# SAM #36C25527Q0015

VA market research for First Fill Prescription Voucher Program pharmacy benefit services

**Buyer:** VA Health Administration Network Contracting Office 15
**Posted:** October 05, 2026
**Respond By:** October 12, 2026
**Identifier:** 36C25527Q0015
**NAICS:** 524292, 456110

The Department of Veterans Affairs is researching pharmacy benefit services for Veterans served by the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita.
- **Government buyer:** Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Network Contracting Office 15 and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (RJDVAMC), Wichita, Kansas.
- **Service requested:** Third-party pharmacy benefit services for the First Fill Prescription Voucher Program, supporting eligible Veterans when VA pharmacies cannot dispense urgent or first outpatient prescriptions.
- **Coverage and access:** Maintain a geographically accessible pharmacy network with 24-hour locations and extended evening, weekend, and holiday availability. Support needs associated with designated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), and telehealth.
- **Prescription requirements:** Dispense only new prescriptions from authorized VA providers; refills are not allowed. Generally limit supplies to 10 days, or up to 14 days for antibiotics and antibacterials unless otherwise authorized. Follow the VA Emergency Medication Formulary List, prior-authorization rules, and generic-substitution requirements where permitted.
- **Other service requirements:** Provide pharmacist counseling, maintain prescription records including patient signatures, protect beneficiary information in accordance with privacy and HIPAA requirements, and meet VA security and training requirements. Provide required electronic reporting and detailed statements.
- **Pricing approach:** Average Wholesale Price less the applicable discount, plus a dispensing fee, subject to stated price limits.
- **OEMs and vendors:** No OEMs, manufacturers, or vendors are specifically named.
- **Market research:** This is a Sources Sought notice for market research, not a request for proposals or quotes.

### Description

<div>
  <p><strong>Sources Sought Notice</strong></p>
  <p>This is not a request for formal proposals or quotes, and it does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this Sources Sought must be in writing.</p>
  <p>The purpose of this Sources Sought announcement is to conduct market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and gain knowledge of potentially qualified businesses interested in and capable of providing the required services.</p>
  <p>Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition.</p>
  <p>Responses to this notice shall include the following:</p>
  <ol type="a">
    <li>Company name</li>
    <li>Address</li>
    <li>Point of contact</li>
    <li>Phone and email</li>
    <li>UEI number</li>
    <li>CAGE Code</li>
    <li>Type of small business, e.g., Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, or Large Business</li>
    <li>Capability statement that addresses the organization’s qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below</li>
  </ol>
  <p>This Sources Sought is for the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, 5500 E. Kellogg Avenue, Wichita, KS, which has a requirement for contractor-provided third-party pharmacy benefit services to support a First Fill Prescription Voucher Program serving eligible Veterans. This program provides first or urgent-fill prescriptions when VA pharmacies are unable or it is impractical for them to dispense medications, such as after-hours emergency room visits, time-sensitive medications from Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), or telehealth appointments.</p>
  <p>The NAICS Code is 527292 (Pharmacy Benefit Management and Other Third-Party Administration of Insurance and Pension Funds), with a small business size standard of $45.5 million. SDVOSB/VOSB vendors must be registered in the SBA VetCert database.</p>
  <p>Offerors capable of providing this service shall notify the Contract Specialist no later than (NLT) <strong>October 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m. CST</strong>, via email at <a href="mailto:maria.owen2@va.gov">maria.owen2@va.gov</a>.</p>
  <p>All information is to be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:maria.owen2@va.gov">maria.owen2@va.gov</a>. Phone calls will not be accepted.</p>
</div>

<div>
  <p><strong>Performance Work Statement</strong></p>
  <p><strong>First Fill Prescription Voucher Program — Pharmacy Benefit Services</strong></p>

  <p><strong>1. Introduction</strong></p>
  <p>The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has a requirement for contractor-provided third-party pharmacy benefit services to support a First Fill Prescription Voucher Program serving eligible Veterans. This program provides first or urgent-fill prescriptions when VA pharmacies are unable or it is impractical for them to dispense medications, such as after-hours emergency room visits, time-sensitive medications from Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), or telehealth appointments.</p>
  <p>The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to define the scope, objectives, tasks, deliverables, performance standards, and reporting requirements for the contractor’s provision of pharmacy benefit services under this program.</p>

