Amendment 0001 -36C24726Q0605 .pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 33

0001 09-04-2026 None

36C247

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 7 Network Contracting Office

LaVista Business Park - Bldg. A

2008 Weems Road

Tucker GA 30084

36C247

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 7 Network Contracting Office

LaVista Business Park - Bldg. A

2008 Weems Road

Tucker GA 30084

To all Offerors/Bidders 36C24726Q0605

X

X X

See CONTINUATION Page x 1

SUBJECT: Amendment 0001 - 36C24726Q0605 - Virtual Pharmacy Services

PURPOSE: Revise Solicitation and Publish Q&A

1. Statement of Work has been revised. - See Changes

2. Provision 52.212-1 Addendum has been revised. -See Changes

3. Price Schedule verbiage has been added. - See Changes

4. VAAR 852.204-72 has been revised. - See Changes

5. Q&A has been published. -Information Attached

There are no other changes pertaining to modification. Nothing Follows.

Leonard Robinson

Contract Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

The volumes or amounts shown in the Solicitation are yearly estimates only and impose no obligation on the VA, except for the guaranteed minimum. The guaranteed minimum under for this requirement is $500.00 for the initial fiscal year in which this contract is awarded, and the contract’s stated maximum or ceiling amount is $7,400,000.00.

The Unit Price shall reflect the cost for each order. The total amount for each Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) shall be derived by multiplying the Quantity by the Unit Price. The Grand Total shall be derived by summing the totals of all

CLINs

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 1,800,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

VISN 7 Outpatient Prescription Order Filling Services in Accordance with the

Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Base

POP Begin: 10-01-2026

POP End: 09-30-2027

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621399 - Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health

Practitioners

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q517 - Medical - Pharmacy Services

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): SVC

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: SVC

1001 1,800,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

VISN 7 Outpatient Prescription Order Filling Services in Accordance with the

Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 1

POP Begin: 10-01-2027

POP End: 09-30-2028

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621399 - Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health

Practitioners

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q702 - Technical Medical Support - Medical logistics, biomedical equipment, occupational/public health, medical supply, medical readiness

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): SVC

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: SVC

2001 1,800,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

VISN 7 Outpatient Prescription Order Filling Services in Accordance with the

Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 2

POP Begin: 10-01-2028

POP End: 09-30-2029

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621399 - Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health

Practitioners

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q517 - Medical - Pharmacy Services

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): SVC

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: SVC

1,800,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

VISN 7 Outpatient Prescription Order Filling Services in Accordance with the

Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 3

POP Begin: 10-01-2029

POP End: 09-30-2030

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621399 - Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health

Practitioners

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q517 - Medical - Pharmacy Services

1,800,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

VISN 7 Outpatient Prescription Order Filling Services in Accordance with the

Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 4

POP Begin: 10-01-2030

POP End: 09-30-2031

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621399 - Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health

Practitioners

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q517 - Medical - Pharmacy Services

GRAND TOTAL __________________

A.2 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER SHIPPING INFORMATION DELIVERY DATE

0001-

SHIP TO: See Statement of Work

United States

October 01, 2026 to September 30, 2031 or up to

March 31, 2032

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Although we are a small business that has done work for the VA system previously for over 20 years. Will we be considered for this solicitation?

Answer: No. Solicitation 36C24726Q0605 is for only SDVOSB. Any quote received that is not from a certified

SDVOSB will not be considered for award.

2. We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current/previous contract number?

Answer: If you are referring to this being a new requirement, then the answer is no. The current contract number is 36C24722P0008.

3. Please clarify the requirement that the contractor "must be able to provide at least six (6) qualified pharmacists at all times." Does this mean six pharmacists must be concurrently logged in and available during all required service hours, or that the contractor must maintain a minimum pool of six qualified pharmacists and schedule staffing based on workload? (Reference: SOW §2.4.6, p. 6)

Answer: The contractor must schedule and ensure that at least six (6) qualified pharmacists are logged in/ available to perform services at all times services are required by the SOW. Maintaining only a pool of six for workload/ flexibility does not meet the requirement.

4. Please define the required daily hours of coverage and any minimum pharmacist staffing by shift. The SOW requires Sunday-through-Saturday coverage with emphasis on weekdays after 5:00 p.m., weekends, and holidays, but does not state specific start/end times or minimum concurrent staffing levels. (Reference: SOW §2.3.1 and

§2.4.6, p. 6)

Answer: The Statement of Work has been revised. See section 2.6 for hours of coverage. The solicitation sets a minimum for qualified pharmacists only. The SOW does not set the minimum or maximum for other roles.

