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Q -- PRIME VENDOR AGREEMENT SOL HRSA-232-BPHC-AG-01(8) DUE 111798 POC James L. Quinn (301) 443-5343 The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) intends to solicit proposals with the intent of signing an Agreement with an organization having the capability to develop, maintain, and coordinate a prime vendor program in accordance with Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, Public Law 102-585, "Limitation on Prices of Drugs Purchased by Covered Entities." Section 340B provides that a drug manufacturer who sells covered outpatient drugs to covered entities must sign a pharmaceutical pricing agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in which the manufacturer agrees to charge a price for covered outpatient drugs that will not exceed that amount determined under a statutory formula. Section 340B also mandates the establishment of a prime vendor program. Consistent with this mandate, HRSA has developed a program which will consist of both price negotiation and drug distribution for covered entities that elect to participate in the prime vendor program (member entities). The offeror which submits a technically-acceptable and responsive proposal which offers the best value to the member entities will be selected to sign the Agreement with HRSA to become the prime vendor. The prime vendor shall operate as an independent entity and not as an agent of the Government. No Federal funds will be awarded to the prime vendor under this Agreement. The prime vendor shall provide, directly or by subcontract, all drugs/pharmaceuticals items authorized under Section 340B for distribution to all member entities. In addition, the Prime Vendor has the option to offer other catalog items, as appropriate. During the first year of the HRSA Prime Vendor Program, we estimate that between 5,000 and 7,000 covered entities will elect to participate in the program. HRSA reserves the right to not award an Agreement if it is determined that no organization meets the technical and business criteria enumerated in the HRSA Request for Agreement. RFA HRSA 232-BPHC-AG-01(8) Will be released on or about September 17, 1998. Offerors will have sixty days from release of the Request for Agreement to submit their proposals. All requests for this solicitation must be in writing citing RFA HRSA 232-BPHC-AG-01(8) or telefaxed to (301) 443-6038, attention James Quinn. Telephonic requests will not be honored. Posted 08/28/98 (W-SN243403). (0240)

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