Inactive

This solicitation amendment addresses vendor inquiries regarding the request for quote. See continuation page for Questions and Answers. This requirement is for a Drug information electronic database ... This solicitation amendment addresses vendor inquiries regarding the request for quote. See continuation page for Questions and Answers. This requirement is for a Drug information electronic database reference subscription and is used as an encyclopedia or online informational book that pharmacists can utilize. Category 1: Requirements Clarification 1. Web-Based or Mobile Application: RFQ Reference: The electronic medical reference will be accessible to employees physically on-site at any facility/office within VISN 9 as well as remotely through Virtual Private Network (VPN), Citrix Access Gateway (CAG) as well as mobile devices (Page 7) Question: Will the solution need to include both a web-based application and a mobile application, or will a responsive web-based interface accessible via mobile devices suffice? A: responsive web-based interface accessible via mobile devices is sufficient 2. Database Updates and Management: RFQ Reference: Database content shall be updated regularly throughout the performance period, at no less than monthly frequency. (Page 7) Questions: Will the contractor be responsible for data migration, creating a new database, or merging updates into an existing database? A: N/A Will users have the ability to manipulate or update data through the application, or is access read-only? A: N/A How large is the existing database schema? A: I don t have an answer to this. Will blob storage be required (e.g., PDFs, Word documents, image files)? A: N/A Is there an estimated number of end users utilizing the product simultaneously? A: I don t have an estimate, but no issue with the incumbent contractor. Will we be expected to create, modify, or view database stored procedures? A: N/A 3. Training Format and Delivery: RFQ Reference: Contractor shall provide online training tutorials to users at no additional expense to the government (Page 7) Questions: Are there any VA preferred formats or software suites for training tutorials, such as webinars (Webex), video tutorials, PowerPoint presentations, or interactive assessments? A: No preference Is there a requirement for certifications or assessments upon completion of the training? A: No Category 2: Technical and Infrastructure Requirements 4. Hosting Environment: RFQ Reference: Authorized Office of Information and Technology (OIT) Personnel will conduct all installations locally. (Page 9) Questions: Will the application be hosted on VISN 9 s web servers (e.g., Windows IIS or Apache), or would a cloud-based solution (Azure, AWS) be acceptable? A: N/A If cloud hosting is allowed, are there any preferred cloud service providers or compliance requirements (e.g., FedRAMP)? A: N/A How many hosting environments would be required during the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)? (e.g., Development, Testing, Staging, Production) A: N/A Is it correct to assume that production would be hosted on VISN 9 servers post-code delivery to OIT, or is cloud hosting acceptable for production as well? A: N/A 5. CI/CD Pipeline and Deployment: Question: Is there a preference for delivering the solution via a CI/CD pipeline (e.g., GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps) or as packaged files for on-premises deployment? A: N/A 6. Integration with Existing Systems: Questions: Will the solution need to integrate with any existing VA systems beyond VPN and CAG access, such as Active Directory or Single Sign-On (SSO) systems? A: N/A 7. License and Certification Questions: Micromedex Drug Information Database: Will the Micromedex Drug Information Database be provided by the VA, or is the contractor responsible for procuring the necessary licenses and access for integration? A: N/A If the contractor is responsible, are there any licensing limitations or preferred vendors we should be aware of? A: N/A Additionally, will the database need to be hosted on VA s infrastructure or can it be hosted on a cloud-based platform as part of the proposed solution? A: N/A Does the Micromedex database currently have an existing API that we can leverage for integration, or will the contractor be responsible for developing a new API? A: N/A If an existing API is available, can you provide information on the API documentation, access requirements, and any limitations? A: N/A If a new API is needed, are there any preferred standards or protocols (e.g., REST or GraphQL) that we should follow? A: N/A Category 3: Documentation and Compliance 8. Documentation Requirements: RFQ Reference: Confirmation of Work (Page 9) Questions: Are there specific requirements for pre-deployment documentation (e.g., architecture diagrams, data flow diagrams, engineering documents) and post-deployment documentation (e.g., user manuals, security plans)? A: No Is there a preferred format or template for these documents? A: No 9. Toolsets and Methodology: RFQ Reference: Confirmation of Work (Page 9) Questions: Does the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) have a preferred set of development tools, project management tools (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps), or CI/CD platforms? A: No If not, can the contractor propose a toolset as part of the solution? A: No 10. Compliance with VA Technical Reference Model (TRM): RFQ Reference: All information Technology (IT) resources required to provide access to electronic reference shall be documented as approved by VA Technical Reference Module (TRM). Question: Are there any specific TRM-approved technologies or security protocols that should be prioritized in the solution? A: No

Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

Request for Quote for Drug Information Electronic database base and four option year will be posted shortly.

Inactive

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 09 Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Sources Sought Notice Drug Information Electronic Database This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purpos... Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 09 Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Sources Sought Notice Drug Information Electronic Database This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Network Contracting Office 9 is seeking potential sources for drug information electronic databases. This is not a solicitation or a request for proposal and shall not be construed as an obligation or commitment by the Government. An award will not be made on any offers submitted in response to this notice, and it shall not be implied the Government is committed to providing any solicitation or award following this notice. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, is seeking sources that can provide Brand name or equal Drug information electronic database that meets the following salient characteristics: Description Quantity Micromedex Plus Package with CareNotes for VISN 9 Base 1 year Micromedex Plus Package with CareNotes for VISN 9 Option Yr 1 1 year Micromedex Plus Package with CareNotes for VISN 9 Option Yr 2 1 year Micromedex Plus Package with CareNotes for VISN 9 Option Yr 3 1 year Micromedex Plus Package with CareNotes for VISN 9 Option Yr 4 1 year INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND INFORMATION The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW). The contractor shall provide 24/7/365 online web access to electronic medical references as stated herein for staff of facilities/offices in the VISN 9 Network. The contractor shall perform as to meet or exceed NPS Standards and TIL Specifications in this contract. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE Lexington VAMC, 1101 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40502 Louisville VAMC, 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206 Memphis VAMC, 1030 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 Mountain Home VAMC, P.O. Box 4000, Mountain Home, TN 37684 Tennessee Valley Health Care System, 1310 24th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37212 SCOPE OF WORK The U.S. Health Care System has transitioned from hardcopy medical references to electronic reference databases. Staff in VISN 9 requires online web access to searchable medical reference databases for quick and easy retrieval of up to date and evidence based medical information for health care providers and patients. Electronic medical references reduce the need for multiple individual copies of expensive resources. This method provides a more efficient manner of retrieving medically necessary information to meet the clinical mission of serving Veterans within the VISN 9 Network. The electronic medical reference will be accessible to employees physically on site at any facility/office within VISN 9 as well as remotely through Virtual Private Network (VPN), Citrix Access Gateway (CAG) as well as mobile devices such as Smartphone or iPad devices for employees working from an alternate duty station. The drug database shall be compatible with the most current VA operating system, which is currently Microsoft Window 10 and shall be accessible using VA standard internet browsers, which are currently Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. All information Technology (IT) resources required to provide access to electronic reference shall be documented as approved by VA Technical Reference Module (TRM) webpage: (https://www.oit.va.gov/Services/TRM/TRMHomePage.aspx). All software and content upgrades shall be available at no additional cost to the government during the Period of Performance. Database content shall be updated regularly throughout the performance period, at no less than monthly frequency. Contractor shall provide technical support contact phone numbers and email contacts and shall provide timely technical support during operational hours (8 a.m. through 6 p.m. Eastern Time, weekdays). The contractor is expected to troubleshoot access as needed, but it will not be necessary to respond during non-operational hours. Contractor shall provide on-line training tutorials to users. Contractor shall also provide on-site training, briefings, and updates to Health Care Systems within VISN 9 Network. REQUIREMENTS/TASKS The electronic medical reference subscription should include the following characteristics: Drug Prescribing Information Comprehensive information needed to safely prescribe, dispense, store, compound, repackage and administer US and non-US marketed