P01 - Combined Synopsis-Solicitation First Fill.docx

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested.

(ii) The solicitation number is 36C24123Q0685_2 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(iii) A statement that the solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-06.

(iv) This solicitation is set aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). The associated NAICS code is 524114 for Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers with a size standard of $47.0M.

(v) The Government intends to award a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for five (5) years. The Contractor shall provide all supervision and personnel to perform all aspects of the Statement of Work. Services will be provided for the Medical Centers, Community Based Out-Patient Clinics (CBOCs) and Mobile Coach locations in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1. Please see the Statement of Work, Price Schedule, and Evaluation sections below for further details and submission requirements.

(vi) Please read through the Evaluation Process carefully and send anything required when submitting quotations.

Statement of Work

Background:

The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1 Medical Centers, Community Based Out-Patient Clinics (CBOCs) and Mobile Coach Locations have a requirement for First Fill (Emergency) prescription fulfillment services. The intent is to award a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a performance period of five years from date of award.

Historical Quantities:

The following table identifies the number of prescriptions filled on an urgent/emergent basis in support of the VISN 1 facilities over a twelve-month period. POP from 03-01-2022 to 02-28-2023.

Scope of Service:

1. The contractor shall provide pharmaceutical products and services to VA Veterans eligible for pharmaceutical services seen at VISN 1 Medical Centers.

a. These services shall include the dispensing of pharmaceuticals when clinic professional staff determine that the need for pharmaceutical(s) is emergent, and it is in the best interest of patient care. The government is obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases made under the BPA in accordance with the following:

· All medications and vaccines listed on the VA National Drug Formulary (https://www.vanf.app/) will be covered and shall be limited to a maximum of a 7-day supply.

· Non-formulary anticoagulant medications will be covered and shall be limited to a maximum of a 7-day supply.

· Non-formulary medications with a total fill cost less than $100.00 will be covered and shall be limited to a maximum of a 7-day supply.

· Antibiotics may be filled for acute care normal course of therapy.

· Any instance where the minimum dispensing unit (vial, inhaler) as prescribed exceeds the 7 day limit, the unit will be dispensed.

· Prescriptions filled under this BPA must be filled using the least expensive AB rated generic equivalent drug product the pharmacy has in stock. The formulary list has inclusion of these generic name drugs.

· Prescription requests for medications not meeting the above criteria will require a prior authorization approval by a designated individual prior to filling by the Prime Vendors in network pharmacy.

· A list of designated individuals will be provided to the contractor for completing prior-authorization approvals. If the prior-authorization process for a specific site differs for weekends/after hours, the contractor will be provided the prior-authorization process for weekends/after hours.

· Veterans shall not be charged a prescription or medication co-pay.

b. Only prescriptions from VA authorized practitioners may be filled under the BPA and reimbursed.

· The contractor must review all prescriptions to ensure that the prescriber is a VA authorized practitioner. VA authorized providers will be authorized for all stations listed in this BPA.

· Prescriptions from non-VA authorized practitioners may not be filled under the BPA and will not be reimbursed.

· The VA shall not be responsible for payment for drugs not on the VA National formulary even if ordered by a VA authorized practitioner unless prior authorization has taken place, or it is listed as an exception in this BPA.

c. Customer will review retroactive requests for exceptions only if the emergent prescription need was presented at the contract pharmacy during the hours that the VA Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy was closed.

d. Prescriptions should be filled within three (3) hours. If the prescription cannot be filled within three (3) hours, the provider/patient should be notified and/or the prescription transferred to another Prime Vendor pharmacy in network. Note Veteran’s preference to go to another Prime Vendor network pharmacy should be at his/her/their discretion.

e. The filling of prescriptions will be inclusive of patient medication profile review and proper filling and labeling in accordance with standard pharmacy practices and state law/regulation/requirements.

f. Medication errors, adverse drug reactions or allergy reactions related to medications dispensed under this BPA must be reported immediately to the VA provider who wrote the prescription. This communication must be documented in the Pharmacy’s patient prescription record and must include the name of the person contacted and the time and date the communication took place.

g. The maximum amount on a task order for a single site against the BPA will be $200,000.00.