5. Please confirm whether the required prescription processing is limited to clinic and outpatient prescriptions. SOW

§2.1 also refers to remote prescription order review/order entry services for “inpatient pharmacy services,” while the remaining workflow and pricing language describes outpatient prescription processing. (Reference: SOW

§2.1, p. 5; §§2.2–2.3, pp. 5–6)

Answer: The prescription processing services required under this SOW are limited to clinic and outpatient prescriptions. This has been corrected in the SOW.

6. Please clarify what is meant by virtual pharmacy services being completed through a “secure web-based system provided by the contractor.” Is the contractor required to provide and operate a separate hosted application/platform, or is the requirement satisfied by contractor-furnished secure computer equipment used to access VA-provided systems such as CAG, VistA, and CPRS? (Reference: SOW §2.1, pp. 5–6; Security

Requirements)

Answer: A contractor does not need to develop or operate a separate hosted application for prescription processing; instead, they must provide a secure, VA-compliant physical and technical environment at their remote facility/equipment, and connect to VA EHR systems via secure web-based access. The main requirement is that contractor staff use contractor-supplied secure hardware to access VA systems remotely, satisfying all VA security and privacy controls.

7. For contractor-owned computers used only to access VA systems, please identify the specific VA approval, security assessment, A&A/ATO, CSCA, configuration, antivirus/firewall, encryption, or other endpoint requirements that must be completed before performance begins. (Reference: SOW §2.4.7, p. 6; IT/Security clauses, pp. 13–22 and 40–48) (Clarification)

Answer: The assessment criteria are outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW). The awardee, VA IT, and the

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will coordinate to ensure compliance.

8. May individual pharmacists perform the work from approved home-office locations using contractor/employee-provided equipment, or must all services be performed from a contractor-controlled facility or facilities?

(Reference: SOW §§1.4, 2.2.5–2.2.7, 2.4.7, pp. 4–6)

Answer: Individual pharmacists may perform the work from approved home-office locations using contractor/employee-provided equipment, as long as their home office and equipment meet all VA information security, privacy, and physical security requirements and pass clearance by the VA Information Security Officer.

There is no requirement in the SOW mandating a centralized, contractor-controlled office/facility.

9. Does the quote require a separate completed and signed Contractor Rules of Behavior for each of the six proposed pharmacists, or one completed form on behalf of the contractor? If individual forms are required at quote submission, please provide the approved secure method for transmitting the required last four digits of each individual’s SSN by email. (Reference: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Volume 3, pp. 50–52; Attachment 1)

Answer: Documentation is required for all personnel who require access to PHI/PII related to accessing VistA and

CPRS.

10. What documentation must be submitted with the quote to demonstrate that each proposed pharmacist has at least

12 cumulative months of VA outpatient VistA/CPRS prescription-processing experience within the past three years? Are detailed CV entries identifying dates, VA facility/employer, and duties sufficient, or is separate supporting evidence required? (Reference: SOW §2.4.4, p. 6; Addendum Volume 3 and Technical Subfactor 1,

pp. 50–53)

Answer: Each entry in the curriculum vitae (CV) shall identify the applicable dates of service, the VA facility or employer, a description of duties performed, and a point of contact for verification of the entry.

11. For Factor 1, must each reference contract involve Virtual Pharmacy Services provided to VA beneficiaries, or will comparable virtual pharmacy services performed for non-VA federal, state, or commercial healthcare customers also be considered in the comparative evaluation? (Reference: Factor 1 – Experience, pp. 52–54)

Answer: Comparable reference(s) may be submitted in lieu of the specified reference, provided that it encompasses similar services and all requested information can be furnished in full.

12. For a joint venture quoter, may the experience of either joint venture member be submitted and evaluated as experience of the joint venture/quoter? If yes, how should the joint venture identify the performing member in the

Factor 1 narrative and supporting evidence? (Reference: Factor 1 – Experience, pp. 52–54; JV instruction, p. 51)

Answer: Both partners' experiences will be considered in a joint venture (JV).

13. The RFQ requires evidence for each referenced contract. Please identify acceptable forms of evidence (for example, contract/task-order documents, CPARS, invoices, performance reports, or reference letters) and confirm whether appropriately redacted documents are acceptable. (Reference: SOW §§1.6 and 2.3.2, pp. 5–6; FAR

52.216-19 and 52.216-22, pp. 33–34)

Answer: Please see 52.212-1 Addendum, Section 3.

