Q517--DESTRUCTION OF DAMAGED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES |

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought Announcement only, not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO 21) is seeking information from contractors capable of providing Controlled Substance Destruction Services for the VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS). The purpose is to gather information to facilitate procurement strategy decisions. No payment will be made for submitted information, and it will not be disclosed outside the government.

Contractors must be able to provide Controlled Substance Destruction Services as detailed in the attached Draft Statement of Work (SOW).

• Product Service Code: Q517

• NAICS Code: 562112 (Hazardous Waste Collection)

• Small Business Size Standard: $47 million

• Place of Performance: VA Central California Health Care System, Fresno, CA 93703, USA

• Projected Period of Performance: Base Year (08/01/26 – 07/31/27) through Option Year Four (08/01/30 – 07/31/31).

• Response Date/Time: May 26, 2026, 3:00 PM Pacific Time, Los Angeles, USA.

• Submission Method: Email to Kulvinder.brar@va.gov.

• Required Information:

  • Company’s Socioeconomic Status (including SBA registration for SDVOSB/VOSB).
  • Company legal name and Unique Entity ID (SAM).
  • Primary point of contact (phone and email).
  • Capabilities Statement.
  • Description of experience in Controlled Substance Destruction Services.
  • List of similar Government and Commercial projects.
  • Details on prime contractor vs. subcontracting for services (Limitations on Subcontracting requirements apply).
  • GSA Contract Number (if applicable).
  • Price estimate (Base plus 4 Option Years).

• Failure to provide requested information will be considered non-responsive.

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• SDVOSB and VOSB firms must be registered with the SBA at the time of submission.

• Limitations on Subcontracting: For small businesses, at least 50% of contract performance cost for personnel must be expended on the concern's own employees (FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-27 apply).

• This is a Sources Sought Announcement only; no solicitation is currently available.

• All information is preliminary and subject to modification.

• Reference RFQ number 36C26126Q0728 on all correspondence.

• A draft SOW is attached.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To maintain compliance with VHA Directive 1108.01 and Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations by providing proper disposal of controlled substances that are damaged, expired, returned, unusable, or otherwise unwanted.

• Reverse Distribution Services: Contractor shall be registered as a reverse distributor and compliant with all federal, state, and local laws. Services must adhere to Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations and VA requirements.

• On-Site Pick-ups: Contractor shall provide a representative for on-site pick-ups of expired or unusable controlled medications at VACCHCS pharmacy service. Up to 12 pick-ups are anticipated per performance period, with monthly occurrences. A minimum of two weeks' notice will be provided for scheduling.

• Inventory Verification: Prior to boxing, a pharmacy employee will review the list of items with the contractor to ensure no discrepancies. The contractor is responsible for boxing items and arranging pick-up.

• Controlled Substance Transfer: Controlled substance items will be placed in an evident tamper bag. Bags will be opened and verified in the presence of the reverse distributor representative, pharmacy staff, and an Accountable Officer (AO). The AO, pharmacist, and destruction company representative must sign the transfer document. The reverse distributor must provide a signed receipt for CIII-V and DEA Form 222 for CII products, including drug name, dosage form, strength, quantity, and date of transfer. Title and responsibility transfer to the reverse distributor upon verification and completion of paperwork.

• Eligible Items: Vendor shall accept all opened or unopened Schedule CII-V medications deemed unusable or expired, including various forms (tablets, capsules, liquids, refrigerated, etc.) and unused syringes containing medication. Manufacturer and wholesaler recalled products not previously returned are also accepted.

• Supplies and Equipment: Vendor must provide all necessary equipment, materials, and labor for proper disposal, including packaging and shipping supplies. Vendor is responsible for their supplies and equipment.

• Software and Training: Vendor shall provide training on any software or web-based systems used. Customer support must be available at no additional charge. Web-based platforms must conform to VA policy and be FedRamp compliant or have plans for compliance.

• Vendors must have recent, proven experience as a pharmaceutical reverse distributor.

• All processes must be compliant with federal laws and regulations.

• Efficient communication and availability for inquiries are required.

• Invoicing must be timely, provided within ninety days of each on-site service.

• Non-conforming services may require reperformance at no cost or a reduction in contract price.

• Period of Performance: August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022.

• Place of Service: VA Central California Health Care System, Pharmacy Service, 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703.

• Licensing: Vendor must be fully licensed to perform the work.

• Confidentiality: Contractor must comply with HIPAA and other security statutes. Liability for breaches of patient information rests with the contractor.

• Invoicing: Contract fee includes all services, shipping, and destruction fees. Invoices are flat-rate and must not exceed previous agreements. No additional service fees without prior approval.