2. Deliverables: Available within 15 days of Contract award. Failure to meet these expectations may result in adverse performance evaluations and remedy to resolve all issues in order maintain service.

a) The contractor must have Pharmacy Locator list (with Map and address locator available on website) The ability to enter a zip code and obtain a list of pharmacies available to Veteran is a MUST.

b) At least two (2) pharmacies will be located within five (5) miles of each VA facility location LISTED in the BPA should be available or as directed by the local facility.

c) The contractor must have the VA Formulary available on its website.

d) Training/education will consist of materials to be distributed to providers which outline the resources available through the contract. If requested, the contractor, must provide at least three (3) one-hour training sessions at each facility to be coordinated by each local facility.

e) The contractor must be able to activate a disaster response plan. Disaster plan should be activated/inactivated within 4 hours of request. Additional funding will be within scope of BPA at rates set forth in formulary. Disaster plan will be activated and inactivated by Chief of Pharmacy or designee. This response will allow any VA licensed provider to prescribe without registration for that time frame. The disaster response will allow any patient from the activated medical center to receive a refill of a valid VA prescription by presenting the medication bottle with labeling to the pharmacy. Controlled substances are excluded from the disaster plan authorization.

f) No cost medications will be reimbursed at a set administrative fee.

g) The Contractor shall provide a monthly report (within ten (10) days following the last day of the month services were rendered) electronically by Excel spreadsheet to the COR(s) designated for the covered locations providing information regarding the prescriptions dispensed. The report will contain a summary and an itemized report, each containing information as described below for the billing period:

· Summary report: Per VISN 1 Station: the total number of UNIQUE VA patients utilizing this emergency prescription benefit; the total number of prescriptions filled, total drug cost, total filling fee, total processing fee, total of all costs by Medical Center, CBOCs and Mobile Coaches and grand totaled representing the full amount due to the contractor for the month.

· Itemized report: Per VISN 1 Station: patient full name; Rx number; drug name, strength and dosage form; quantity dispensed; provider name; unit cost; total cost; associated dispensing fee; date Rx was filled; date Rx was picked up by the patient and if the patient received medication counseling. The report must also include any adverse drug events, drug allergies or medication errors related to the prescriptions filled.

· VISN-Wide report: a combined report of station summaries and itemized report will be provided to VISN 1 Pharmacy leadership.

· Optional Reports: Covered locations may request reports specific to their location which would include tracking by provider, patient and/or medication.

h) Contractor shall provide individual vouchers for each location. Vouchers shall include suggested pharmacies in network in the geographic area, the Contractor’s website locator and a description of the process along with information for processing the prescription. The vendor should be appropriately identified on the voucher. Prior to implementation, the voucher will be reviewed and approved by VISN 1 facilities.

i) Pharmacy contacts for prior authorization and billing shall be done by the primary contract holder not a subcontractor.

j) Item Information for Formulary Prescriptions:

Item Information for Disaster Response Plan:

3. Offeror shall quote the most favorable discounts from the Medispan average wholesale price (AWP) for Generic and Brand Name drugs and the most favorable dispensing fee.

4. Payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall constitute payment in full of services provided by the Contractor. Contractor in no event shall bill, charge, collect deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against the beneficiary, the beneficiary’s family, private insurer, Medicare or any other entity acting on the beneficiary’s behalf, for services provided pursuant to this contract.

5. Qualifications: The Contractor shall ensure all employees, agents, sub-contractors, or anyone acting for or on behalf of the Contractor, is properly licensed under applicable federal and state law.

6. Contract Monitoring Procedures:

The Chief of Pharmacy Service at each VISN 1 Station, unless another VA employee is designated, shall be the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and is the VA official responsible for verifying BPA compliance.

7. Special Conditions

The Prime Contractors in network pharmacies shall agree to the following conditions:

a. On request by the applicable VISN 1 Station or the patient, the Contractor’s pharmacy shall provide a hard copy of VA patient’s medication profiles to include all drugs dispensed and associated dosages, dispensing dates, and quantities.

b. Pharmaceutical care provided to beneficiaries under the BPA shall meet all standards applicable to Medicaid recipients in the state where the services are provided.

8. Confidentiality and Security

a. The contractor and its contract pharmacies shall ensure the confidentiality and security of all patient information. The contractor shall comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.

