RFQ 36C24826Q0092 VISN 8 Emergent Pharmacy First Fill Presc Svs.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TBD

36C24826Q0092 12-02-2025

Colleen Houser 727-399-3346 12-30-2025

1000 EST

36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8)

10,000 Bay Pines Blvd Bay Pines FL 33744

X 100

X

524292

$45.5 Million

N/A

MCC: 90D

Department Of Veteran Affairs C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center Bldg 100 Warehouse 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Bay Pines FL 33744

36C248

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Bay Pines FL 33744

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

The Government anticipates a single award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract for VISN 8 Emergent Pharmacy First Fill Prescription Services.

Period of Performance: 01/23/2026 - 01/24/2031.

Base Period 1: 01/24/2026 - 01/23/2027 Ordering Period 1: 01/23/2027 - 01/24/2028 Ordering Period 2: 01/23/2028 - 01/24/2029 Ordering Period 3: 01/23/2029 - 01/24/2030 Ordering Period 4: 01/24/2030 - 01/23/2031

Questions are due no later than: 12/18/2025; 1000 AM EST

Quotes are due no later than 12/30/2025; 1000 AM EST

See CONTINUATION Page

Colleen Houser Contracting Officer

36C24826Q0092

Table of Contents

SECTION A ................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (NOV 2020)

B.3 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (OCT 2022)

B.4 52.219-28 POSTAWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION (JAN

2025) ALTERNATE I (MAR 2020)

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.219-16 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES—SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (SEP 2021)

C.2 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY

2014)

C.3 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.7 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.8 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.9 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.10 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.11 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.12 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.13 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.14 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.15 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

MARCH 12, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 6500.6

1. SUBPART 839.2 - INFORMATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

2. 852.273-75 - SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (INTERIM- OCTOBER 2008)

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO

INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (SEP 2024)

E.2 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.3 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.4 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.7 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

This notice of intent is a request for competitive quotes for the VISN 8 Emergent Pharmacy First Fill Pharmacy Services. Telephone requests will not be accepted. Vendors may submit questions no later than 10:00AM Eastern Standard Time on December 18, 2025.

All responsible sources may submit a quotation no later than 10:00AM Eastern Standard Time on December 30, 2025.

Responses will be considered by the Government; however, this RFQ does not commit the Government to contract for any service. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFQ.

** System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation.

Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation.

Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.**

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C248; colleen.houser@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8)

10,000 Bay Pines Blvd

Bay Pines FL 33744

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or [ ] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] upon inspecition and acceptance of the government

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

2. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer; Colleen Houser

Performance Work Statement

The contractor will provide Emergent First Fill and Emergency pharmaceutical benefits management products and services to Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 8) and extended services by the Clinical Contact Center to the Southeastern States Network Consortium as follows:

a. Prescriptions may only be filled from an authorized VA provider employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs under this contract. The contractor must review all prescriptions to ensure that the prescriber is a VA authorized provider. Prescriptions from non-VA authorized providers may not be filled under the contract and will not be reimbursed.

b. Only new prescriptions shall be filled. In rare instances where refills may be necessary, there shall be a pre-authorization by the Chief, Pharmacy Service at the responsible Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and so noted on the invoice.

c. Pharmacy Benefit Management services provided under this contract shall be provided by the contractor Monday through Sunday (7 days a week) to include all federal holidays and weekends. Hours of operation (0000hrs to 2400hrs) daily.

d. The contractor shall provide VA with an after-hours point of contact and phone number in the event of an emergency or the provider needing to authorize a non-formulary approval for an emergent prescription.

e. The contractor will have an emergent enrollment process to assist patients, VA staff and contract pharmacies 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year.

f. The Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC’s) normal operating hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm, (excluding federal holidays). Some locations have extended hours of operation. A full list of locations and hours of operation are included in attachment A.

g. The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (CCC) provides twenty-four (24) hour coverage for all veteran beneficiaries within VISN 8 and the Southeastern States Network Consortium during

VISN 8 Pharmacy Benefits Management off hours. The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center operates twenty-four (24) hours a day, including all eleven federal holidays (365 days per year).

