6505--Radiopharmaceutical PLUVICTO
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), has awarded a sole-source contract to NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION for the procurement of Radiopharmaceutical PLUVICTO. The award, valued at $4,732,607.88, was made on February 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
This acquisition is for 138 doses of Pluvicto, a targeted radioligand therapy manufactured by Advanced Accelerator Applications and distributed by Novartis. Pluvicto is intended for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, with each patient typically receiving 6 doses, serving approximately 23 patients. This therapy aims to improve survival and quality of life for veterans.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Sole-Source Justification and Approval (under Multiple-Award Schedule Program)
- Awardee: NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
- Award Amount: $4,732,607.88
- Award Date: February 24, 2026
- Proposed Contract Term: Base period of six (6) months
- FSS Contract Number: 36F79720D0180
- Delivery/Task Order Number: 36C24826F0082
- NAICS Code: 325412 (Drugs And Biologicals)
- Contracting Office: NCO 8, VA Caribbean Healthcare System, San Juan, PR
- Published Date: March 3, 2026
Justification & Evaluation
This procurement was conducted on a sole-source basis, citing GSAM/R 538.7104-3(b)(1)(ii), due to Pluvicto's unique and proprietary nature. The VA determined that only Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is capable of providing this specific radiopharmaceutical, as it cannot be substituted with any other brand due to patents and proprietary data limiting competition. Prices for these firm fixed-price supplies under the Federal Supply Schedule were deemed fair and reasonable.
Additional Notes
While there is no prior procurement history of Pluvicto within NCO 08 VACHS, this acquisition expands advanced cancer treatment options for veterans. The government plans to continuously evaluate the market for comparable targeted therapies to potentially enable competitive procurements in the future.