephone Number:

E-Mail Address:

States Covered:

Additional Regional Contacts:

Title:

Telephone Number:

States Covered:

4. Pass/Fail Criteria

Does Responder comply with each term?

Yes No Criteria Proposals must be received on or before the due date and time specified in this solicitation.

Responder will provide evidence of $750 million or more in annual revenue from pharmaceutical distribution services.

Responder will provide evidence it is able to serve and meet state regulatory requirements for at least five (5) entire geographic states.

Responder has provided confirmation they have achieved NABP Drug Distributor

Accreditation; formerly a Verified-Accredited Wholesaler Distributor (VAWD).

5. Technical Proposal Questionnaire

Responder must follow the narrative order, with the Responder providing an answer to every question. DO NOT submit a proposal response that deviates from or alters the Technical Proposal Questionnaire. The Responder’s answers should be placed below the question; completing tables as provided and including any specific information requests. Responders will only be scored on the information stated in the response. Do not direct or refer evaluators to the company website for information, unless explicitly requested. Direction to a company website will be considered non-responsive.

All specific amounts related to fees must be included in the Cost Proposal. DO NOT list any fee information in the Technical Proposal response.

CATEGORY 1: CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND STEWARDSHIP

1. Provide a detailed description of the Responder’s company, including history, acquisition of other distributors, number of consecutive years of pharmaceutical distribution, accreditations, organizational structure, services provided, current volume of products sold, current classes of trade serviced, and its industry market share in the United States.

2. Provide a complete breakdown of the Responder’s subsidiaries that would provide services and products to our Members. If these subsidiaries operate under a separate Federal Employer identification Number (FEIN), please provide the FEIN for each applicable subsidiary.

3. Identify all types of services that are currently outsourced or subcontracted, the name of each vendor/partner, and the length of the relationship. How are these vendors selected and what is expected of outsourced service providers?

4. If the Responder also manufactures products, or partners with manufacturers to offer a private label brand of generics or OTCs, please provide more information on the private label brand. Include how these manufacturers are vetted, what types of products are included, and how these items are identified in the ordering system if the manufacturer offers their own line of products.

5. Describe the Responder’s history and familiarity with MMCAP Infuse. Why is the Responder a good fit for the MMCAP Infuse program? Complete Attachment A: Top Customer Sheet

6. Describe any green initiatives Responder has put in place to reduce its environmental impact.

7. Disclose any involvement by the Responder in any business litigation within the past five (5) years involving governmental entities and/or any legal proceedings that would limit Responder’s ability to provide products and services to MMCAP Infuse and its Members. Failure to disclose this may constitute grounds for rejection of any proposal or termination of any contract.

8. In the last three (3) years, has the Responder, including any of its officers, agents, or employees received a warning letter, formal supplier complaint, been disciplined, or had a license, registration, certification, or any similar business authorization suspended or revoked for any reason? If so, provide the following details: regulatory body, date of incident/letter, summary of the incident/letter, and action(s) taken by Responder to resolve the issue(s).

9. Has the Responder ever experienced a cybersecurity incident or ransomware attack? If yes, briefly explain the situation and what actions were taken to address the issue and prevent future incidents.

10. Describe the safeguards (procedures, training programs, etc.) Responder has in place to protect Members’ data from a cyberattack or other data breach. Describe the cybersecurity contingency plans Responder has in place to ensure Members would still be able to place orders and receive product in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Does Responder engage outside consultants for these services or is it managed internally?

11. Explain Responder’s use of safeguards such as encryption, antivirus, and anti-malware programs.

Identify whether Responder uses secure email or any procedures to work against the possibility of impersonation of customers or Responder’s employees.

CATEGORY 2: ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

12. Is the Responder willing to designate an Account and Field Management Team for MMCAP Infuse and its Members? If so, what are the expected credentials or experience?

13. What are the primary responsibilities of the Responder’s Account and Field Management Team? What other customer obligations outside of MMCAP Infuse (i.e., servicing non-Members and other GPOs) would someone on the team be expected to perform? What percentage of their time would be devoted to MMCAP Infuse?

14. How does the Responder empower their Account and Field Management Team to encourage them to serve in a solution-oriented manner and give them the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Responder?

15. Describe Responder’s ability to track Member concerns and provide accountability to ensure timely and comprehensive problem resolution so they do not continue happening.

16. Complete Attachment B: Customer Termination Sheet and Complete Attachment C: Reference Sheet

17. Describe the Responder’s escalation procedures to address Account and Field Management Team issues of non-responsiveness or non-performance.