drugs, including biologic agents, prescription drugs, and over the counter (OTC) drugs, as well as investigational drugs. The prescribing information should be unbiased and fully referenced. The information provided must include both on-label (FDA approved) information as well as off-label information. The prescribing information provided shall include: Drug description, formulations and availability Drug storage and stability Trade Names and generic availability Clinical Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics Drug Indication and usage FDA Approved indications Non-FDA Approved (off-label) indications Contraindications Warnings Precautions Black Box Warnings Dosing for general population Dosing for special populations Geriatrics Pediatrics Pregnancy Including teratogenic risks and other reproductive risks Lactation Renal impairment Hepatic impairment Drug Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions Drug interactions Drug-Disease Drug-Drug Drug-Lab test Drug-Food Drug-Allergy Toxicology Drug Interaction Checking for user entered drug lists Drug Identification Identify drugs by imprint codes as well as shape, color, and logo designs Patient Education Information FDA Approved Med Guides Patient Medication Information Poisoning Treatment Information Ingredient information for pharmaceutical, biological and commercial products Treatment information for toxic exposures Disease State Information Evidence based, referenced information for common diseases, providing information about diagnosis and treatment of common diseases, treatment guidelines, and references. Emergency Medicine specific topics must be included Medication and Chemical Hazard Information Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for drugs and chemicals used for compounding Treatment Guidelines for workplace toxic exposures NIOSH Hazardous Drug Identification USP <800> precautions and handling information Patient Education FDA Medication Guides Patient Medication Information (PMI) sheets Patient medical condition information to include general information, pre-care, inpatient care, and post-discharge care for common diagnoses. IV compatibility Information needed to allow appropriate IV compounding by Pharmacy and other staff including solution compatibility, appropriate concentrations, storage conditions, stability, and reconstitution instructions. References must be included. Ability for staff to check compatibility of multiple IV medications via Y-Site administration, TPN compatibility, and admixture compatibility The information above is intended to be descriptive, and not restrictive, to indicate the quality of equipment that will be satisfactory. It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the Government that the interested source can provide equipment that fulfills the required specifications. If you are interested, and can provide equipment that meets or exceeds the specifications listed, please provide the requested information below: The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541511. Please include the following information: [ ] yes [ ] no - Small Business (SB) [ ] yes [ ] no - HUBZone [ ] yes [ ] no - Small Business 8(a) [ ] yes [ ] no - Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Women-Owned (WO) Small Business [ ] yes [ ] no - Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no - Large Business [ ] yes [ ] no - Other (please specify) [ ] yes [ ] no Are you the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)? [ ] yes [ ] no If not the OEM, are you an authorized distributor, and can produce a letter from the OEM? [ ] yes [ ] no If not the OEM, does the product meet the Nonmanufacturer Rule under 13CRF 121.406(b)? [ ] yes [ ] no Is this product available on your GSA/FSS or other GWAC Contract? If so, what is your contract number?_____________________ [ ] yes [ ] no Does your equipment conform to the Buy American Act and FAR 52.225-1? 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies | Acquisition.GOV Company Name: POC: UEI: Address: Email: In addition to providing the information requested above, responding companies are encouraged to include any relevant information (specifications, cut sheets, brochures, capability statement, experience etc.) to confirm the company s ability to meet the requirements outlined in this request. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract or agreement. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. Please submit your capabilities in regards to the salient characteristics being provided and any information pertaining to equal to items to establish capabilities for planning purposes. Please respond to this RFI by February 13, 2025, at 10:00AM CT via email to christina.lawrence2@va.gov. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. IAW FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.