  <p><strong>2. Scope of Work</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall provide all personnel, pharmacy network locations, systems, tools, and non-personal services necessary to perform first and urgent-fill outpatient pharmacy services for eligible VA beneficiaries assigned to the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (RJDVAMC), located at 5500 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS; associated CBOCs and HBPC programs; and additional facilities added during the term of this contract.</p>
  <p>The scope of work includes, at a minimum:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Dispensing new prescriptions written by authorized VA providers, with no refills.</li>
    <li>Maintaining a geographically accessible pharmacy network with extended and after-hours operating times.</li>
    <li>Adhering to VA-provided emergency medication formulary lists and applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and VA policies.</li>
    <li>Providing required reporting, data, and documentation to support billing, quality assurance, performance measurement, and compliance.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>3. Technical Requirements</strong></p>
  <p><strong>A. Pharmacy Services and Operations</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Dispense prescriptions only for eligible VA beneficiaries presenting a VA-issued ID card, at designated network pharmacies.</li>
    <li>Dispense only new prescriptions written by authorized VA providers (RJDVA, CBOC, HBPC), with no refills permitted under this program.</li>
    <li>Maintain operating hours that include 24-hour locations and extended evening/weekend access, at a minimum Monday-through-Sunday coverage, including federal holidays.</li>
    <li>Limit the maximum day supply to 10 days for most medications and up to 14 days for antibiotics/antibacterial agents, unless otherwise authorized under emergency conditions.</li>
    <li>Dispense generic medications to the extent permitted by law, using AB-rated generics that meet all federal and state requirements, and select the least expensive product in stock that meets clinical requirements.</li>
    <li>Accept and process written prescriptions provided by authorized providers.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>B. Formulary Management</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Adhere strictly to the VA Emergency Medication Formulary List, dispensing only legend drugs on the approved list unless prior authorization is obtained from the VA Chief of Pharmacy or designee.</li>
    <li>Provide real-time messaging and hard edits within the pharmacy systems to prevent dispensing of non-formulary or prior-authorization medications without VA approval.</li>
    <li>Maintain and implement a mechanism to receive formulary updates from VA and update pharmacy systems accordingly in a timely manner.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>C. Records, Confidentiality, and Compliance</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor and contract pharmacies shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Maintain electronic records of all VA prescriptions filled, including patient signatures for each prescription received.</li>
    <li>Protect the confidentiality of all VA beneficiary information and comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPAA, and all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements.</li>
    <li>Ensure no patient information is stored on mobile devices and that access to VA information systems is restricted to personnel with appropriate background investigations and training, in accordance with VA directives.</li>
    <li>Handle all protected health information and sensitive personal information in accordance with VA directives, 45 CFR Part 164, and applicable VA handbooks and policies.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>D. Quality of Service and Counseling</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Provide high-quality service for patients and providers, with an account management team that communicates directly with the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Facility POC to address and promptly resolve issues.</li>
    <li>Offer pharmacist counseling to ensure optimal outcomes from drug therapy, including medication name and use, dose and route, precautions, common side effects and actions, self-monitoring techniques, missed-dose instructions, and proper storage.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>4. Delivery &amp; Location Information</strong></p>
  <p>Services shall be provided to VA beneficiaries associated with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and designated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and HBPC programs within the primary service area, as well as additional areas added during the contract term.</p>
  <p>The contractor shall provide and maintain a list of participating pharmacies that are:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Geographically accessible to RJDVA and each CBOC.</li>
    <li>Handicapped accessible.</li>
    <li>Equipped with accessible weekday, weekend, and evening hours, including drive-through windows where available.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>The list shall include, at a minimum: facility name and address; pharmacy name and address; phone/fax; pharmacists’ names and license numbers with expiration dates; accessibility status; distance from VA facilities; availability of drive-up windows; hours and days of operation; and normal waiting times.</p>

  <p><strong>5. Security Requirements</strong></p>
  <p>Contractor and subcontractor personnel requiring access to VA information and information systems must comply with VA, federal, and state security and privacy requirements, including VA Directive and Handbook 0710 (Personnel Suitability and Security Program), applicable cybersecurity and privacy training, and VA Rules of Behavior.</p>
  <p>The contractor shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Request logical or physical access to VA information systems only to the extent necessary to perform contract services.</li>
    <li>Notify the ordering Contracting Officer immediately when personnel with access to VA information or systems are reassigned or separated, including unfriendly terminations.</li>
    <li>Report all known or suspected security or privacy incidents, including data breaches involving sensitive personal information, to the ordering Contracting Officer, ISO, and Privacy Officer in accordance with VA policy and any applicable Business Associate Agreement.</li>
    <li>Where required, be liable for liquidated damages in the event of data breaches involving sensitive personal information, as specified by 38 U.S.C. § 5725 and VA contract provisions.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>6. Period of Performance</strong></p>
  <ul>
    <li>Base Year: 01/04/2027–01/03/2028</li>
    <li>Option Year 1: 01/04/2028–01/03/2029</li>
    <li>Option Year 2: 01/04/2029–01/03/2030</li>
  </ul>
  <p>Exercise of option years shall be at the Government’s discretion, based on continued need, contractor performance, and availability of funds.</p>