18. Provide the metrics that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the Account and Field Management Team.

19. Will Responder’s Field Management Team be required to live in their territory? What are the travel expectations to service Members when the Field Management Team lives inside or outside their territory?

20. Describe Responder’s use of technology to improve the Member experience. Does Responder have a formal process for reviewing Member feedback for process improvements and system change requests?

21. What measurement tools does the Responder use to evaluate its own performance in meeting the needs of customers and tracking issues through to resolution?

22. Complete the table below, identifying the minimum frequency of contact, as well as contact methods (phone call, virtual business review, in person business review, etc.) Responder will provide to Members.

Average Monthly Purchasing Volume

Frequency of Contact with MMCAP Infuse Member

Type of Contact

$0 - $25,000

$25,001 - $50,000

$50,001 - $75,000

$75,001 - $100,000

$100,001 and Up

State Purchasing Contact

23. Does the Responder have a dedicated customer service department responding to phone calls, emails, and/or electronic message inquiries? Please explain.

24. Does the Responder offer a call center with operational hours that cover all U.S. time zones, including Alaska and Hawaii, during normal business hours? What are the normal business hours?

25. What is the Responder’s approach to customer service inquiries during non-operational hours? How and when do you respond to them?

26. Describe Responder’s after-hours emergency capabilities.

27. Describe how Responder will provide technical support for ordering.

28. Provide a brief summary of Responder’s policies/procedures on resolving complaints, disputes, and grievances arising from MMCAP Infuse and its Members.

29. MMCAP Infuse expects Responder to encourage a collaborative relationship between the Authorized

Wholesaler’s Account and Field Management Team, the MMCAP Infuse SHC team, and Members.

Describe how Responder will organizationally support this effort?

30. Describe how Responder will support business development opportunities, utilizing shared engagement strategies with SHCs and the appropriate state specific contact(s), to increase the use of MMCAP Infuse Contracted Suppliers.

31. Describe how the Field Management Team will work in collaboration with the SHC team to meet and exceed Members’ expectations. Include the process for coordinating face-to-face meetings and quarterly business reviews with State Contacts and larger volume Members.

32. How will Responder track the touches (business reviews, meetings, communications, etc.) between its Field Management Team, Members, and SHCs? Please describe how this tracking will be used to improve Member experience and ensure contract compliance.

33. What level of contact with a Member constitutes a quarterly business review? What are the standard reports the Field Management Team includes and what issues will be discussed?

34. How does Responder survey its customers to identify customer service deficiencies? How does Responder utilize the results to devise an action plan to remedy the situation?

35. What are the minimum qualifications and experience of Responder’s Account Management Team working with MMCAP Infuse staff?

36. Given that Members can opt to select an alternative pharmaceutical distribution services contract during the contract period, answer the following:

A. How would Responder work to achieve a smooth hand-off?

B. How long would a Member maintain access to DSCSA transaction data?

C. How long would accounts remain open for product returns?

D. How soon would funds be returned to the Member on account credit balances?

E. What would happen to reverse distribution credits sent to the former wholesaler?

CATEGORY 3: NEW ACCOUNTS AND IMPLEMENTATION

37. What is the Responder’s timeline to establish new accounts? How long after the Responder receives all required documents and paperwork will the new account be set up for deliveries?

38. If the Responder requires a credit application, is the Responder willing to modify it for the government sector?

39. Describe how Responder will onboard new Members and transition current Members to Responder. Are there any differences between new accounts being set up during a Responder’s initial transition period after the agreement is signed from those set up after the transition period, but during the awarded contract term?

40. What is Responder’s normal process time for transitioning Members not previously served by Responder? Transition means that the new facility will be ready to begin placing and receiving orders even though the contract has not yet reached the effective date. What would be the expected timing for completion to be at 100% operating level?

41. How will Responder ensure DEA quotas for controlled substances are appropriately shifted from the Member’s previous wholesaler?

42. Describe how Responder is able to facilitate online account set up. What is required of the Member?

43. How will the Responder ensure new Members are attached to the appropriate contract pricing for both supplier-driven and GPO-driven contracts at time of set up?

44. Define the process used to identify new accounts internally for Responder to ensure sales data is being sent to MMCAP Infuse?

45. How will Responder determine stocking levels for new accounts during onboarding? What information is required from the Member to ensure adequate stocking levels at the go-live date?