h. Prescriptions filled will be in written form provided by authorized VA providers and shall be identified with the name and address of each CBOC, or VISN 8 VAMC location. (VA Form 10-2577F, Security Prescription Form). Prescriptions may also be faxed or telephoned into the pharmacies by the Clinical Contact Center or at the discretion of each VAMC. When available prescriptions may be electronically written by authorized VA providers and electronically transmitted (outbound e-RX prescribing) to the contracted retail pharmacies at the discretion of the VAMCs.

i. Unless otherwise pre-authorized, prescription fills shall be limited to a maximum of a ten (10) day supply. The balance of the patients prescribed medication shall be mailed from the VA Mail-Out Pharmacy. Each VA Medical Center may independently choose a shorter day limit if so desired.

j. Prescriptions shall be filled for legend drugs “only” according to the authorized “Emergency

Medication Formulary List”, a small subset derived from medications on the VA National Formulary determined and approved by VISN 8 PBM VPE and/or designee. There shall be a mechanism in place, provided by the contractor to provide real-time messaging and hard edits to the pharmacies to prevent any drug outside of the approved list being dispensed without prior authorization. Prior authorization shall be required for any medication outside of the approved list including all medications on VA National Formulary, a Non-Formulary or any medication considered restricted.

k. Prescriptions filled under this contract shall be, to the extent permitted by law, the least expensive drug product the pharmacy has in stock.

l. Generic (AB rated) shall be dispensed whenever possible. A product is not considered a generic equivalent unless the strength, quantity and dosage are the same as the brand name. The generic name shall be displayed on all labels for all medication. All generic products used shall comply with Federal and State regulations.

m. All prescriptions are to be picked up at the filling pharmacy by the Veteran patient or designee with ample identification. Veteran patients must present a valid photo ID and sign for all prescriptions upon pickup.

n. Contractor shall provide a minimum of three licensed pharmacies accepting its plan within approximately 5 miles or less from each VA facility, CBOC, Outpatient Clinic (OPC) and Community Based Clinic (CBC) except for the US Virgin Islands where at least two licensed pharmacies within a 10-mile radius or less is acceptable. Facilities located in each of the following cities: Bay Pines, Cape Coral, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Port Charlotte, Naples, Bradenton, Palm Harbor, Sebring, Miami, Deerfield Beach, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Homestead, Key Largo, Key West, Sunrise City, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee, Stuart, Vero Beach, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Port Saint Lucie Gainesville, Lake City, Ocala, Waycross (GA), Jacksonville, Valdosta (GA), Saint Augustine, Tallahassee, The Villages, Saint Mary’s (GA), Marianna, Middleburg, Palatka, Perry, San Juan, Arecibo, Ceiba, Comerio, Guayama, Kings Hill (St. Croix), Mayaguez, Ponce, Saint Thomas (VI), Utuado, Vieques, Tampa, Brooksville, Lakeland, Lecanto, New Port Richey, South Hillsborough and Zephyrhills, Lake Nona, Orlando, Viera, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Deltona, Tavares and Clermont

The cognizant Pharmacy Service for these areas are associated with the station listed below and further detailed in Attachment A.

1) Bay Pines – Bay Pines, Cape Coral, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Port Charlotte, Naples, Bradenton, Palm Harbor and Sebring

2) Miami – Miami, Deerfield Beach, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Homestead, Key

Largo, Key West, and Sunrise City

3) West Palm –West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee, Stuart, Vero Beach, Moore Haven, Clewiston, and Port Saint Lucie

4) North Florida/South Georgia - Gainesville, Lake City, Ocala, Waycross (GA), Jacksonville, Valdosta (GA), Saint Augustine, Tallahassee, The Villages, Saint Mary’s (GA), Marianna, Middleburg, Palatka, and Perry

5) Puerto Rico – San Juan, Arecibo, Ceiba, Comerio, Guayama, Kings Hill (St. Croix), Mayaguez, Ponce, Saint Thomas (VI), Utuado and Vieques

6) Tampa – Tampa, Brooksville, Lakeland, Lecanto, New Port Richey, South Hillsborough, and Zephyrhills

7) Orlando – Lake Nona, Orlando, Viera, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Deltona, Tavares, and Clermont

8) Clinical Contact Center – provides twenty-four (24) coverage for all locations within the VISN 8 network and provides extended services to the Southeastern States Network Consortium (SSNC) during off hours. SSNC (V6, V7, V8, V9 and V16)

o. Contractor shall not mail filled prescriptions to the patient. Contractor shall not deliver prescriptions to patient.

p. Pharmacies authorized to fill prescriptions under the contractor’s plan shall agree to the following conditions:

1) All information concerning VA beneficiaries shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person, except as authorized in writing and according to all applicable laws. The contractors should complete VA privacy training.