9. Quality

a. The Contractor shall implement and maintain a program for performance monitoring throughout the life of the BPA. The program shall include a communication process for reporting, tracking, and resolving performance issues. The quality process shall reflect standards that are usual and customary for commercial non-governmental entities. A written copy of the quality process shall be provided to the CO.

10. Delivery Tickets

a. A requirement that all shipments under the agreement, except those for newspapers, magazines, or other periodicals, shall be accompanied by delivery tickets or sales slips that shall contain the following minimum information:

i. Name of supplier.

ii. BPA number.

iii. Date of purchase.

iv. Purchase number.

v. Itemized list of supplies or services furnished.

vi. Quantity, unit price, and extension of each item, less applicable discounts (unit prices and extensions need not be shown when incompatible with the use of automated systems, provided that the invoice is itemized to show this information).

vii. Date of delivery or shipment.

11. Invoices

a. A summary invoice shall be submitted at least monthly or upon expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries made during a billing period, identifying the delivery tickets covered therein, stating their total dollar value, and supported by receipt copies of the delivery tickets. The invoice shall include a separate line item for each of the covered locations within that VISN 1 Station.

VISN 1 Authorized Individuals and Location:

1. Station 402 - VAMC Togus

VAMC TOGUS

1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330-6796 Joanne Burgess 603-624-4366

CBOCs Under Station 402

2. Station 689 – VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Sampath Narayana Sampath Narayana 781-687-4788 781-687-4788

CBOCs Under Station 689

New London, CT 06320

Orange VA Clinic Errera VA Clinic 200 Edison Road 114 Orange Avenue Orange, CT 06477-3602 West Haven, CT 06516-2043

3. Station 650 - VAMC Providence

VAMC Providence 830 Chalkstone Ave Providence, RI 02908-4734 Jason Goyette 401-273-7100

CBOCs Under Station 650

New Bedford 175 Elm Street New Bedford, MA 02740

OTHER

The following two VAMC Providence related locations do not have CBOCs, however Pharmacy coverage is required.

Martha’s Vineyard, MA Nantucket, MA

4. Station 631 - VA Central/Western Massachusetts

VAMC Northampton 421 Main Street Leeds, MA 01053-9764 Sampath Narayana 781-687-4788

CBOCs Under Station 631

Greenfield 143 Munson Street Greenfield, MA 01301

5. Station 523 - VA Boston Healthcare System

Sampath Narayana Sampath Narayana 781-687-4788 781-687-4788

VAMC West Roxbury 1400 VFW Parkway West Roxbury, MA 02132-4927 Sampath Narayana 781-687-4788

CBOCs Under Station 523

Framingham 61 Lincoln Street, Suite 112 Framingham, MA 01702

6. Station 518 - VAMC Bedford VAMC Bedford 200 Springs Road Bedford, MA 01730-1114 Binh Hong 781-687-2089

CBOCs Under Station 518

Haverhill 209 Summer Street Haverhill, MA 01830

7. Station 608 - VAMC Manchester

VAMC Manchester 718 Smyth Road Manchester, NH 03104-7007 Joanne Burgess 603-624-4366

CBOCs Under Station 608

Portsmouth, NH 03803

8. Station 405 - VAMC White River Junction

VAMC WRJ

215 North Main Street (163 White River Junction, VT 05001-3833 Wanda Bombaci 802-295-9363

CBOCs Under Station 405

Bennington 186 North Street Bennington, VT 05201

(vi) The contractor shall furnish all personnel and supervision necessary to perform all required services for VISN 1.

(vii) The Places of Performance are noted in the Scope of the Statement of Work.

(viii) Provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition in addition to the following addenda’s to the provision: 52.252-1, 52.216-1, 52.233-2, 852.233-70, 852.233-71.

(ix) Provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this requirement.

852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction.

As prescribed in 819.7009(c) insert the following clause:

VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (SEP 2021) (DEVIATION)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that—

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [Contracting Officer check the appropriate box below based on the predominant NAICS code assigned to the instant acquisition as set forth in FAR 19.102.]