46. Describe the resources Responder proposes to make available in order to meet the implementation satisfaction requirement of a 100% operating level for those Members the Responder will service. Include in this description an implementation timeline, tasks to be completed, training availability criteria for Members, and how Responder will provide an inventory of MMCAP Infuse negotiated products (Contract(ed) Products) sufficient to meet the needs of Members from the beginning of the MMCAP Infuse contracting period.

47. What training does Responder provide to new Member accounts to promote efficient and effective pharmacy operations? Are there any facility size or purchasing requirements to receive training from Responder? Is training available on an ongoing basis?

CATEGORY 4: INVENTORY MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS

48. Starting from receipt of MMCAP Infuse’s contract file, describe how Responder will have Contracted

Products loaded and viewable in its ordering system, as well as the strategy used to stock and manage inventory at each of its distribution center(s).

49. Describe how the Responder will sufficiently stock and maintain inventory for Contracted Products throughout the year. How often are par levels recalculated for each distribution center?

50. Describe how the Responder will appropriately stock and shift Contract Product inventory prior to the annual MMCAP Infuse generic bid roll. What is required of MMCAP Infuse to make this process successful? What resources and timeline will Responder provide to this process?

51. Describe how Responder will devise viable solutions to mitigate or eliminate potential barriers to meeting the requirement to adequately stock Contract Products.

52. How will Responder proactively help MMCAP Infuse identify Contract Products that are on short-term and long-term backorder? How will Responder proactively help Members do the same?

53. How will Responder notify MMCAP Infuse or Members of potential product shortages or backorders that may affect them?

54. Identify the required steps and timeline associated with providing an out-of-stock or non-stocked Contract Product to a Member, assuming the product is not on manufacturer backorder.

55. If the Responder does a physical inventory and determines it has no inventory of a Contract Product and the stock outage was created by the Responder, describe, in detail, what remedy(ies) would be provided by the Responder to a Member?

A. Would Responder provide failure to supply penalty on the difference on the price of the product the Member had to purchase and the cost of the non-stocked generic?

56. Describe the Responder’s process to fulfill Member specific one-time special buys for stockpiling/emergency preparedness purchases.

57. How is Responder able to accommodate Member requests to order case quantities or large quantities of identical lot numbers and product expiration dates? What is the timeline for such requests?

58. Identify the average number days of inventory available by individual distribution center(s), including any larger central distribution centers, if applicable. How has this changed after the pandemic to address unexpected supply chain disruptions?

59. How does Responder stock nutritional products to meet customer demand? Are there any limitations or differences in Responder’s ability to comply with stocking requirements for bulky products for government Members?

60. When loading nutritional products into Responder’s ordering system, how does the Responder account for products with the same formulation that differ in package presentation? Common package differences include products that have multiple sizes but the same NDC/manufacturer part numbers for a case or an individual container. If a product has a UPC/NDC on both the individual bottle and the case, will Responder load both UPCs/NDCs or just the salable case? How will Responder ensure these types of products are loaded correctly?

61. What is Responder doing to proactively address supply chain concerns?

62. How will the Responder attempt to remedy product shortages?

63. Describe, in detail, how Responder will allocate items that are on backorder. Will allocation be calculated by NDC, Generic Code Number (GCN), or some other mechanism? If a Member does not have a purchasing history, how would that Member be allocated? Would you assist the Member in obtaining alternative like products?

64. How will Responder acquire and provide substitute products for Members as an alternative to temporarily out of stock products? What is the expected time frame to receive an alternative?

65. Describe when Responder is willing to move product between distribution centers to manage inventory needs. How quickly can product be moved? Complete Attachment D: Proposed Distribution Centers

66. How will manufacturer-discontinued products be verified by Responder? How will these items be differentiated for Members from those that are just no longer stocked at a distribution center? How will these be communicated to MMCAP Infuse?

67. Describe how the Responder will support MMCAP Members’ physical inventory requests, including options for onsite assistance. Describe access point(s) to request the service support, lead time recommendations for reserving devices to be used in performing the inventory, availability of and options for supplying shelf labels and any lead time requirements for Responder’s staff to be scheduled for onsite support of a physical inventory.

Online Ordering System Provide a temporary access link to Responder’s ordering system for use by the MMCAP Infuse RFP evaluators to review and validate functionality in comparison to MMCAP Infuse RFP.

68. Does the Responder’s online order entry system have the capacity to provide real-time inventory stock status? If not, how often is this information updated for the Members to see?

69. How does the online ordering system identify products on allocation? How will the Member know how much allocated product they should expect to receive and when they would receive it?