2) Representatives of the VA are authorized to visit the premises of any pharmacy filling VA prescriptions under the contractor’s plan during business hours. The purpose of reviewing VA information including auditing and evaluation, which may include the inspection of clinical records.

3) All adverse drug events reported to the contractor’s pharmacies by beneficiaries of the VA shall be reported to cognizant Pharmacy Service. Adverse drug events include dispensing errors, drug allergies, and adverse drug reactions.

4) Pharmaceutical care provided to beneficiaries under this contract shall meet all standards applicable to Medicaid recipients in the State where the services are provided for Ambulatory Care/Pharmaceutical Services.

5) Payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs under this contractor shall constitute the total costs of services provided by the Contractor. Contractor hereby agrees that in no event shall contractor bill, charge, collect deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from, or have any resource 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.

6) A pharmacist consistent with Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) 1990 requirement to ensure appropriate use and optimal outcomes from drug therapy shall offer all patients counseling. Counseling at a minimum shall include the following information:

a. Name, description and use of the medication

b. Dose, dosage form and route

c. Special directions and precautions

d. Common side effects and action required if they occur

e. Techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy

f. Action to be taken if a dose is missed

g. Proper storage

h. What the patient can expect from the medication

i. Food-drug interactions

A pharmacist shall be available to answer any drug related questions that a patient may have after the prescription is filled. In addition, include documentation (include patient refusal), demonstration of patient understanding, or any other pertinent issue such as “provided to caregiver”.

q. The contractor shall bill the cognizant VA Hospital monthly for services rendered. The VA will audit all billings. Pharmacies accepting payment through the contractor shall make records available to the auditor in a timely manner at the location where dispensed.

All invoices shall reference the following information:

1) Contract number

2) Patient name

3) Patient’s social security number

4) Prescription number

5) Name and NDC number of the medication dispensed

6) Quantity dispensed

7) RX Cost

8) Average Wholesaler Price (AWP)

9) Brand or Generic identifier

10) Pharmacy Name/location

11) Doctor’s Name

12) Contractor’s charge fee

r. Contractor shall provide VISN 8 a listing of licensed pharmacies that will accept its plan.

s. Records maintained by the contractor should have a definite time for retention and a clear method of disposal.

t. The contractor must complete the Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) within 30 days of contract approval and yearly on exercise of any options.

u. Any disclosure of records to any third party must have an accounting of release of disclosure.

v. Offeror shall quote the most favorable discount from the latest edition of an officially recognized US drug database (i.e., First Databank, MediSpan, Multum, Redbook, etc.) or

Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC), the most favorable dispensing fee and administration fee and shall meet the requirements as stated in the solicitation.

w. In the event of an emergency or special situation such as any manmade or natural disaster, other

National Emergency, temporary closing of a VISN 8 facility or interruption of mail services or where prescription delivery services are impaired, the contractor may be authorized to provide prescription services to veteran patients ordered by authorized VA staff. Under the emergency disaster activation, the VA Chief of Pharmacy may authorize a refill on an active prescription.

