IEE and ISBEE Sources Sought for Expired Pharmaceutical Reverse Distributor for Indian Health Service (IHS), Albuquerque Area

The Indian Health Service is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs) and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) capable of providing on-site reverse pharmacy distribution services for expired, damaged, recalled, and non-dispensable pharmaceuticals across three locations in New Mexico: Albuquerque Indian Health Center, Santa Ana Health Center, and Zia Health and Dental Clinic. This effort is conducted under the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. § 47), HHSAR, and FAR, with the sole intent of gathering market intelligence—not issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract at this time. Respondents must be registered in SAM.gov, possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier, and self-certify as an IEE or ISBEE by submitting the required IHS Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form, demonstrating eligibility at the time of response, contract award, and throughout the full performance period. The reverse distribution services require comprehensive handling of pharmaceutical inventory, secure collection and packaging compliant with DEA, DOT, EPA, and manufacturer standards, coordination of manufacturer credit recovery, and compliant destruction of non-returnable items—including controlled substances—with full documentation, chain-of-custody records, and Certificates of Destruction. Contractors must maintain a DEA license, operate an electronic tracking and reporting system, and deploy qualified Pharmacy Return Specialists for quarterly on-site visits, totaling four visits per year across all three sites. The anticipated contract, if awarded following this research phase, would include a one-year base period with four one-year option periods starting August 1, 2026. Responses must be submitted electronically no later than June 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, in a five-page capability statement that includes business information, SAM registration details, Buy Indian Act status, and at least two examples of similar services performed within the past three years. All submission costs are borne by respondents, and the Government will not provide feedback on submissions. Failure to meet eligibility requirements during contract performance requires immediate written notification to the Contracting Officer, and false representations are punishable under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.