18-233-SOL-elsevier

SYNOPSIS: Data Purchase - ProspectoRx

Solicitation#: 18-233-SOL-ELSEVIER
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/ Solicitation
NAICS Code: 511120
Date: May 10, 2018

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation is issued as an invitation request for quotation (RFQ).
Notice of Intent:
The Government intends to solicit Elsevier, Inc. as, pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting from a Single Source, because this firm is the only one source that can supply license agreements to the data needed to satisfy agency requirements. The anticipated contract period will be for one year.

Background:
This requirement is to purchase one 1 year license to ProspectoRx for use in analyzing changes in list price of prescription drugs. Drug prices are important priority of the administration and this data source will enable ASPE to get real-time updates on drug prices. With more timely data, ASPE can conduct additional analyses to understand drug markets.

Description:
This requirement is to acquire an on-demand list price look up tool for pharmaceuticals, for initial screening of drugs or markets with potential monopoly pricing actions. ASPE has conducted market research and held teleconferences and website demos with three vendors of drug price compendium search tools. (AnalySource, ProspectoRx, RedBook.) All three web-based tools allow users to look up prices for drugs and calculate price changes over time. RedBook only allows for looking up the current list price, but has historical information on wholesale prices. We have this subscription through June 2018. AnalySource has a built-in price increase screening tool that we can run on a regular basis. Using an externally validated tool for these queries reduces the risk of anything the Department may publish. AnalySource has only NDC level data. ProspectoRx includes a direct link to the drug's therapeutic class, in addition to NDCs, which allows us to monitor competition within drug classes. Linking drugs to therapeutic classes can be a time-intensive effort if ASPE staff members have to do this step ourselves.

The price of the Elsevier's is fair and reasonable when compared to other similar databases.

ASPE will be receiving the following:

A one-year license to ProspectoRx for use in analyzing changes in list price of prescription drugs. Drug prices are important priority of the administration and this data source will enable ASPE to get real-time updates on drug prices. With more timely data, ASPE can conduct additional analyses to understand drug markets.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; and a written solicitation will not be issued. Provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition. Include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with offer.

Interested parties may identify in writing, their interest and capability to respond. Capability statements shall be submitted and received by Friday, May 16, 2018, no later than 12:00 p.m. (EDT), to the point of contact (POC) listed in this announcement. Submissions may be made by electronic or tangible means. All submissions, regardless of the manner of submission, must be received by the POC by the deadline date and time.

Procurement Classification (Service) Code: B - Special studies and analysis - not R&D
Contracting Office: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ Program Support Center
7700 Wisconsin Avenue, 8th Floor
Bethesda, MD 20857
Point of Contact: David Wilhelm, Contract Specialist, AMS/PSC
Phone: 301-492-4643
Email: david.wilhelm@psc.hhs.gov