70. Describe the process when a Member places an order for products that are on manufacturer backorder.

What are the benefits of a Member placing a backorder with the Responder?

71. What happens when Responder’s online system’s inventory shows more than the actual physical inventory and product will be shorted? How does Responder determine which order will be shorted and how will the Member be notified? How does this impact the invoice?

72. How often does Responder do cycle counts and physical inventory? How does Responder ensure this has a minimal impact on its customers?

73. If a backordered product has a price change during the period a Member is waiting to have their backorder fulfilled, will the Member be charged the price at the time of order or the price at the time of shipping?

74. MMCAP Infuse currently sends an action file (adds, deletes, changes, etc.) to Responder on a weekly basis, along with a full contract file. How will Responder use the MMCAP Infuse contract file to ensure proper Contract Product inventory is available at each distribution center? Besides the action file, what further information is needed to provide ongoing adequate stock of Contract Products at each distribution center when products shift throughout the year?

75. Describe how the Responder will create and maintain MMCAP Infuse non-ordering accounts for MMCAP Infuse staff. Does the system have any limitations that prevent more than one MMCAP Infuse staff member from using the same non-order account at the same time? If so, please identify solutions.

Shift Demands

76. Describe how Responder will manage shift demand when:

A. A brand product goes generic.

B. A sole generic has another generic entry to the market with the same packaging size.

C. Another generic enters the market with a different packaging size, or a unit dose formulation becomes available.

D. A product has a significantly different seasonal purchasing pattern (e.g., oseltamivir during the influenza season).

77. How does the Responder manage inventory for unanticipated increases, where orders exceed the prior

30-day usage by 150%, which may happen with government entities placing large orders at the end of a fiscal year?

78. Describe Responder’s shift demand strategy to assist MMCAP Infuse and its Members in obtaining timely access to first-time generics and therapeutically equivalent alternatives.

79. Describe Responder’s shift demand process when an item is dual-awarded and a price change shifts a generic Contracted Products from lower to higher price. How quickly will Responder be able to adjust par levels?

80. How will Responder ensure that newly added generic Contracted Products are incorporated into the shift demand process? How will Responder incorporate the shift demand when the Contracted Product is competing with Responder’s generic source program?

81. How does Responder propose managing and automating these shift demand processes and providing updates for MMCAP Infuse and its Members? Include a metric or set of metrics to measure the success of Responder’s processes.

Shelf Life

82. Is the Responder willing to only provide products to Members that have a shelf life of six (6) months or longer? Please disclose any exceptions.

83. Describe the Responder’s quality control process for reviewing shelf-life requirements in order to avoid issuing shipments of short-dated products to Members.

84. Describe how Responder alerts Members of short-dated products at the time of ordering, including times when Responder might have both short-dated and longer-dated products available. In that instance, which product would ship?

85. Describe how the Responder will reach out to the Member to verify their willingness to accept short-dated product rather than have the order go unfulfilled.

CATEGORY 5: MANAGING MMCAP INFUSE CONTRACTED SUPPLIERS (SUPPLIER)

86. Please complete Attachment E: MMCAP Infuse Contracted Suppliers of this RPF, which details the current list of Contracted Suppliers. Do you have relationships with all the listed vendors? If not, disclose which ones and if you plan to establish a relationship.

87. How and when will Responder notify MMCAP Infuse and its Members if Responder and a Contracted Supplier terminate their distribution agreement during the contract cycle? How will Responder ensure Members have adequate product to meet patient needs?

88. In certain situations, Contract Products and Responder-contracted products on a wholesaler source program have the same NDC (ex: private label products). Describe the method(s) that Responder will employ to help distinguish Contract Products versus Responder’s private label products.

89. What performance metrics does the Responder propose to measure pricing and Contract Product accuracy?

90. Describe Responder’s process and timeline for chargebacks. List exceptions, if any, to sending a supplier a chargeback.

91. Describe Responder’s process and timeline when a chargeback is denied. How does Responder propose coordinating responsibilities with MMCAP Infuse to resolve chargeback denials?

92. Identify and describe Responder’s policy and timelines for credits and rebills, including remedies to limit those that negatively impact Members. Does the policy differ depending on the reason for the incorrect price being charged initially?

93. What is Responder’s current rate of credits/rebills from October to December 2022? For calendar year 2022? How does that compare to the industry average?

94. What actions does Responder take to minimize the number of credits/rebills that all customers (book of business) receive?

