National Contract Service — Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get the list of VA PPV participants?
- How are pharmaceutical prices being communicated to McKesson?
- Are Tribal and Urban Indian Health facilities eligible to participate in the VA PPV program?
- Are 340B prices available through the PPV program?
- How can a State Veterans Home (SVH) participate in the VA PPV program?
- What are SVH “Options” 1 and 2 as it relates to the PPV program and PPV eligibility website?
- Do all SVH’s nationwide participate in the PPV program?
- What are the methods of payment under the PPV program?
1. Where can I get the list of VA PPV participants?
The current PPV customers list is available online and can be downloaded from www.va.gov/opal/nac/ncs/ppv.asp.
2. How are pharmaceutical prices being communicated to McKesson?
The National Acquisition Center (NAC) maintains the price database for all contracted pharmaceutical products with assigned National Drug Codes (NDC). McKesson is sent nightly pricing files by the NAC. McKesson is mandated to only load items and prices included in the files the NAC sends to them. The prices for other non NDC items are provided to McKesson manually by the Contracting Officer.
3. Are Tribal and Urban Indian Health facilities eligible to participate in the VA PPV program?
Yes, but only if they have a compact or contract with a Federal Indian Health Service facility that is authorized to participate in the VA PPV program. A tribal “638” or urban Indian Health facility must maintain their AFA (Annual Funding Agreement) with a Federal IHS facility, in order to gain access to our Federal program.
4. Are 340B prices available through the PPV program?
No. McKesson is not allowed to load 340B prices or any contract prices that are not maintained by VA PBM.
5. How can a State Veterans Home (SVH) participate in the VA PPV program?
The SVH must have an approved sharing agreement with a VA Medical Center. The sharing agreement must include in clear terms the agreed duties and responsibilities of both parties, especially the terms pertaining to the ordering and payment procedures. The sharing agreements’ established ordering and payment responsibilities will determine the type of SVH participation. The SVH must also agree to the terms and provisions of the PPV contract.
6. >What are SVH “Options” 1 and 2 as it relates to the PPV program and PPV eligibility website?
“Options” 1 and 2 are the methods of the SVH’s participation in the PPV program. The options determine the pricing eligibility under the PPV program.
Under “Option” 1, the SVH does its own ordering, receives products direct, and then State Funds are used to make payment to the PPV. A participating Option 1 SVH is entitled to the benefits of the PPV contract along with VA FSS pricing.
Under “Option” 2, the SVH’s orders are authorized and paid for by the sponsoring VA. The sponsoring VA assigns a federal purchase order number and transmits the order to the PPV. The VA also makes payment to the PPV on behalf of the SVH. Since Option 2 orders are considered VA orders and paid for via Federal funds, the SVH is entitled to the same pricing and contract access as their sponsoring VA. A participating Option 2 SVH is entitled to the benefits of the PPV program and Big4/FCP pricing.
7. >Do all SVH’s nationwide participate in the PPV program?
No. Our PPV program is not mandatory for State Veteran Homes. However, those SVH’s that have an approved Sharing Agreement with a VA are welcome to contact their sponsoring VA or this office in seeking participation in our PPV program.
Note: A SVH with a Sharing Agreement with a VA is entitled to VA FSS prices either via a direct purchase with a FSS holder, or at the discretion of the FSS holder, through a wholesaler other than the VA’s awarded prime vendor. SVH’s that do not have a Sharing Agreement with a VA are entitled to VA FSS “like” prices on covered drugs only. Those SVHs listed in the PPV Participants List have valid Sharing Agreements.
8. What are the methods of payment under the PPV program?
There are only two acceptable methods of payment, Net 30 and Fastpay. Under Net 30 method, payment is due to the PPV within 30 days from the date of the valid invoice. Under the Fastpay method, the PPV receives the payment within 24 to 48 hours. The Fastpay method is similar to a credit card transaction. Payment is processed through US Bank. The Fastpay method of payment is mandatory for VA facilities and optional for other government agencies participating in the PPV program.