14. Please clarify the minimum guaranteed prescription volume, if any, under the IDIQ. The RFQ estimates 1.8 million prescriptions annually and 120,000–150,000 monthly, but states that the monthly estimate may change based on workload and local staffing. (Reference: SOW §1.5, p. 4; Personnel Security, pp. 9–10; Delivery

Schedule, p. 24)

Answer: The annual estimate is provided in the Price Schedule. There is no guaranteed maximum or minimal quantities. The minimum guaranteed amount for this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is

$500.00, which shall be included in the combined synopsis/solicitation amendment, under Price Schedule.

15. The first ordering period begins October 1, 2026. Must all six proposed pharmacists have completed VA background adjudication, VetPRO enrollment, PIV/CAG access, and site credentials by that date? Will the

Government provide a transition/onboarding period, particularly when any delay is attributable to VA credentialing or access processing? (Reference:)

Answer: The start date shall be adjusted accordingly if a transition period is required, and any such adjustment will be discussed with the awardee.

16. For this fully remote requirement, how should offerors identify the place or places of performance for Service

Contract Labor Standards purposes? If pharmacists work remotely from multiple states, will separate wage determinations apply based on each pharmacist’s work location, or will one contractor location govern?

(Reference: FAR 52.222-49, p. 34; SOW §§1.4 and 2.2.6, pp. 4–6)

Answer: A wage determination is required for each geographic locality where the work is actually performed, which includes the physical location of each remote employee.

17. The Government states that it will evaluate pricing for the potential six-month FAR 52.217-8 extension, but the prescribed Price Schedule contains only the five annual pricing periods. What unit price/rate will be used to evaluate and price the six-month extension, and should offerors provide any separate extension price outside

Section B.3? (Reference: FAR 52.217-8, p. 34; Evaluation §E.3(e), p. 54; Price Schedule, pp. 23–24)

Answer: The six-month extension exercised in accordance with FAR 52.217-8 shall be based on the pricing established for the final pricing period. Accordingly, the total cost of the extension shall be calculated using the applicable unit price and one-half of the quantity from the final pricing period. This estimated amount shall be included in the evaluation.

18. Please confirm that CLIN 1001, covering October 1, 2027 through September 30, 2028, is Pricing Period 2. The

Price Schedule currently labels CLIN 1001 as “Pricing Period: 3.” (Reference: Price Schedule, p. 23; SOW §1.5,

p. 4)

Answer: CLIN 1001, associated with Period 2, has been revised under this amendment.

19. Please identify the minimum required content for Volume 4 – Contingency Plan. For example, should it address pharmacist absences/backfill, IT or connectivity outages, continuity of operations, cybersecurity incidents, surge/backlog response, and transition coverage? (Reference: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Volume 4, p. 50)

Answer: The submitted information shall address the requirements set forth in Section 2.7 of the Statement of

Work. Section 2.7 has been included in this amendment.

20. SOW §2.1 states that the contractor shall provide technical support personnel, and the personnel-vetting clause references pharmacy technicians, but the staffing qualification and evaluation sections require only pharmacists.

Are pharmacy technicians or other technical support personnel required contract labor? If so, please provide the required staffing levels, duties, qualifications, and pricing treatment. (Reference: SOW §2.1, p. 5; VAAR

852.204-72 table, pp. 35–36)

Answer: Section 2.1 defines the technical and IT support required to maintain operational connectivity and continuity. Notwithstanding the explicit mention of pharmacists in this SOW, any personnel, including IT support staff or subcontractors who required access to Protected Health Information (PHI) or Personally Identifiable

Information (PII) must undergo the same personnel vetting and background checks before being granted system access. Pharmacy technicians are not required for this procurement.

21. Outpatient vs. Inpatient Scope.

Section B.2 primarily describes the requirement as processing pending clinic and outpatient prescriptions, including outpatient prescriptions sent to CMOP or suspended for local mail. However, Section 2.1 also states that pharmacists will perform remote prescription order review/order entry services for “inpatient pharmacy services.”

Please confirm whether the required scope is limited to outpatient prescription processing and verification, or whether any inpatient prescription-processing services are also included. If inpatient services are included, please identify the anticipated inpatient scope and estimated volume.

Answer: This verbiage has been revised on the Statement of Work.

22. Experience Factor – Oxygen/Ventilator Language.

The Experience Factor instructions require experience providing virtual pharmacy services to VA beneficiaries.

However, the solicitation later states that failure to provide the required experience information may be viewed as evidence that the quoter lacks experience providing “contracted oxygen services, or contracted ventilator services, or both.”

Please confirm that this oxygen/ventilator language is inadvertent and that the Experience Factor will be evaluated solely against the virtual pharmacy experience requirements stated elsewhere in the solicitation.

