SSJ Micromedex VISN1 KIS FY24.pdf

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

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 1 of 2 Original Date: 09/03/21

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:

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 1, Knowledge Information Services 523-24-2-

3801-0025: Micromedex and Redbook

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

A two-year, VISN-wide subscription to Micromedex with Redbook, a pharmaceutical information compendium specifically for the VISN1 Pharmacy staff. Micromedex offers a collection of proprietary information covering toxicology, pharmacology, patient education and acute care medicine. Originally prepared exclusively by IBM Watson Health and currently spun off to Merative company. in combination with an unparalleled collection of databases providing in-depth, evidence-based information tailored to meet clinical needs. This procurement is for an online subscription to Micromedex for VISN 1.

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

Included in this service for Micromedex the following databases: Drugdex System (drug and pharmaceutical information), Drug-Reax System (interactive drug interactions), Drug Points, Identidex System (tablet and capsule identification), IV Index System with Trissel’s Tables (electronic source of physical compatibility test results for parenteral medications) and Red Book for pharmaceutical pricing information. Merative, original equipment manufacturer, maintains a full-time editorial staff of professionals responsible for the accuracy and quality of its online resources. As further described in section 4, Micromedex is the only product that meets the Department of

Veteran Affairs needs in terms of requirement, completeness, and continuity. No substitutes allowed.

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

VISN 1 currently has a subscription to Micromedex with Redbook integrated within it as a pharmacy database resource from IBM through J.E. Federal Enterprises (the SDVOSB). This pharmacy database, and associated online resource tools, are a vital component to the pharmacy staff’s daily operations. It is consulted throughout the day 24/7 in support of patient care. The VISN 1 Library staff understood that a pharmacy database was extremely important to VA facility healthcare operations, and the content and functionality was integral to patient care. This guided our market research.

A subject matter expert team, primarily comprised of VISN 1 Librarians and Pharmacists, initially surveyed pharmacy databases comparable with the Micromedex package currently on contract and accessed by VISN 1 clinical staff. The other pharmacy databases examined were Lexicomp, from Wolters Kluwer, and Clinical

Solutions, from Elsevier. The team’s focus on these databases were their initial capabilities. Clinical Solutions was found to be not as robust a pharmacy resource and was eliminated from further examination at this stage. The VISN

1 library staff organized a trial for Lexicomp to include capabilities such drug monograph content, drug interactions, IV drugs, and drug costs. The professional opinion, of the majority review team members, found that Micromedex did a better job in producing results for drug evaluations. Searching on the site was quicker, and the results give all drug monograph content needed, especially information regarding drug interactions with food/ethanol/tobacco, situations with lab tests, and pregnancy/lactation conditions. Micromedex information display is convenient and better organized than the Lexicomp information display. The team found that the Lexicomp drug interaction, although comprehensive, demanded more searching on the site to find other information comparisons for primarily drugs and allergies. The drug monographs for both Micromedex and Lexicomp main content were comparable, with both providing the ability to compare topical literature and give an informed synopsis of relevant trials for indications. For the drug costs, lookup and availability, Micromedex Redbook exceled in producing results for available formulations, availability and NDC numbers for ordering purposes. Several pharmacists stated that they https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

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

VHAPM Part 813.106 Page 2 of 2 Original Date: 09/03/21 use the Redbook data base tool several times a week and found that the similar tool in Lexicomp was not as capable as the Redbook drug pricing tool. Micromedex features 715 calculators, and conversational agent searching in addition to traditional search methods. Having both methods of searching gives greater usability in finding drug information. Micromedex comes with mobile device access which is essential to “Point of Care” at the patient bedside.

While Lexicomp pricing comes under Micromedex, the Lexicomp add-on database tools are broken into different modules making it a collection of databases. These modules will need to be purchased at additional costs.

Micromedex includes all the information that VISN 1 clinical providers need to provide competent patient care.

Access and use with Micromedex is more efficient, and less time consuming.

At this time, the sole authorized distributor for Micromedex, is J.E. Federal (SDVOSB).

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.

Tyler Kenyon

Contracting Officer

22 January 2024 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2013_1.html#wp1125466