Remote Pharmacy Services for El Paso Psychiatric Center (EPPC)

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB No. #HHS0016184) for Remote Pharmacy Services at the El Paso Psychiatric Center (EPPC), seeking a contractor to provide off-hours pharmaceutical oversight and medication order management. The procurement requires a remote pharmacist to monitor the WORx pharmacy system during non-business hours, including weekday evenings, weekends, and state holidays, with critical responsibilities including medication order review, verification of patient-specific and drug-specific parameters, and interaction checks. Bidders must possess a Texas State Board of Pharmacy license, demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience, and have access to comprehensive drug information resources. The contract will span from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, with no renewal options, and responses are due by June 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time. Award will be determined based on best value, considering the bidder's ability to meet specifications, performance delivery requirements, and pricing. Evaluation will involve a comprehensive review of submitted documentation, including the Solicitation Affirmations, Pricing Sheet, Security and Privacy Inquiry, and Bidder Reference Qualifications Form.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan with a specific HUB utilization goal of 23.7% for professional services, requiring all respondents to submit a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan regardless of their HUB status. Potential subcontracting opportunities are identified in the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Class/Item Code for Pharmaceutical Services, with businesses required to make good-faith efforts to include Historically Underutilized Businesses. The historical spend for similar services is $74,400 for the period September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, suggesting a comparable budget range for the upcoming contract. Post-award requirements include monthly Progress Assessment Reports and potential on-site reviews, with strict adherence to the submitted HUB Subcontracting Plan. Non-compliance could result in significant penalties, including contract breach and potential debarment from state contracting for up to five years. The solicitation emphasizes comprehensive data protection, requiring vendors to demonstrate robust privacy and security practices, including compliance with HIPAA regulations and detailed information protection methods.