Answer: The verbiage has been removed as it does not apply to Virtual Pharmacy Services.

23. Secure Web-Based System and VA System Access.

Section 2.1 requires the contractor to provide a secure web-based system, while Sections 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 require pharmacists to access VA VistA and CPRS.

Please clarify the intended function of the contractor-provided secure web-based system and distinguish which systems and access will be provided by the VA from the technology or platform the contractor is expected to provide.

Answer: The contractor is not required to develop or host a custom web-based pharmacy application for prescription

24. VistA/CPRS Access and Credentialing Lead Time.

Please confirm whether the VA will sponsor and facilitate the required PIV credentials, remote-access permissions, VistA/CPRS accounts, and other VA system access for contractor personnel after award. Please also provide the anticipated onboarding and credentialing timeline before pharmacists may begin processing prescriptions.

Answer: See section 2.8 in the revised Statement of Work.

25. Six-Pharmacist Requirement.

The solicitation requires submission of professional licenses and CVs for at least six pharmacists and requires the contractor to maintain at least six qualified pharmacists.

Please confirm whether the six pharmacists submitted with the quotation must be the exact pharmacists who begin performance, or whether equally qualified replacement or substitute pharmacists may be proposed during transition or performance, subject to meeting all solicitation requirements and Government approval.

Answer: A minimum of six (6) pharmacists is required; however, this number shall not be considered a limitation.

The pharmacists performing under this contract are not required to be the same individuals who initiate performance, provided that any substitute personnel meet the qualifications established in the Statement of Work and are vetted in accordance with the requirements of the solicitation and resulting contract.

26. Prescription Volume and Minimum Ordering Commitment.

The solicitation estimates approximately 1,800,000 outpatient prescriptions annually and approximately 120,000 to 150,000 per month, while noting that workload may change depending on staffing and workload.

Please confirm whether these quantities are estimates only and identify any guaranteed minimum prescription volume or minimum ordering obligation applicable to the IDIQ.

Answer: There are no guaranteed quantities, only estimates. The guaranteed minimum of the resulting contract is

$500.00.

27. Coverage and Staffing Expectations.

Section 2.3.1 requires prescription verification Sunday through Saturday, with emphasis on after-hours, weekends, and holidays.

Please clarify whether the contractor must maintain specific staffed hours or shifts each day, or whether staffing levels and schedules are at the contractor’s discretion provided the required workload and performance standards are achieved.

Answer: The verbiage has been included in Section 2.6 of the revised Statement of Work.

28. Billable Processed Prescription

Because payment is based on the number of prescriptions processed, please clarify what constitutes a billable processed prescription for pricing and invoicing purposes. Specifically, are prescriptions that require pharmacist review but are ultimately suspended, returned, rejected, clarified with the facility, or otherwise not transmitted to

CMOP considered processed prescriptions for payment purposes?

Answer: All prescriptions that are finished, verified, and suspended (term used for queued to be sent to CMOP or printed locally for filling) will be counted and billed, even if they are later on rejected by CMOP or have other issues as described. There are standards specified as part of the performance monitoring in the SOW that will be reviewed in instances of rejects, etc.

(End of Q&A)

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Title: VISN Virtual Pharmacy Services

1.2 Background: Virtual pharmacy services are required to process pending outpatient mail prescriptions for VISN 7 medical centers and remote clinics. This support addresses ongoing regional staffing shortages caused by personnel vacancies and extended sick leave. Additionally, it helps manage increased workloads driven by expanding patient access and national/VISN initiatives to transition patients to contracted agents.

1.3 Type of Contract: VISN 7 intends to establish a five 1-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract

1.4 Participating Facilities: Tasks under this SOW shall be provided for VISN 7 VAMCs remotely at Contractor facility

(ies). The VISN 7 VAMCs to be included for coverage are, but not limited to, the following:

FACILITIES ADDRESS

Joseph Maxwell Cleland

Atlanta VA Medical Center

1670 Clairmont Road

Decatur, GA 30033

Charlie Norwood VA Medical

Center

One Freedom Way

Augusta, GA 30904-

Birmingham VA Medical

Center

700 South 19th Street

Birmingham, AL 35233

Carl Vinson VA Medical

Center

1826 Veterans Blvd.

Dublin, GA 31021

Central Alabama Veterans

Healthcare System

215 Perryhill Road

Montgomery, AL, 36109

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical

Center

109 Bee Street

Charleston, SC 29401

William Jennings Bryan Dorn

VA Medical Center

6439 Garners Ferry

Road

Columbia, SC 29209-

1.5 IDIQ Pricing Periods:

TABLE 2: ESTIMATED PRICING PERIODS

ORDERING

PERIODS

DATES

1 October 01, 2026 to September 30, 2027

2 October 01, 2027 to September 30, 2028

3 October 01, 2028 to September 30, 2029

4 October 01, 2029 to September 30, 2030

5 October 01, 2030 to September 30, 2031

Six Month

Extension

(52.217-8)

