M5-Q50A-03-R8: 65IB Drugs, Pharmaceuticals & Hematology Related Products Solicitation Refreshment
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) is conducting a Solicitation Refreshment (M5-Q50A-03-R8) for 65IB Drugs, Pharmaceuticals & Hematology Related Products under the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). This is an ongoing solicitation that has received multiple amendments, with the latest updates revising regulatory clauses, submission procedures, and extending the offer receipt deadline.
Scope of Opportunity
This opportunity seeks to establish or refresh FSS contracts for Drugs and Biologicals (PSC 6505) to supply the VA. It covers a broad range of pharmaceutical and hematology-related products.
Contract Details
- Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, NAC FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE (36F797)
- Product/Service Code: 6505 (Drugs And Biologicals)
- Contract Type: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
- Set-Aside: None specified
Key Amendments & Changes
Recent amendments introduce significant updates:
- Amendment 0008 (Latest Posted): Updates various FAR clauses (e.g., 52.203-17, 52.212-3, 52.212-5) to newer versions (up to May 2024/Jan 2025). It also introduces a new Responsibility Evaluation document requiring financial information for new and subsequent offers. Crucially, this amendment extends the hour and date specified for receipt of offers.
- Amendment 0007: Approves a class deviation to FAR subpart 22.8 (Equal Employment Opportunity), stopping enforcement of policies related to the revoked E.O. 11246 and referencing E.O. 14173.
- Amendment 0006: Modifies clause 552.238-80, reducing the grace period for Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) sales reporting and remittance from 60 to 30 days after the quarter close, effective FY24 Q1.
- Amendment 0005: Adds clause 52.219-33 (Nonmanufacturer Rule) and updates AS5000 Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Participation and the Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template, along with numerous other FAR clause revisions.
- Amendment 0004: Revises electronic offer submission procedures, specifying email addresses, subject line formats, accepted file types (Word/PDF for fill-in, Excel for price lists), and signature requirements (digital or scanned wet signatures only). It also updates the Proposal Submission Checklist and various FAR, GSAR, and VAAR clauses.
- Amendment 0009 (2): Incorporates GSAM Clause 552.238-120 (Economic Price Adjustment – FSS Contracts, Sep 2024) and updates the Responsibility Evaluation (Oct 2025) and Signature Authority form (Aug 2025).
Submission Impact
Offerors must acknowledge receipt of all amendments. The deadline for offer receipt has been extended, but a new specific date is not provided in the latest amendment. Bidders must adhere to the revised electronic submission guidelines, updated regulatory clauses, and new requirements such as the Responsibility Evaluation document. Failure to comply with timely IFF reporting and remittance (now 30 days) may lead to contract termination.
Additional Notes
An award notice (36F79726D0079) related to this solicitation was issued to Mesoblast, Inc. for a contract effective February 15, 2026, through February 14, 2031, indicating ongoing awards under this FSS program.