  <p><strong>7. Work Hours</strong></p>
  <p>Pharmacy services under this program must be available:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Through a network that includes 24-hour pharmacies providing coverage Monday through Sunday, including weekends and federal holidays.</li>
    <li>Through additional pharmacies open at least Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time, or as specified by the VA for accessibility.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>8. VA Points of Contact</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall designate a program manager (Primary and Alternate) and provide contact information to the CO and Facility POC within five (5) days of contract award.</p>

  <p><strong>9. Installation and Cleanup</strong></p>
  <p>Not applicable; services under this PWS relate to pharmacy benefit administration and dispensing rather than physical installation of equipment. Any on-site activities at VA or pharmacy locations shall be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt normal operations and complies with VA safety and housekeeping requirements.</p>

  <p><strong>10. Training</strong></p>
  <p>All contractor and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information or information systems shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Complete VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and annual refresher training.</li>
    <li>Complete appropriate VA privacy training and any role-based information security training required, with documentation of completion provided to the ordering CO or representative within one week of contract initiation and annually thereafter.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>Failure to maintain current training and signed Rules of Behavior may result in suspension or termination of physical or electronic access and removal from contract work.</p>

  <p><strong>11. Warranty and Maintenance Service</strong></p>
  <p>Not applicable for physical products; however, the contractor shall maintain all pharmacy benefit management systems, data interfaces, and reporting tools used to support this program in good working order and ensure continuous, reliable operation. System maintenance must not compromise data integrity, privacy, or availability of service to VA beneficiaries.</p>

  <p><strong>12. Performance Metrics and Quality Control</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices, The Joint Commission standards, VA handbooks and directives, and all applicable laws and regulations.</p>
  <p>Key performance areas include:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Accuracy and timeliness of dispensing and documentation.</li>
    <li>Compliance with formulary and prior authorization requirements.</li>
    <li>Responsiveness to VA inquiries and corrective actions.</li>
    <li>Patient counseling and service quality.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>The Facility POC may monitor performance through observation, inspection of services, record review, and assessment of complaints. When unacceptable performance occurs, the POC may issue a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), and the contractor shall provide and implement a corrective action plan within the timeframe specified in the CDR.</p>