October 01, 2031 to March 31, 2032

1.6 Yearly Estimated Outpatient Prescriptions: 1,800,000 (150,000 Per Monthly)

1.7 Applicable Laws, Regulations and Policies: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, directives, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policies, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.6.1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

1.6.2 Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

1.6.3 Privacy Act of 1974

1.6.4 VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500

1.6.5 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR)

1.6.6 Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

1.6.7 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA)

1.6.8 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications (e.g., NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-

171)

1.6.9 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III

1.6.10 All other federal and state laws and regulations

2.0 SCOPE, REQUIREMENTS, AND DELIVERABLES

2.1 Scope: Contractor shall provide professional virtual pharmacy services to complete pending clinic and outpatient prescription orders for the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 7 located in Georgia, Alabama, and South

Carolina. Contractor shall provide enough licensed Pharmacists to perform remote prescription order review/order entry services for patient pharmacy services. This includes the professional review and problem-solving needed to ensure safe and appropriate medication processing. The contractor shall provide pharmacists, equipment, and supervision necessary to perform and implement virtual pharmacy services to meet the needs of VINS 7. The contractor must be a U.S. based corporation capable of providing remote pharmacy services to be completed via secure web-based system provided by the contractor.

2.2 Requirements of Virtual Pharmacists/Pharmacy Service

2.2.1 The prescriptions will be verified by the pharmacists and sent electronically to the centralized mail-out pharmacy

(CMOP) or suspended for local mail.

2.2.1 The pharmacist will evaluate each prescription for drug-drug interactions, contraindications for recorded drug allergies, appropriate doses, accurate directions and assure the printed label will be understandable to the patient.

2.2.2 Using formulary information provided by the VISN 7 Pharmacist Executive (VPE), VISN 7 pharmacy informaticist, and/or pharmacy service of specific sites, the pharmacist will review pending prescriptions for formulary status and process only new, renewed, and refills for formulary medications. New non-formulary prescriptions will not be processed by virtual pharmacist services.

2.2.3 Access to the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) computer system is required and virtual pharmacists will have to meet all information security and privacy requirements as required by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2.2.4 Pharmacists must have knowledge of the VA Formulary and the VistA computer system, including outpatient prescription processing/verification workflows for pending outpatient prescriptions (i.e., completing pending outpatient prescriptions in VistA Outpatient Pharmacy, conducting required clinical screening such as allergy and drug interaction checks, using CPRS as needed to review relevant notes/labs, and dispositioning prescriptions to

CMOP or suspending for local mail, as applicable). Pharmacists must also have a working knowledge of the processing requirements for proper completion of prescriptions and understand and be competent in accessing

Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to read notes, check labs, etc. prior to completing prescriptions that have questionable doses, special needs, etc.

2.2.5 The VA will not provide laptops, computers or any electronic equipment to the virtual pharmacist services.

2.2.6 The work will be performed remotely

2.2.7 Prescriptions will be verified based on daily backlog (pharmacy pending prescription file).

2.3 Deliverables:

2.3.1 Prescriptions will be verified Sunday through Saturday with emphasis on after hours (after 5:00 pm local time on weekdays) and weekends, to include holidays.

2.3.2 Contractor will process and verify approximately 120,000 to 150,000 pending outpatient prescriptions per month

(this estimation is subject to change depending on workload and local staffing).

2.3.3 Payment will be made upon the verification of the number of prescriptions processed in the prior month.

2.4 Personnel Qualifications:

2.4.1 Pharmacists must be citizens of the United States.

2.4.2 Graduate of a degree program in pharmacy from an American College of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited college or university.

2.4.3 Full current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia.

2.4.4 Pharmacists must have recent experience using VistA and CPRS to process and verify outpatient prescriptions

(including processing pending outpatient prescriptions for mail). For purposes of this SOW, “outpatient prescription processing/verification” includes reviewing and completing pending outpatient prescriptions in VistA Outpatient

Pharmacy, performing required clinical screening (e.g., allergies, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, dose/directions appropriateness), using CPRS as needed to review relevant notes/labs, and dispositioning prescriptions appropriately (e.g., releasing electronically to CMOP or suspending for local mail). The VA will not provide training on VistA/CPRS or outpatient prescription processing workflows; pharmacists must be able to perform these duties upon start. Experience with VistA/CPRS outpatient prescription processing must have been gained within the last three (3) years and must include a minimum of twelve (12) months cumulative experience processing outpatient prescriptions in the VA during the past three (3) years.