95. How and when does the Responder notify the Member when a credit/rebill has occurred? How is this reflected for the business office to correctly pay invoices?

96. How far back can Responder submit a credit/rebill to a Manufacturer? If it varies by manufacturer, please provide details.

97. Describe how a Member’s Contract Product purchase where no chargeback is generated (i.e. contract price is WAC-0%), is identified for the Contracted Supplier by the Responder.

A. What kind of product detail information does the Responder provide to the Contracted Supplier to validate and pay the contract administration fees that are due to MMCAP Infuse?

B. Is the Contracted Supplier charged a fee for special reporting for Member purchase data?

C. What steps are necessary for a Contracted Supplier to obtain the appropriate reporting?

98. How are GPO-driven contracts managed as opposed to Contracted Supplier-driven contracts, and what information or data is needed from MMCAP Infuse to ensure correct contract attachment for all Members?

99. Describe Responder’s ability to open and manage multiple member accounts. Is the Responder able to and willing to create separate accounts for MMCAP Infuse, 340B, WAC only, or other specific needs requested by a Member?

A. What strategies will the Responder use to ensure the management of multiple accounts is simple and streamlined?

B. How will this information be visible in the ordering system and communicated in the reported data?

100. How does Responder manage Members with multiple GPOs? Does Responder require one GPO be loaded to one account or can it be Contracted Supplier- or item-specific as to which price is loaded? How would sales data be reported and admin fees calculated on purchases for these Members? How would data reporting be managed for these transactions?

101. How would Responder ensure contract attachment for all Members? What is your process? How do you notify a member and MMCAP Infuse if a Member is removed from the contract?

102. Describe how the Responder will load contracts with suppliers that Members have negotiated on their own. What is required of the Member?

103. How can the Member verify attachment to any specific contract through the Responder’s online ordering system?

104. How can MMCAP Infuse verify attachment to a particular account?

105. If a verified Member has not been receiving pricing, what is the procedure and timeline for reattaching that Member to MMCAP Infuse Contract pricing? How are previous purchases handled?

106. What support will the Responder commit to for Contracted Supplier declaration form management?

107. Some manufacturers may limit product purchases to specific facilities for political purposes. How will

Responder ensure Members can still access these products for legitimate medical needs? Include any forms a Member may be required to sign.

108. How does the Responder process Contracted Supplier blocks after a chargeback is denied? Will Responder block only the item in question, all items on that manufacturer contract, or all items from the manufacturer?

A. What type of notification will the Responder provide MMCAP Infuse?

B. What amount of time will MMCAP Infuse be afforded to investigate the Contracted Supplier block?

109. What percentage of supplier contracts does Responder receive via EDI? What percentage of Contracted Supplier contracts are received via EDI? What steps is Responder taking to move suppliers to electronic methods?

110. How quickly does Responder load product and pricing changes so they are visible on the online ordering platform for Contracted Suppliers that submit contracts via EDI? For Contracted Suppliers that submit an Excel spreadsheet?

CATEGORY 6: ORDERING PROCESS

111. Describe the different ordering methods (e.g., online, fax, EDI, phone, etc.) Members can utilize to place orders through Responder. Include minimum technical requirements for access to internet/web-based platform(s), as well as mobile technologies that can be made available to Members and describe the corresponding technology installation and security considerations.

112. Describe Responder’s previous experience, capability, and willingness to provide an interface that allows for a “punch-out” option between a state procurement system and Responder’s ordering system. Are there any “installation” charges? How often can inventory status be updated in this type of ordering interface?

113. What equipment/software is available to Members to make the ordering process as simple and accurate as possible? Are there any costs to MMCAP Infuse or the Member?

114. How do Members receive confirmation of their orders? What happens if a product listed on the order confirmation gets shorted to the Member at time of pick, pack, and ship?

115. How will MMCAP Infuse Contract Products be clearly identified in Responder’s online ordering system?

How are products ranked? What is the default?

116. Complete Attachment F: Ordering System Data Fields and describe how the Responder will meet the expectations of providing the line items for the Members.

117. What tools are available in Responder’s ordering or reporting systems to proactively provide Members with access to order analyses for cost efficiency (comparisons between brand and generics), contract compliance, and auditing?

118. Describe how Responder’s ordering system is able to restrict the ordering of products (e.g., only vaccines, no controlled substances, etc.) for Members. What restrictions are available at an individual level (e.g., ordering by Member staff restricted to ordering OTCs, naloxone, etc.)?

Controlled Substances

119. Describe Responder’s…