(i) [X] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

(ii) [ ] General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 85% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(iii) □ Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. The Contracting Officer may, at their discretion, require the Contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the Contracting Officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror’s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee: _________________________________ Printed Title of Signee: ________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________ Company Name and Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ (End of clause) Submission of Quotations:

Evaluation Process:

Please read each section below carefully for the submittals and information required as part of the evaluation. Failure to provide the requested information below shall be considered non-compliant and your quote could be removed from the evaluation process.

Quotations will be evaluated under FAR Part 13.106-2(b) -- Evaluation of Quotations or Offers.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible vendor whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Price (Follow these instructions):

0. Vendor shall complete the Price Schedule in Section (j), with the vendor’s quoted line-item prices inserted in appropriate spaces. Price shall be evaluated on a reasonableness standard based off the vendor’s proposed discounted rate.

1. Past Performance:

1. Provide three (3) references of work, similar in scope and size with the requirement detailed in the Statement of Work. References must include contact information, brief description of the work completed, and contract # (if relevant). Please utilize attachment labeled Past Performance Worksheet for your references and please submit as part of your quote submission The Government also reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and all sources.

1. Capable: The vendor’s quote shall be evaluated to determine if the organization has the experience and capabilities to provide the requested services in accordance with the Statement of Work in a timely efficient manner.

2. Offeror shall describe its corporate experience that demonstrates its ability to perform the services described in the Statement of Work.

2. Offeror shall demonstrate it has a:

1. Website that includes a Pharmacy Locator tool with the ability to enter a zip code and obtain a list of pharmacies available to Veterans.

1. Website that includes the VA Formulary.

1. A disaster response plan to meet the requirements from paragraph 2(f) in the SOW.

1. A sample monthly report that complies with the requirements from paragraph 2(h) in the SOW.

2. Offeror shall provide the name and address(s) of all subcontractor(s) (if applicable) and a description of their planned subcontracting effort if subcontracting.

(x) Please include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with your offer via the SAM.gov website or a written copy.

(xi) Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition in addition to the following addenda to the clause: 52.252-2, 52.203-17, 52.204-4, 852.203-70, 852.219-70, 815.219-73, 852.219-75, 852.232-72, 852.237-70.

Service Contract Labor Standards -- Place of Performance Unknown (May 2014)

(a) This contract is subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, and the place of performance was unknown when the solicitation was issued. In addition to places or areas identified in wage determinations, if any, attached to the solicitation, wage determinations have also been requested for the following: West Roxbury, MA, Brockton, MA, Bedford, MA, Jamacia Plain, MA, Leeds, MA, West Haven, CT, Providence, RI, Manchester, NH, Augusta, ME, and White River Junction, VT. The Contracting Officer will request wage determinations for additional places or areas of performance if asked to do so in writing by 02/29/2024.

(b) Offerors who intend to perform in a place or area of performance for which a wage determination has not been attached or requested may nevertheless submit bids or proposals. However, a wage determination shall be requested and incorporated in the resultant contract retroactive to the date of contract award, and there shall be no adjustment in the contract price.

(xii) Clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and in addition to the following FAR clauses cited, which are also applicable to the acquisition: 52.203-6, 52.204-10, 52.209-6, 52.222-3, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.222-40, 52.222-50, 52.223-18, 52.225-13, 52.232-33, 52.222-41, 52.222-42 (Wage Determination Applicable, (Conn New Haven County, Wage Determination No.: 2015-4131 Revision No.: 24 05/10/2023), (Massachusetts Wage Determination No.: 2015-4047 Rev No.: 23 05/09/2023) (New Hampshire - Wage Determination No.: 2015-4019 Rev. – 23, 05/11/2023) (Rhode Island - Wage Determination No.: 2015-4083, Rev. 23, 05/10/2023) (Maine - Wage Determination No.: 2015-4009, Rev 23. 05/11/2023) (WRJ - Wage Determination No.: 2015-4139 REV-23, 05/17/2023), 52.222-43, VAAR 852.219-73.

(xiii) All contract requirement(s) and/or terms and conditions are stated above.

(xv) RFQ responses are due 12/1/2023 at 17:30 PM EST. RFQ responses must be submitted via email to: Nathan.Langone@va.gov. Hand deliveries will not be accepted. Submissions after the deadline will not be considered.

(xvi) The POC of this solicitation is Nathan Langone (Nathan.langone@va.gov).