2.4.5 Pharmacists are familiar with VA formulary and restrictions including Prior Authorization requirements and Criteria for use of non-formulary drugs.

2.4.6 Must be able to provide at least six (6) qualified pharmacists at all times.

2.4.7 Pharmacists must provide their own computer equipment and must be able to obtain clearance from the VISN 7

Department Veterans Affairs Medical Center Information Security Officer.

2.5 Qualifications: Personnel assigned by the contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall be licensed (as applicable) in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia.

The qualifications of such personnel shall also be subject to review by VA Service Line Executives, Specialty Care, VA Chief of Staff and approval by the VA Network Director. Pharmacists must be citizens of the United States.

2.6 Hours of Operation

2.6.1 General Requirement: The Contractor shall furnish the services covered under this contract as defined herein.

Except in cases of emergency, the Contractor shall be required to provide the services described below in accordance with the SOW.

2.6.2 Work Schedule: The Contractor shall provide virtual pharmacist coverage seven (7) days per week, Sunday through

Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m., inclusive of the federal holidays identified in Section 2.6.3

(referenced as Section 3.3 herein).

2.6.3 Federal Holidays: The Department of Veterans Affairs observes the following federal holidays:

❖ New Year's Day

❖ Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day)

❖ Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

❖ Memorial Day

❖ Juneteenth National Independence Day

❖ Independence Day

❖ Labor Day

❖ Columbus Day

❖ Veterans Day

❖ Thanksgiving Day

❖ Christmas Day

In addition to the holidays listed above, any day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday shall also be observed.

2.6.4 Emergencies: The Chief of Pharmacy or representative will contact the vendor to request additional support from the clinical pharmacy services outside of the established hours in times of emergency/disaster (e.g. weather – blizzards). If emergency services are provided, the vendor will be paid at the same rate.

2.6.5 Cancellations: Contractor cancellation is not acceptable. Unless a state of emergency has been declared or services are otherwise canceled by the VA FARHCS, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

2.7 Contingency Plan: Continuity of care is essential to the delivery of medical services within VISN 7; accordingly, the Contractor shall maintain a contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted performance in the event that the contract

Clinical Pharmacist(s) separates from the Contractor's employment or is otherwise unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

2.8 Transition Phase: A transition period, not to exceed three (3) months, shall be provided for the incoming Contractor to assume full responsibility for virtual pharmacy services, ensuring continuity of care and uninterrupted service delivery. During this period, the incoming Contractor shall coordinate with the outgoing Contractor and the COR to complete all necessary training, credentialing, systems access, and knowledge transfer activities required to achieve full operational capability. The transition period shall conclude no later than three (3) months from the contract start date, or sooner upon the Government's determination that the incoming Contractor is fully capable of independently performing all requirements of this contract.

2.8 Payment for Services Rendered

2.8.1 The VA agrees to reimburse the Contractor on a monthly basis for services rendered as specified in the statement of work of this contract. Failure to carry out the specified services will result in non-payment and/or, at the discretion of the VA, a proration of agreed upon reimbursement based on extent of compliance with contract specifications and timeliness of services rendered.

2.8.2 The Contractor will be responsible for submitting a bill on a monthly basis for services provided to the OB1-

/Tungsten electronic invoice system. The bill for services provided in a month should be received by the Fiscal

Office by the 10th of the following month; however, every month of service completed should be billed no later than 90 days from date of service. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in non-payment.

2.8.3 Billings rendered by the Contractor to the VA for services furnished to a VA beneficiary under the terms of this contract shall be billed in full. Neither the beneficiary, his/her insurer, nor any other third party shall be billed.

2.9 Acceptable Quality Level: Monitoring will be based on procedures established by the VA Pharmacy Service to ensure services are appropriate, complete and satisfactory. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), to be designated upon contract award, will be responsible for monitoring contract compliance and reporting any noncompliance as evidenced by the established monitoring procedures to the Contracting Officer for necessary action. In addition, the COR may designate appropriate VAMC personnel to monitor Contractor employee(s) work hours/services through one or a combination of the following mechanisms:

2.9.1 The COR will be responsible for verifying contract compliance. Any incidents of Contractor non-compliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

2.9.2 Documentation of services performed shall be reviewed prior to certifying payment. The COR will perform periodic spot checks and document with the using service to ensure monitoring reports. VAMC will pay only for services actually performed and in strict accordance with the schedule of price/costs. Contract monitoring and record keeping procedures shall be sufficient to ensure proper payment and allow audit verification that services were provided.

