Office of Acquisition and Logistics — Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracting
The National Acquisition Center’s MedSurg Contract Catalog Search Tool allows users to browse all products available under the VA Federal Supply Schedule and National Contract programs.
Key Features
Browsing
Search options include: item description (key word search); FSS/BPA/BOA contract number; contractor name; SIN number/description; FSS schedule program; contract type. Searches yield detailed information on individual line items and contractors, including contract number, contractor name and point of contact, ordering information, NAC contract specialist information, and contract terms.
Socioeconomic Contract Search
Using the Socioeconomic Contract Search, users can identify small business contract sources under specific socioeconomic categories. This search identifies all FSS contracts awarded to small business concerns, including: service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, 8(a) HUBZone, woman-owned, and all other small business categories. Search results yield the same detailed vendor information as is found in the MedSurg catalog search.
Assistance
Download the NAC-CM Pricelist Instructions for additional information on the Contract Catalog Search Tool! The information contained is for reference purposes only. In the event of any pricing discrepancies, please refer to the contractor’s paper price list or contact the NAC contract specialist listed.
Download a blank NAC-CM Pricing Spreadsheet, for use when adding new line items. To make changes regarding the description, pricing, unit of measure, etc. you will need to obtain an exported spreadsheet from your assigned contract specialist.
As of October 1, 2011, all VA FSS contracts have been assigned to a specific contract specialist. Download the instructions to find your assigned contract specialist in the Contract Catalog Search Tool.
VA Advantage!, a partnership between the Veterans Administration and the General Services Administration, is a commitment towards improving the acquisition process for VA customers. You must create an account to purchase from GSA Advantage!; however, you do not need to create an account to browse the complete offering.
Key Features
With VA Advantage!, you all have instant access to literally millions of high quality products, services, and solutions from thousands of VA and GSA approved contractors. VA Advantage! has been primarily designed to provide the VA user robust tools for performing market research, as well as a streamlined ordering process for procuring pharmaceutical and medical supplies.
Assistance
GSA eBuy Training provides additional technical and site navigation assistance.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Management Covered Drug Database provides users with pricing for line items covered by Public Law 102-585, Veterans Health Care Act of 1992. Pricing is either negotiated based on the vendor’s most favored commercial customer pricing or statutorily-required pricing calculations.
Key Features
There are 8 primary price files available for downloading:
Assistance
The Description of Available Price Files provides additional information about the files that are available for download. All available files can be used in various database programs and imported into many spreadsheet programs.
Tips for finding what is already on contract:
It may take several tries to yield useful results, so don’t worry if you are unable to find what you’re looking for on the first try. Remember that each database and search engine is different and that you should utilize the Help function to learn the specific quirks and preferences of each site. By using all the tools made available to you on each page you will simplify your search task and yield more relevant results!
Source: How to Search the Internet Effectively by the Media Awareness Network.