The National Contract Service (NCS) manages the just-in-time delivery programs for pharmaceutical, subsistence, and medical/surgical items; awards national committed use contracts and standardized blanket purchase agreements; and consolidates high tech medical equipment purchases for the VA.

Other covered commodities include, but are not limited to:  I.V. solutions & sets, therapeutic dietary supplements, influenza vaccine, prescription vials, medical & surgical supplies, dental supplies & equipment.

Most of the solicitations for these contracts and agreements are competitive, best value procurements with a performance period of one year with up to four option years.  All of these programs are open for use by VA medical centers and related facilities, other Government agencies, and some State Veterans Homes.

High Tech Medical Equipment (HTME) Branch

The HTME Branch awards consolidated acquisitions for radiation therapy, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, physiological monitoring, diagnostic ultrasound upgrades & accessories, x-ray equipment, and nuclear medicine.  HTME also provides contracting support to VA Headquarters, VISN Offices, VA facilities and Environmental Management Service for laundry facility equipment additions, retrofits, and upgrades.

Learn more

Prime Vendor Distribution Branch

• Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) The MSPV program is a national mandatory program that provides a customized distribution system that meets or exceeds facility requirements by providing efficient and cost-effective just-in-time distribution, inventory, electronic, and catalog ordering processes through seven prime vendor contracts.
• Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor (PPV) The PPV program provides VA facilities and other Government agencies with an efficient method of obtaining Government contracted pharmaceutical and medical/surgical products with just-in-time deliveries.  This program services over 750 customers throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands, Saipan, and the Philippines.
• Subsistence Prime Vendor (SPV) The SPV program supports the purchase and distribution of subsistence commodities and ancillary supplies for all VA Medical Centers, Veteran Canteen Service Retail Cafeterias, and other Government agencies.

Medical/Surgical and Pharmaceutical Standardization

The Medical/Surgical and Pharmaceutical Standardization programs reduces costs by standardizing products and sources of supply, while ensuring clinician needs are met.

Learn more

Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP)

With locations across the United States, NCS is responsible for contract support of the VA’s CMOP program.  The CMOP facilitates the processing and mailing of prescriptions directly to VA beneficiaries nationwide.  This includes the dispensary of prescriptions for over-the-counter and prescription only pharmaceuticals, medical/surgical supplies, controlled substances, and dietary supplements.  NCS areas of contracting include but are not limited to automation equipment, personnel services, packing material and supplies, and any other associated needs and services associated with the CMOP system.  Contracting staff are located at all CMOP facilities.  Contact Frank Zacchinga, Chief, (708) 786-5164, for more information!

Pharmaceutical Repackaging

The Pharmaceutical repackaging program executes blanket purchase agreement against existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts for pharmaceuticals in bulk sizes that facilitate delivery to the VA repackager, which supplies these products in Government labeled unit of use containers.  Customers of pharmaceutical repackaging order direct and receive supplies from the VA repackager.  Need more information?  Contact fran.derosa@va.gov (708) 786-5921.