P03 - JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVALS.pdf

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 1 of 2

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For

Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: VA-22-00035131

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 23, Minneapolis VA Medical Center

Funding Request Number: 499-22-3-6709-0025

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

Healthcare network VISN 23 is in need of a 6-month Brand name award for the Lexicom online drug information data base system.

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

Lexicom has unique characteristics that other vendors do not, leaving only Lexicom found acceptable for us by the VISN 23 Pharmacy teams at this time.

The first unique characteristic is Lexicom offers a two-tier approach that is most advantageous to avoid patient safety mistakes. The first tier is an automatic quick basic information level that gives the need to know now information that could be lifesaving. And then the second tier is a link provided with the more in-depth information from AHFS (American Hospital Formulary Service) that would be way to overwhelming to get right away if not needed. This is the practice found other vendors databases do. Having all the information displayed right away could lead to key information being missed due to information overload and having to sift through page after page of information.

The information includes IV compatibility, Drug interaction information, Drug ID’s, and patient education print outs.

In addition to the two-tier system, Lexicom is the only online drug information data base to update daily to keep the most up to date information available to the facilities. Other vendors offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even quarterly updates. This is not acceptable for patient safety reasons.

The third and final unique characteristic that Lexicom has is the fact includes drug pricing information. This is most advantageous as a good portion of specialty drugs are ordered via government purchase card. Government purchase card holders need to know this pricing to quickly, effectively, and accurately to properly procure replacement drugs when utilized.

In addition to all the listed unique characteristics that only Lexicom offers it is in the best interest of the government to maintain the current Lexicom system in place due to the stress of the pandemic on the pharmacies. Transitioning of data base programs would take months of intense planning, hours of training on the new systems to get all end users to a proficient state to utilize the new program to ensure proper patient safety. The Pharmacies are just not at a place where a transition of this magnitude with a new data base system for the whole VISN 23 would be feasible.

This 6-month request is to extend the current in place system for 6-months while the pharmacy recovers from the fallout of the pandemic and get in a place that better suits them if a transition of programs is in the best interest of the government. This package will be followed by a long-term contract request that will have intense market research conducted to ensure the federal https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

VHAPG Part 813.106 Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Soliciting from a Single Source Attachment 1: Single Source Justification for SAP under the SAT

Last Updated: 02/01/22 Page 2 of 2 government is procuring the most up to date, most user friendly, and offers the best options on the market.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Nationwide Pharmaceutical LLC is the only known SDVOSB distributor of Lexicom. The current contract is awarded to Nationwide pharmaceutical LLC because of this. Nationwide Pharmaceutical LLC has been Vetbiz verified as of 8/3/21 with an expiration date of 8/3/24.

DUNS #: 079265801

GSA contract #: 47QRAA18D00D7

Pursuant to FAR Part 10, the Class Deviation – Implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision (Class Deviation – Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016), VHAPM Part 810.001. the results of the market research conducted found (1) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, capable of performing the requirements.

Nationwide Pharmaceutical LLC meets the eligibility criteria outlined in VAAR 819.7007, they are verified in VIP and the action is below the $5M threshold.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date

Harry R. Grambo III Branch Chief https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2013_1.html#wp1125466

Date6_af_date: 3/28/22