A Veteran patient with a valid ID may take an active VA prescription bottle last filled within 180 days with remaining refills to a participating retail pharmacy to be filled, excluding all controlled substances. The contractor shall provide prescription services for the disruption of normal VA pharmacy prescription filling by VISN 8, CMOP pharmacy for designated VISN 8 VA patients or where mail delivery, USPO or UPS delivery of VA filled prescriptions is impaired, prevented or otherwise interrupted.

x. The emergency disruption clause can only be implemented with the approval of the VISN 8

Chief Medical Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Network Director or, if unavailable due to circumstances, the VAMC Medical Center Director, Associate Director, or Chief of Staff. The Network or VAMC would determine the start and stop date of this service. Prescription status and prescription quantity from the normal ten days supply up to a maximum of ninety days (all VA Formulary without prior approval or limited) will be established when the emergency/special situation necessitates the activation of this provision.

y. The contractor shall have a mechanism in place to notify retail pharmacies the emergency disaster plan has been activated to include VA location (s), start/stop date, authorized days’ supply, restricted or VHA National Formulary and provide the retail pharmacy with contractor contact information for assistance with a VA prescription or billing questions in accordance with VA National policies, directives, DEA, Federal and State laws.

Qualifications:

Personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall be, licensed in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. All licenses held by personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Each person assigned to work under this contract shall be, licensed in accordance with the requirements set forth by the area of jurisdiction, State of Florida, State of Georgia, or the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Key Personnel and Temporary Emergency Substitutions:

The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:

Program Manager/Contract Representative

During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information as required for a qualified substitute as described below.

After the initial 90-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the person being replaced. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor within 15 days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

For temporary substitutions where the key person will not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. This substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period extending two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

Contract Performance Monitoring:

The Chief, Pharmacy Service at each cognizant VA Medical Center or COR designee shall be the VA official responsible for verifying contract compliance in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlined in attachment G. After contract award, any incidents of contractor noncompliance as evidence by monitoring procedures shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

Contractor shall maintain an ongoing performance measurement, assessment, and improvement process to assess the services provided under this contract (e.g., customer satisfaction survey).

An annual report outlining the assessment or measurement tool used, results of the assessment and any improvements initiated will be provided to the COR’s and the VISN 8 PBM COR no later than 14 business days after the end of the base year contract as well as the end of any option period exercised

Quality Control/Improvement

All medication errors and medication related incidents shall be recorded and reported to the prescribers and the Chief, Pharmacy Service immediately.

Customer complaints, suggestions, compliments shall be recorded and forwarded to the Chief, Pharmacy Service immediately.

Reports

Contractor shall provide each cognizant VAMC Pharmacy Chief or designee a monthly report by station/location which summarizes how many RX’s, brand vs. generic and costs; a detailed report by station/location listing each RX (patient, drug, generic/brand, cost etc.); a top 10 medication report by station/location. Information provided will be used to consider additions or removal from the VA’s approved “Emergency Medication Formulary Drug List”.

Contractor shall provide VISN 8 Pharmacy Benefits Management Pharmacy Executive or designee with a quarterly business review summarized by each station VAMC; to include the top 25 medications by station and a summary report by station VAMC summarizing total number of RX’s filled (per month), Total Cost of medication (per month), Total Dispense Fee (per month) Total rollup of overall costs (per month) and Total number of Brand versus Generic RX’s filled.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN:

1. PURPOSE

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) provides a systematic method to evaluate performance for the stated contract. This QASP explains the following:

• What will be monitored?

• How monitoring will take place.

• Who will conduct the monitoring?

• How monitoring efforts and results will be documented.

This QASP does not detail how the contractor accomplishes the work. Rather, the QASP is created with the premise that the contractor is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. It is the Government’s responsibility to be objective, fair, and consistent in evaluating performance.

This QASP is a “living document” and the Government may review and revise it on a regular basis.

However, the Government shall coordinate changes with the contractor. Copies of the original QASP and revisions shall be provided to the contractor and Government officials implementing surveillance activities.

2. GOVERNMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following pesonnel shall oversee and coordinate surveillance activities.

a. Contracting Officer (CO) - The CO shall ensure performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensure compliance with the contract terms, and shall safeguard the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. The CO shall also ensure that the contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract. The CO is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the contractor’s performance.

Assigned CO: Colleen Houser

Organization or Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 8; VISN 8 Team

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract and shall ensure proper Government surveillance of the contractor’s performance. The COR shall keep a quality assurance file. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government’s behalf.

