Revlimid_BPA
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) has issued a Special Notice regarding the establishment of a new 8(a) Sole Source Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for brand-name REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) capsules. This action, awarded to Bristol Myers Squibb Company, ensures a continuous and reliable supply of this critical medication for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients. This notice also references a previous award for the same product.
Purpose & Scope
This new BPA is specifically for the acquisition of brand-name REVLIMID® capsules in multiple strengths. Its primary purpose is to serve as a backup to generic lenalidomide and to provide the brand-name product to a small portion of VHA patients who cannot tolerate generic versions due to inactive ingredients or who require it due to the drug's restricted distribution program (REMS). The BPA aims to bridge the gap until the National Acquisition Center (NAC) can establish a permanent long-term solution.
Contract Details
- Action Type: Special Notice (Award Notice & Sole Source Justification)
- Contract Vehicle: New Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) against Bristol Myers Squibb's Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract.
- Product: Brand-name REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) capsules.
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8).
- Awardee: Bristol Myers Squibb Company.
- Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO 15).
- Period of Performance: 12-month ordering period, from February 2, 2026, to February 1, 2027.
- Previous Contract: This new BPA replaces a national BPA for brand Revlimid through McKesson, which is set to expire in January 2026.
Rationale for Sole Source
The justification for this sole-source acquisition is based on several factors:
- REVLIMID® is subject to a restricted distribution program (REMS), requiring dispensing by REMS-certified pharmacies.
- A subset of patients requires the brand-name product due to intolerance to generic lenalidomide's inactive ingredients.
- The brand-name product is essential for patients who have maintained stable disease control on REVLIMID® but experience issues with generics.
- Market research confirmed Bristol Myers Squibb as the sole manufacturer, and their FSS contract meets all clinical, regulatory, and logistical requirements.
Future Outlook
This 12-month BPA is a temporary measure designed to ensure uninterrupted supply. The NAC is expected to establish a permanent long-term solution for this requirement in the future, which may involve a different contracting approach.
Key Contacts
- Primary: Kelley Cunningham (kelley.cunningham@gmail.com, 913-684-0140)
- Secondary: Justin Braden Smith (justin.smith1@va.gov)