VA Awards $315K for Virtual Pharmacy Services to Bliss Pharmacy Services LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $315,210 ($315.2K)

Contractor: Bliss Pharmacy Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $216/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VIRTUAL PHARMACY SERVICES - VA WHITE RIVER JUNCTION - 5/1/22 - 4/30/23

Place of Performance

Location: GILBERT, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85295

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $315,210.29 to BLISS PHARMACY SERVICES LLC for work described as: VIRTUAL PHARMACY SERVICES - VA WHITE RIVER JUNCTION - 5/1/22 - 4/30/23 Key points: 1. Spending focused on healthcare services, specifically virtual pharmacy. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate process. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, indicating potential for future spending. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 621399 points to miscellaneous health practitioners. 5. The contract value is relatively modest for a year-long service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $315,210.29 for one year appears reasonable for specialized virtual pharmacy services. Benchmarking against similar VA or other federal contracts for telehealth or pharmacy management would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This suggests an initial broad solicitation followed by a specific exclusion, which could impact price discovery if not managed carefully. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: The spending represents a targeted investment in healthcare technology to improve veteran access to pharmacy services, with the potential for cost savings through efficiency.

Public Impact

Veterans in the White River Junction area will have improved access to pharmacy services through virtual means. This contract supports the VA's modernization efforts in healthcare delivery. The use of virtual services can potentially reduce wait times and improve patient convenience.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Reason for exclusion of sources not specified.
Contract duration extends beyond the current performance period (2023), with an end date in 2026.

Positive Signals

Utilizes virtual services to potentially increase efficiency and access.
Awarded under a competitive process, albeit with exclusions.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly within the VA, is increasingly adopting technology for service delivery. Spending on virtual health services is a growing trend aimed at improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Benchmarks for similar virtual pharmacy contracts are not readily available but are expected to align with IT and healthcare service costs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to BLISS PHARMACY SERVICES LLC, a single entity. Information regarding whether this entity is a small business is not provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The use of delivery orders under a larger agreement implies a structured procurement process. Accountability for service delivery and performance rests with the VA contracting officers and Bliss Pharmacy Services LLC.

Related Government Programs

Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of clarity on source exclusion justification.
Potential for limited competition impacting price.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Performance metrics and oversight details are not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $315,210.29 to BLISS PHARMACY SERVICES LLC. VIRTUAL PHARMACY SERVICES - VA WHITE RIVER JUNCTION - 5/1/22 - 4/30/23

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLISS PHARMACY SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $315,210.29.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What was the specific justification for excluding other sources after the initial full and open competition?

The provided data does not specify the exact reasons for excluding other sources. Typically, such exclusions might be based on unique capabilities, prior performance, or specific technical requirements that only a limited number of vendors could meet. A thorough review of the solicitation documents and award justification would be necessary to understand the rationale.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for these virtual pharmacy services, and how is performance being measured?

The data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the performance measurement framework for this contract. For virtual pharmacy services, common KPIs might include prescription fulfillment rates, delivery times, patient satisfaction scores, and adherence to clinical protocols. The VA contracting officer would be responsible for monitoring these metrics.

How does the cost of these virtual pharmacy services compare to traditional in-person pharmacy services offered by the VA?

Direct cost comparison is difficult without knowing the scope of services provided virtually versus in-person. Virtual services may incur costs related to technology platforms, secure data transmission, and remote staffing, while in-person services involve physical infrastructure and on-site personnel. The goal of virtual services is often to achieve greater efficiency and accessibility, potentially leading to long-term cost savings.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Other Health Practitioners › Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 36C24122Q0335

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13634 E WILLIAMS FIELD RD, GILBERT, AZ, 85295

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $439,336

Exercised Options: $315,210

Current Obligation: $315,210

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24122D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline