Safety Sharp Device Contracts

VA National Contracts Division (Ms. Susan Proctor - 708 786-5182) advise that as for February 1, 2002, the following needle devices have national contracts, i.e., they have been standardized and have contracts in place.

Sharp Containers:   Vendor:          Kendall Healthcare    Contract:        BPA # VANAC-90N-P1-00-101 with and expiration date of 4/2/05.   Mandatory:    Yes, see VHA Directive 1761.1 dated January 26, 2001

Safety Syringes:      Vendor:          No current standardization award Contract:        BPA with MG Scientific expired 12-31-99

Needleless Infusion Systems

Finger Stick Lancets - Safety:     Vendor:          No current standardization award   Contract:        BPA with Lifescan expired on 12-31-01 (New standardization award anticipated FY 2002)

Process of Item Selection

Technology for items intended to be "safer" continues to evolve.  Facilities are in a position to evaluate these items and purchase if it meets their needs. The SPD Nursing User Group establishes criteria for items to be reviewed by the group and send criteria out to companies and companies have the opportunity to send the group products that meet criteria for consideration for BPA bidding process. There is a process that identifies the type of product that will be up for review annually and are presented to the group at their quarterly meeting.  In addition to this group there are other national user groups going through the same process for items in specialized areas.   

Thanks to Linda Danko, R.N., M.S.N. (member of the user group) for this summary.