Q517--Alx-Provide Urgent/Emergent Prescription 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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16, is conducting a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified contractors for Urgent and Emergent Prescription Services. This requirement supports the Alexandria VAMC and its associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) across Louisiana. Responses are due May 1, 2026, at 16:30 CST.
Scope of Work
The VA seeks an external vendor capable of dispensing prescription medications for patients served by the Alexandria VAHCS and its CBOCs during urgent and emergent situations when internal pharmacies are unavailable due to natural or manmade disasters. This also includes providing first-fill pharmacy services for patients with urgent or emergency medication needs. Key requirements include:
- Dispensing medications from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday for the VAMC, and during CBOC operating hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday).
- Accepting VA Form 10-2577F and state-specific security prescription forms.
- Allowing patient pick-up from CVS Caremark, Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid networks.
- Prioritizing generic medications; brand name only if no generic exists.
- Covering specific urgent/emergent medications (e.g., antibiotics, acute pain, insulin, albuterol).
- Limiting dispensed supply to a maximum of 14 days.
- Providing Pharmacy Management Services, including prescription screening, dispensing, and counseling by a licensed pharmacist.
- Maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Potential inclusion of medical supplies (catheters, ostomy, wound care) and pharmaceutical compounding (PCAB-accredited, with prior approval). The place of performance includes Alexandria VAHCS (Pineville, LA) and CBOCs in Lake Charles, Jennings, Fort Polk, Lafayette (Campuses A & B), and Natchitoches, LA. The pharmacy site must be within the Continental United States.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Duration: Anticipated Base period + 4 option years (for a future contract)
- Set-Aside: Small Business Concerns are encouraged to respond.
- Response Due: May 1, 2026, at 16:30 CST.
- Questions Due: April 27, 2026, at 12:00 CST.
- Published: April 20, 2026.
Evaluation
This RFI is for market research purposes only. Responses will be used to determine contractor interest, capabilities, qualifications, and estimated industry pricing. The government will assess potential levels of competition, particularly from small businesses. Offerors must address Nonmanufacturer Rule (NMR) compliance, Buy American Act/Trade Agreement compliance, and provide descriptive literature and estimated industry pricing.
Additional Notes
This notice is an RFI ONLY and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Quotation (RFQ). The government is not obligated to award a contract based on this RFI. Responses are for market research purposes only and will not be released outside the NCO 16 Purchasing and Contracting Team. For inquiries, contact LeKisha.Douglas@va.gov.