Assigned COR: TBD

c. Other Key Government Personnel:

Dr. Ivan Itebejac, PBM Pharmacy Executive VISN 8

Dr. Kim Reno-Ly, PBM Deputy Pharmacy Executive VISN 8

Dr. Peter Wills, Clinical Contact Center Pharmacy Chief

3. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVES:

The following employees of the contractor serve as the contractor’s program manager for this contract.

a. Program Manager – TBD

b. Other Contractor Personnel – TBD

Title: TBD

4. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance standards define desired services. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the contractor exceeds, meets or does not meet these standards.

The Performance Requirements Summary Matrix in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), includes performance standards. The Government shall use these standards to determine contractor performance and shall compare contractor performance to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

Task

ID Indicator Standard Acceptable Quality Level

Method of Surveillance

Incentive

Rating

1 Pharmacy Services

Service to be provided 7 days per week / 24 hours a day/ 365 days per year. The contractor shall provide an after-hour point of contact and phone number in the event of an emergency

100%

Validated User/Customer Complaints

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance.

Specific 2 Filling and dispensing Prescriptions

Prescriptions filled will be in written form by an authorized VA provider and shall be identified with the name and address of each CBOC or VISN 8 VAMC location.

VA form 10- 2577F Security Prescription Form, Prescriptions may also be faxed or telephoned into the pharmacies at the discretion of each

VAMC.

When available prescriptions may be electronically written by authorized VA providers and electronically transmitted (outbound e-RX prescribing) to the contracted retail pharmacies at the discretion of the VAMCs.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past

Prescriptions filled and dispensed only for medications listed in approved

VISN 8

formularies

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance.

3 New Prescriptions Prescriptions filled shall be limited to a maximum of a ten (10) day supply unless otherwise pre-authorized.

Shall include special directions and precautions, dispensed in appropriate containers.

Generic names must be indicated on all drug labels.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance.

4 Generic equivalent medications

New prescriptions filled utilizing low-cost generic equivalent medications with exception of” brand name” drugs listed in contract.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

5 Average Wholesale Price

Offeror shall quote the most favorable discount from the latest edition of an officially recognized US drug database (i.e.

First Databank, MediSpan, Multum, Redbook, etc.) or Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC), the most favorable dispensing fee and administration fee and shall meet the requirements as stated in the solicitation.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past

6 Medication Order Review

Pharmacist will check for actual and potential drug related problems

100% Validated User/Customer Complaints

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance.

7 Patient Focused Care

All patients offered counseling by pharmacists consistent with OBRA to ensure appropriate and optimal outcomes from drug therapy.

Pharmacists will be available to answer any drug related questions that a patient may have after a prescription is filled.

100% Validated User/Customer Complaints

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance.

8 Pharmacy Services

Pharmacy services established with at least 3 licensed pharmacies accepting plan within 5 miles or less for each VA facility. Except for the US Virgin Islands where at least 2 licensed pharmacies within a 10-mile radius is acceptable.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

9 Malpractice Claims

The contractor shall notify the Chief of Pharmacy at said VAMC in writing of a malpractice claim within 3 working days of claim being filed.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

10 Tort Claims The contractor shall notify the VA of the action or non-action.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

11 Patient Confidentiality

The contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all patient information.

100% Validated User/Customer Complaints

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

12 State Regulations All prescriptions must be filled in a manner that meets or exceeds current State of Florida, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, and Federal requirements that govern the filling and dispensing of

100% Validated User/Customer Complaints

Exercise of Option Period

Performance prescriptions.

13 Confidentiality

Forms The contractor shall obtain a signed “confidentiality certificate” from each employee prior to allowing them to work.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period and Past Performance

14 Privacy Training The contractor will complete Annual web-based Privacy Training and forward completion certificates to COR within timeframes listed.

100% Analysis of Contractor’s Reports

Exercise of Option Period

Performance

5. INCENTIVES

The Government shall use Exercise of Option Period (if applicable) and Past Performance as incentives.

Incentives shall be based on exceeding, meeting, or not meeting performance standards.

6. METHODS OF QA SURVEILLANCE*

Various methods exist to monitor performance. The COR shall use the surveillance methods listed below in the administration of this QASP.

a. VALIDATED USER/CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. (Relies on the patient to identify deficiencies.

Complaints are then investigated and validated.)

Performance Standard(s) ID: 1, 6, 7, 11 and 12

b. 100% INSPECTION. (Evaluates all outcomes.)