2.9.3 Contractor’s performance shall be monitored by the COR or his/her designee and reported to the VISN 7 VPE, Pharmacy Chiefs, and vendor. The contract Virtual Pharmacy Services shall be monitored through a variety of mechanisms including:

TASK INDICATOR STANDARD ACCEPTABLE

LEVEL

METHOD OF

SURVEILLANCE

RX

Processing

Process Outpatient

Rx’s in queue in a timely manner

Process Rx’s to extent to keep backlog in queue less than 72 hours

100%

Monthly report of

Rx’s processed by pharmacist

Does not process non-formulary Rx’s without approval

No non-formulary Rx’s processed without approval

95% Review by exception

Drug

Information

Source

Evaluates lab data, drug interactions, adverse drug events, and screens for allergies when processing Rx

Review of appropriate patient safety monitors when processing Rx

99% Review by exception

Med Error reporting

Rx’s will be processed accurately (correct drug, dose, sig, comments copied appropriately, etc.) and errors reported and investigated

99% Review by exception

Customer

Service

Provides excellent customer service to field and site POC

Will respond to inquiries/questions timely (usually within

24 hours)

99% Review by exception

3.0 CONTRACT OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

3.1 The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will serve as the primary technical point of contact for this contract.

The COR is responsible for overseeing contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, and verifying that services and deliverables meet the standards outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

3.2 The COR’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.2.1 Monitoring the contractor’s progress and performance.

3.2.2 Providing technical guidance and clarifications regarding contract requirements.

3.2.3 Reviewing and approving invoices and deliverables.

3.2.4 Ensuring project milestones, timelines, and specifications are adhered to.

3.2.5 Communicating any issues or concerns to the Contracting Officer (CO) for resolution.

3.2.6 Ensuring compliance with VA regulations, policies, and information security requirements.

3.3 No Government personnel, other than the Contracting Officer, have the authority to change or alter these requirements. The COR shall clarify technical points or supply relevant technical information, but no requirements in this scope of work may be altered as a sole result of such verbal clarification.

3.4 COR and designees' contact information will be provided upon award. If there are any changes pertaining to the appointed COR, the contractor will be notified by the CO and/or the previous COR.

4.0 INVOICES

Payment will be made upon receipt of a properly prepared, detailed invoice, prepared by the Contractor, validated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and submitted electronically through OB-10

(https://portal.tungsten-network.com/).

4.1 A properly prepared invoice will contain:

4.2.1 Invoice Number and Date

4.2.2 Contractor’s Name and Address

4.2.3 Accurate Purchase Order Number

4.2.4 Supply or Service provided

4.2.5 Total Amount Due

4.2.6 CLIN, Description, Unit price, quantity, and CLIN Total

4.3 Invoices shall be submitted and paid monthly, in arrears. Invoices shall be submitted within the 1st week of the month. This will also apply to final invoices following the contract expiration date. Any invoices submitted for supplies and services performed beyond the contract expiration date and/or not covered under the contract will be refused and identified as unauthorized commits (UAC).

5.0 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

https://portal.tungsten-network.com/

1. Contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all patient and employee information and shall be held liable in the event of breach of confidentiality. Any person who knowingly or willingly discloses confidential information from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center may be subject to fines of up to $20,000.00.

2. Records: Contractor personnel who obtain access to hardware or media which may manipulate or store drug or alcohol abuse data, sickle cell anemia treatment records, records or tests or treatment for or infection with HIV, medical quality assurance records, or any other sensitive information protected under 38 U.S.C. 4132 or 3305, as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall not have access to the records unless absolutely necessary to perform their contractual duties. Any individual who has access to these data will disclose them to no one, including other employees of the Contractor not involved in the performance of the particular contractual duty for which access was obtained. Violation of these statutory-provisions as stated in department regulations by the

Contractor’s employees may involve imposition of criminal penalties.

3. System of Records: The Contractor personnel will have access to The Veterans Administration system(s) of records in order to maintain patient medical records.

4. Procedures for User Access: Access requirements to VA information systems by Contractors and Contractor personnel shall meet or exceed those required for Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) employees as described in VistA Directives (and others) and in any subsequent VistA policy statements. A written and signed request for user access by VistA Management, or designee(s), constitutes management approval (sponsorship) to initiate a request for access to any sensitive automated information system. Access shall be granted to non-VA users only if the purpose for access meets criteria of the Privacy Act and VA Confidentiality regulations and transfer.

