Veterans Affairs looking for commercial pharmacy solution

The Veterans Affairs Department is developing a contract to buy a commercial software solution for pharmacy inventory management.

The software will be installed at each VA medical center and other VA facilities with a dispensing pharmacy. The number of locations is not expected to exceed 110, according to a sources sought notice.

The system will automate key parts of ordering, receiving and payment processes. The goal is to increase accuracy. The software will create a daily replenishment list based on minimum and maximum stock quantities that will be delivered to the pharmaceutical prime vendor via an electronic data interface.

Other EDI features may include invoicing, updating the national drug code information, pricing, and supply chain information.

Other functionalities should include ability for pharmacy procurement personnel to update vendor information and inventory levels. They also should be able to track inventory for specific practice areas such as inpatients, outpatients, community based clinics and other facilities.

The solution also needs to support VA and Drug Enforcement Administration compliance requirements.

But you need to respond soon. VA released the request for information on Dec. 13 and comments are due Dec. 19.