Performance Standard(s) ID #: 1

c. Analysis of contractor's progress reports. (Evaluate cost, schedule, maintenance documentation, etc.)

Performance Standard(s) ID #: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, & 14.

7. RATINGS

Metrics and methods are designed to determine if performance exceeds, meets, or does not meet a given standard and acceptable quality level. A rating scale shall be used to determine a positive, neutral, or negative outcome. The following ratings shall be used:

Excellent = Exceeds Standards

Satisfactory = Meets Standards

Unsatisfactory = Fails to Meet Standards

8. DOCUMENTING PERFORMANCE

a. ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE

The Government shall document positive performance. Any report may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action.

b. UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE

When unacceptable performance occurs, the COR shall inform the contractor. This will normally be in writing unless circumstances necessitate verbal communication. In any case the COR shall document the discussion and place it in the COR file.

When the COR determines formal written communication is required, the COR shall prepare a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) and present it to the contractor's program manager.

The contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR in writing. The CDR will specify if the contractor is required to prepare a corrective action plan to document how the contractor shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The CDR will also state how long after receipt the contractor has to present this corrective action plan to the COR. The Government shall review the contractor's corrective action plan to determine acceptability.

Any CDRs may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action deemed necessary by the CO.

9. FREQUENCY OF MEASUREMENT

a. Frequency of Measurement.

During contract performance, the COR will periodically analyze whether the negotiated frequency of surveillance is appropriate for the work being performed.

b. Frequency of Performance Assessment Meetings.

The COR shall meet with the contractor quarterly via telephone (if necessary, i.e. if any problems exist) to assess performance and shall provide a written quarterly assessment.

Signature – Contractor Program Manager

Signature – Contracting Officer’s Representative

B.2 52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (NOV 2020)

(a) Definition. Small business concern, as used in this clause—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in paragraph (a)(1) of this clause, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships.

SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

(b) Applicability. This clause applies only to—

(1) Contracts that have been totally set aside for small business concerns; and

(2) Orders set aside for small business concerns under multiple-award contracts as described in 8.405-5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F).

(c) General.

(1) Offers are solicited only from small business concerns. Offers received from concerns that are not small business concerns shall be considered nonresponsive and will be rejected.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made to a small business concern.

(End of Clause)

B.3 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (OCT 2022)

(a) This clause does not apply to the unrestricted portion of a partial set-aside.

(b) Definition. Similarly situated entity, as used in this clause, means a first-tier subcontractor, including an independent contractor, that—

(1) Has the same small business program status as that which qualified the prime contractor for the award (e.g., for a small business set-aside contract, any small business concern, without regard to its socioeconomic status); and

(2) Is considered small for the size standard under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code the prime contractor assigned to the subcontract.

(c) Applicability. This clause applies only to—

(1) Contracts that have been set aside for any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3);

(2) Part or parts of a multiple-award contract that have been set aside for any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3);

(3) Contracts that have been awarded on a sole-source basis in accordance with subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, and 19.15;

(4) Orders expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and that are—

(i) Set aside for small business concerns under multiple-award contracts, as described in 8.405–5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F); or

(ii) Issued directly to small business concerns under multiple-award contracts as described in 19.504(c)(1)(ii);

(5) Orders, regardless of dollar value, that are—

(i) Set aside in accordance with subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, or 19.15 under multiple-award contracts, as described in 8.405–5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F); or

(ii) Issued directly to concerns that qualify for the programs described in subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, or 19.15 under multiple-award contracts, as described in 19.504(c)(1)(ii); and

(6) Contracts using the HUBZone price evaluation preference to award to a HUBZone small business concern unless the concern waived the evaluation preference.

(d) Independent contractors. An independent contractor shall be considered a subcontractor.

(e) Limitations on subcontracting. By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Contractor agrees that in performance of a contract assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for—

(1) Services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract;

(2) Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both supplies and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract;

(3) General construction, it will not pay more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 85 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded; or

(4) Construction by special trade contractors, it will not pay more than 75 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 75 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

(f) The Contractor shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

(1) For contracts, in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1), (2), (3) and (6) of this clause—

[] By the end of the base term of the contract and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or

[] By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(2) For orders, in accordance with paragraphs (c)(4) and (5) of this clause, by the end of the performance period for the order.