5. Contractor will be required to sign and abide by the VA Computer Access Security Agreement and

Confidentiality Agreement.

6. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: All contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ computer systems shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement prior to contract performance. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. If the investigation is not completed prior to the start date of the contract, the contractor will be responsible for the actions of those individuals they provide to perform work for VA.

Position Sensitivity – The position sensitivity has been designated as a low risk.

Background Investigation – The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access is

National Agency Check with Inquiries.

Contractor Responsibilities – The contractor, their personnel, and their subcontractors if applicable shall be subject to the Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and handbooks regarding information and information system security as delineated in this contract.

a. The contractor shall bear the expense of obtaining background investigations. If the investigation is conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the contractor shall reimburse VA within 30 days.

b. The contractor shall prescreen all personnel requiring access to the computer systems to ensure they maintain a

U.S. citizenship and are able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

c. The contractor shall submit or have their employees submit the following required forms to the VA Office of

Security and Law Enforcement within 30 days of receipt:

(1) Standard Form 85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions

(2) Standard Form 85P-S, Supplemental Questionnaire for Selected Positions

(3) FD 258, U.S. Department of Justice Fingerprint Application Chart

(4) VA Form 0710, Authority for Release of Information Form

(5) Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment

(6) Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment

d. The contractor, when notified of an unfavorable determination by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration from working under the contract.

e. Failure to comply with the contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract for default.

Government Responsibilities

f. Perform a suitability assessment of each contract pharmacist nominated by the contractor to perform under this contract, to include:

(1) Background Investigation and Personnel Security Adjudication Center (PSAC) adjudication completed with a favorable decision

(2) Complete VetPRO enrollment for verification and tracking of professional licensure.

g. Upon successful adjudication, the issuance of a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card to log into the Citrix

Access Gateway (CAG).

(1) If pharmacist is a moonlighter (i.e., current VA employee outside VISN 7), a PIV will not be issued and account will be granted 2FA exemption

h. Local sites will provide login credentials into the electronic health record environment (e.g., VistA, CPRS, or any future EHR).

Property Damage

The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to any government property. The contractor shall report any damages immediately and shall be assessed current replacement costs for property damaged by the contractor, unless corrective action is taken. Any damaged material (i.e., shelving, pharmacy equipment, etc.) will be replaced in a timely manner or corrected by the contractor with like materials, at no extra cost to the government, upon approval of the Contracting Officer.

Record Retention

Upon completion or termination of the applicable contract(s) or agreement(s), return and/or destroy, at Covered

Entity’s option, VA information gathered, created, received, or processed during the performance of the contract(s) or agreement(s). No data will be retained by Business Associate, or contractor, subcontractor, or other agent of

Business Associate, unless retention is required by law and specifically permitted by Covered Entity. As deemed appropriate by and under the direction of Covered Entity, Business Associate shall provide written assurance that all

VA information has been returned to Covered Entity or destroyed by Business Associate. If immediate return or destruction of all data is not possible, Business Associate shall notify Covered Entity and assure that all VA information retained will be safeguarded to prevent unauthorized Uses or Disclosures.

Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive

6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA

Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

Termination of contract Note: If the vendor maintains any records whether hardcopy or electronic, they must be returned to the VA per contract and VA regulations by vendor. All files (hardcopy or electronic) shall not be shared with a 3rd party (unauthorized) unless authorized in writing by the COR or contracting Officer. If any disclosures of

VA records to any 3rd party, an accounting of the disclosure must be kept by the vendor.

Privacy and Security

The contractor will comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and maintain the minimum necessary protected health information data required for the survey process. The contractor will develop and use proprietary patient satisfaction measurement tools, methodologies, and databases to advise and assist health care providers improve the quality of patient care. The VISN 7 Network and pharmacies are each a health care provider and will engage the contractor to assist with health care operations, specifically to provide services to help the medical center with internal quality oversight review, with conducting quality assessment and improvement activities which include evaluating outcomes, and evaluating practitioner and provider performance.

In connection with services to be provided by the contractor, the VISN 7 Network and pharmacies may disclose patient information (as defined below) which the medical centers have obtained or created as part of the patient’s treatment. Under the business relationship between the contractor and the VISN 7 Network and pharmacies, the medical centers will allow the contractor limited access to certain patient information, which is the sole property of the medical centers. The contractor will provide reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the integrity and confidentiality of patient information within its control.