Pharmacy Switching Services
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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Indian Health Service (IHS), Bemidji Area, intends to award a Firm Fixed-Price sole-source contract to Change Healthcare/Optum for Pharmacy Switching Services at Cass Lake Indian Hospital, MN. This is a Special Notice, not a request for competitive quotes, issued under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, citing only one responsible source.
Scope of Work
The required services involve the electronic submission of pharmaceutical claims from the IHS RPMS computer system to third-party Drug Plans for reimbursement. The service must be compatible with the existing CLSU RPMS DOS system. Key services include Connect (switch), Edits (Pre and post), Card Finder, Web Services Sure-scripts, and Web Services Medicare Eligibility. This service is critical as the pharmacy generates over 50% of the facility's revenue.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price, Sole Source (Intent to Award)
- Duration: Base Year plus Three One Year Options
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)
- NAICS: 513210 Software Publishers
- Response Due: February 21, 2026 (for interested parties to demonstrate capability)
- Published: February 12, 2026
Evaluation
This notice is an intent to award a sole-source contract, not a solicitation for proposals. Responses from interested persons will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any response must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, including technical capabilities demonstrating the ability to meet the Government's specific needs.
Additional Notes
The justification for sole source is based on proprietary data, licensing rights, and the unique ability of Change Healthcare/Optum to interface with the existing CLSU RPMS DOS system. Other vendors are not compatible with the current IHS RPMS system without requiring separate software purchases.