(g) A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (e) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(1) In a joint venture comprised of a small business protégé and its mentor approved by the Small Business Administration, the small business protégé shall perform at least 40 percent of the work performed by the joint venture. Work performed by the small business protégé in the joint venture must be more than administrative functions.

(2) In an 8(a) joint venture, the 8(a) participant(s) shall perform at least 40 percent of the work performed by the joint venture. Work performed by the 8(a) participants in the joint venture must be more than administrative functions.

(End of Clause)

B.4 52.219-28 POSTAWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION (JAN

2025) ALTERNATE I (MAR 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Long-term contract means a contract of more than five years in duration, including options. However, the term does not include contracts that exceed five years in duration because the period of performance has been extended for a cumulative period not to exceed six months under the clause at 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, or other appropriate authority.

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (d) of this clause.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

(b) If the Contractor represented that it was any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3) prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size and socioeconomic status according to paragraph (f) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (h) of this clause, upon occurrence of any of the following:

(1) Within 30 days after execution of a novation agreement or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the novation agreement was executed prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(2) Within 30 days after a merger or acquisition that does not require a novation or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the merger or acquisition occurred prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(3) For long-term contracts—

(i) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the end of the fifth year of the contract; and

(ii) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the date specified in the contract for exercising any option thereafter.

(c) If the Contractor represented its status as any of the small business concerns identified at 19.000(a)(3) prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size and socioeconomic status according to paragraph (f) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (h) of this clause, for the NAICS code assigned to an order (except that paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this clause do not apply to an order issued under a Federal Supply Schedule contract at subpart 8.4)—

(1) Set aside exclusively for a small business concern identified at 19.000(a)(3) that is issued under an unrestricted multiple-award contract, unless the order is issued under the reserved portion of an unrestricted multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a woman-owned small business under a multiple-award contract that is not set-aside, unless the order is issued under the reserved portion of the multiple-award contract);

(2) Issued under a multiple-award contract set aside for small businesses that is further set aside for a specific socioeconomic category that differs from the underlying multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a HUBZone small business concern under a multiple-award contract that is set aside for small businesses);

(3) Issued under the part of the multiple-award contract that is set aside for small businesses that is further set aside for a specific socioeconomic category that differs from the underlying set-aside part of the multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a WOSB concern under the part of the multiple-award contract that is partially set aside for small businesses); and

(4) When the Contracting Officer explicitly requires it for an order issued under a multiple-award contract, including for an order issued under a Federal Supply Schedule contract (see 8.405–5(b) and 19.301–2(b)(2)).

(d) The Contractor shall rerepresent its size status in accordance with the size standard in effect at the time of this rerepresentation that corresponds to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code(s) assigned to this contract. The small business size standard corresponding to this NAICS code(s) can be found at https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards.

(e) The small business size standard for a Contractor providing an end item that it does not manufacture, process, or produce itself, for a contract other than a construction or service contract, is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(1) Was set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Used the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the Contractor waived the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Was an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(f) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this clause, the Contractor shall make the representation(s) required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this clause by validating or updating all its representations in the Representations and Certifications section of the System for Award Management (SAM) and its other data in SAM, as necessary, to ensure that they reflect the Contractor's current status. The Contractor shall notify the contracting officer in writing within the timeframes specified in paragraph (b) of this clause, or with its offer for an order (see paragraph (c) of this clause), that the data have been validated or updated, and provide the date of the validation or update.

(g) If the Contractor represented that it was other than a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor may, but is not required to, take the actions required by paragraphs (f) or (h) of this clause.

(h) If the Contractor does not have representations and certifications in SAM, or does not have a representation in SAM for the NAICS code applicable to this contract, the Contractor is required to complete the following rerepresentation and submit it to the contracting office, along with the contract number and the date on which the rerepresentation was completed:

(1) The Contractor represents its small business size status for each one of the NAICS codes assigned to this contract.

NAICS Code Small Business Concern (yes/no)

[Contracting Officer to insert NAICS codes.]

(2) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (h)(1)…