  <p><strong>A. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)</strong></p>
  <p>The Government will use the following performance objectives, standards, acceptable quality levels, and surveillance methods to evaluate contractor performance. These standards are derived from the service, compliance, reporting, counseling, and responsiveness requirements in the SOW.</p>
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th scope="col">Required Services</th>
        <th scope="col">Performance Standards</th>
        <th scope="col">Acceptable Quality Level</th>
        <th scope="col">Methods of Surveillance</th>
        <th scope="col">Incentive / Remedy</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>Pharmacy network availability</td>
        <td>Contractor maintains a geographically accessible pharmacy network with required weekday, weekend, evening, and holiday coverage, including 24-hour locations where required.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Periodic inspection of network list; random validation of pharmacy hours and access.</td>
        <td>Contractor required to correct deficiencies immediately; repeated failure may support issuance of CDR and consideration of payment deduction.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Eligible prescription dispensing</td>
        <td>Prescriptions are dispensed only to eligible VA beneficiaries and only for new prescriptions written by authorized VA providers; no refills are permitted.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Random record review; complaint review; periodic audit of filled prescriptions.</td>
        <td>Documented noncompliance may result in corrective action and possible payment adjustment for improper fills.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Day-supply compliance</td>
        <td>Prescriptions do not exceed 10 days for most medications and do not exceed 14 days for antibiotics/antibacterials unless otherwise authorized.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Random review of prescription records and invoices.</td>
        <td>Any noncompliant fills require corrective action and possible reconciliation of improper charges.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Formulary compliance</td>
        <td>Contractor dispenses only approved formulary drugs unless prior authorization is obtained from the VA Chief of Pharmacy or designee, and contractor systems prevent unauthorized non-formulary dispensing.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Random monitoring; system/edit review; complaint review; record audit.</td>
        <td>Unauthorized non-formulary dispensing may result in CDR, corrective action, and disallowance of related charges.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Generic substitution compliance</td>
        <td>Contractor dispenses AB-rated generic medications when permitted by law and uses the least expensive clinically appropriate product in stock.</td>
        <td>95%</td>
        <td>Random invoice and fill review.</td>
        <td>Trends below threshold require corrective action and may affect payment review.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Patient counseling</td>
        <td>Pharmacist counseling is available and provided consistent with contract requirements, including medication use, dose, precautions, side effects, missed doses, and storage.</td>
        <td>95%</td>
        <td>Customer feedback; complaint log; random record review if documented.</td>
        <td>Repeated substantiated failures require corrective action plan.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Reporting timeliness</td>
        <td>Monthly, quarterly, and annual reports are submitted electronically to the Facility POC within required timeframes and contain required elements by location.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>100% inspection of all deliverables.</td>
        <td>Late or incomplete reports may support payment withholding until corrected or other negotiated deduction language.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Monthly detailed statement accuracy</td>
        <td>Monthly statements include patient name, patient SSN, provider name, drug name, strength, quantity, dispense date, dispensing pharmacy, AWP, and dispensing fee.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>100% inspection; record review.</td>
        <td>Inaccurate statements require correction; unsupported charges may be adjusted.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Consult documentation response</td>
        <td>Contractor provides consult documentation within 10 calendar days of request.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>100% inspection of requests and response dates.</td>
        <td>Failure may result in adjustment of questioned statement amounts, as stated in the SOW.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Complaint resolution / responsiveness</td>
        <td>Contractor account management team responds promptly to VA inquiries and works directly with the COR/Facility POC to resolve issues.</td>
        <td>95%</td>
        <td>Complaint log; email/issue tracking review; periodic inspection.</td>
        <td>Failure to respond or resolve timely may result in corrective action requirements.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Records management</td>
        <td>Contractor maintains electronic records of prescriptions filled, including patient signatures for each prescription received.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Random record review; periodic inspection.</td>
        <td>Missing documentation may result in corrective action and questioned costs.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Privacy and HIPAA compliance</td>
        <td>Contractor protects beneficiary information and complies with the Privacy Act, HIPAA, VA privacy requirements, and restrictions on storing patient information on mobile devices.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Random monitoring; incident review; training and compliance record review.</td>
        <td>Any breach or material privacy failure shall be referred to the CO immediately and handled under contract, VA policy, and applicable law.</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Security/training compliance</td>
        <td>Contractor personnel complete required VA cybersecurity, privacy, and Rules of Behavior training and maintain required access controls.</td>
        <td>100%</td>
        <td>Periodic inspection of training documentation and access records.</td>
        <td>Personnel may be removed from work or access; contractor must correct deficiencies immediately.</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>

  <p><strong>13. Reporting and Documentation</strong></p>
  <p>The contractor shall provide:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Monthly, quarterly, and annual electronic reports to the Facility POC showing total prescriptions filled and total dollar amounts, by location.</li>
    <li>Monthly detailed statements including, at a minimum: patient name, patient SSN, provider name, drug name, strength, quantity, date dispensed, dispensing pharmacy, AWP, and dispensing fee.</li>
    <li>Reports containing sensitive information shall be encrypted and/or password-protected when transmitted via email.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>Pharmacy Service at the RJDVAMC shall review monthly statements, and the contractor shall provide consult documentation within 10 calendar days upon request. Failure to do so may require adjustment of statements by the amount in question.</p>

  <p><strong>14. Government Responsibilities</strong></p>
  <p>The Government shall:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Assign a Facility POC to monitor day-to-day contractor performance and verify compliance.</li>
    <li>Establish and maintain internal record-keeping systems to ensure correct reimbursement for prescriptions and services.</li>
    <li>Conduct random audits of prescription fills and have access to contractor records during regular business hours with reasonable notice.</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>15. Budget, Payment, and Pricing</strong></p>
  <p>Reimbursements shall be determined by Average Wholesale Price (AWP), discounted by the applicable percentage plus the applicable dispensing fee, and shall not exceed prices charged to the general public or to the contractor’s lowest third-party plan.</p>
  <p>AWP shall be based on the current Red Book or equivalent reference, with updates provided to VA throughout the contract term.</p>

  <p><strong>16. Terms, Conditions, and Change Management</strong></p>
  <p>This PWS is subject to all applicable VA contractual terms and conditions, including confidentiality, intellectual property, data rights, termination, and dispute resolution provisions.</p>
  <p>Any changes to the scope, deliverables, or performance requirements must be requested in writing and approved by the Contracting Officer through a contract modification, following VA change management procedures.</p>
</div>

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