VA awards $23.5K for OPSUMIT, a pharmaceutical, to Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,526 ($23.5K)

Contractor: Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-07

Contract Duration: 4 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OPSUMIT 10 MG

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE MARY, SEMINOLE County, FLORIDA, 32746

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $23,526.15 to ACTELION PHARMACEUTICALS US, INC. for work described as: OPSUMIT 10 MG Key points: 1. The contract is for a specific pharmaceutical product, OPSUMIT. 2. Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. is the awardee. 3. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the contracting agency. 4. The contract value is $23,526.15. 5. The contract duration is short, from April 3, 2026, to April 7, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is relatively small, making direct price comparison difficult without more data on unit pricing and volume. The benchmark of $5882 per unit suggests a high per-unit cost.

Cost Per Unit: $5882

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small contract value suggests a minimal direct impact on taxpayers, though efficient procurement practices are always beneficial.

Public Impact

Ensures access to necessary medication for veterans. Supports the pharmaceutical supply chain. Demonstrates VA's commitment to veteran healthcare.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a specific, immediate need.
High per-unit cost warrants scrutiny.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Clear identification of the product and vendor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, which is characterized by high R&D costs and stringent regulatory requirements. Spending in this area is critical for public health.

Small Business Impact

No information is available regarding small business participation in this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. Further review would be needed to assess specific accountability measures.

Related Government Programs

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Short contract duration.
Limited data for comprehensive benchmarking.
Potential for price variation in pharmaceutical markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $23,526.15 to ACTELION PHARMACEUTICALS US, INC.. OPSUMIT 10 MG

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACTELION PHARMACEUTICALS US, INC..

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 $23,526.15.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-07.

What is the specific medical condition OPSUMIT is intended to treat, and what is the typical duration of treatment for veterans receiving this medication?

OPSUMIT (siponimod) is typically prescribed to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The duration of treatment varies significantly based on individual patient response and disease progression. Understanding the intended use and expected treatment length is crucial for assessing the overall value and necessity of this contract, especially given the high per-unit cost.

How does the per-unit cost of $5882 for OPSUMIT compare to the average acquisition cost for this drug across other federal agencies or the commercial market?

A direct comparison of the $5882 per-unit cost against other federal agencies or the commercial market is essential for a comprehensive value assessment. If this price is significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate potential overpayment or a lack of aggressive negotiation, raising concerns about cost-effectiveness and taxpayer impact.

What is the rationale behind the extremely short delivery order period (4 days) for this pharmaceutical, and does it align with typical patient needs for chronic conditions?

The very short delivery order period (April 3-7, 2026) is unusual for a medication often used for chronic conditions. This might suggest an emergency supply, a pilot program, or a specific short-term need. Clarifying the reason for this short window is important for understanding the contract's effectiveness in meeting patient care requirements and avoiding potential supply disruptions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1125 TRENTON HARBOURTON RD # 1, TITUSVILLE, NJ, 08560

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,526

Exercised Options: $23,526

Current Obligation: $23,526

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79724D0159

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline