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NAICS Code· 424210

NAICS 424210: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of biological and medical products; botanical drugs and herbs; and pharmaceutical products intended for internal and/or external consumption in such forms as ampoules, tablets, capsules, vials, ointments, powders, solutions, and suspensions. Illustrative Examples: Antibiotics merchant wholesalers Endocrine substances merchant wholesalers Blood derivatives merchant wholesalers In-vitro and in-vivo diagnostics merchant wholesalers Drugs merchant wholesalers Botanicals merchant wholesalers Vaccines merchant wholesalers Cosmetics merchant wholesalers Vitamins merchant wholesalers Veterinarians' medicines merchant wholesalers Cross-References.Show more

NAICS 424210 – Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers encompasses the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and related healthcare products to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and government medical facilities. This sector serves as a critical link in the federal healthcare supply chain, enabling the procurement of prescription medications, over-the-counter therapeutics, medical devices, and ancillary items such as bandages, syringes, and diagnostic consumables.

38
Active Contracts
$2.0B
Total Obligations (12mo)
281.6K
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
30
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
5
Median Bidders per Award
-25.4%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 424210.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 424210 – Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers encompasses the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and related healthcare products to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and government medical facilities. This sector serves as a critical link in the federal he...

NAICS 424210 – Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers encompasses the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and related healthcare products to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and government medical facilities. This sector serves as a critical link in the federal healthcare supply chain, enabling the procurement of prescription medications, over-the-counter therapeutics, medical devices, and ancillary items such as bandages, syringes, and diagnostic consumables. Merchant wholesalers in this space operate under strict regulatory compliance, including FDA and DEA guidelines, and often maintain specialized logistics networks to ensure cold chain integrity, traceability, and just-in-time delivery to federal medical installations. Their role is foundational to sustaining operational readiness and patient care across the federal health system. Top contractors in this sector include MARATHON MEDICAL CORPORATION and ALTITUDE TECHNOLOGIES INC., both of which function as established prime contractors with robust distribution infrastructures and specialized expertise in federal healthcare logistics. These firms typically serve as high-volume suppliers with certified compliance systems, often holding GSA schedules and maintaining deep integration with military and veteran healthcare networks. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense are the primary federal buyers, leveraging this NAICS code to support clinical operations at VA medical centers, military treatment facilities, and deployed field units. The Department of State also procures through this category to equip overseas diplomatic medical posts and emergency response units. Demand is driven by routine patient care, pandemic preparedness, and expeditionary medical support requirements. The competitive landscape is characterized by a concentrated group of large-scale distributors with established federal credentials, though opportunities exist for niche suppliers with specialized product lines or agile logistics capabilities. Contractors with experience in federal procurement compliance, automated inventory tracking, and rapid-response supply chain solutions are best positioned to compete in this mission-critical sector.

Small Business Size Standard

The SBA threshold that decides who can bid NAICS 424210 work as a small business.

250 employees
Applies to the whole industry code

The SBA cap for this NAICS (13 CFR 121.201). A business at or under it can self-certify as small for work in this code, which is what makes it eligible for a small-business set-aside. The cap is set per NAICS, so the same company can be small in one code and not in another.

13 CFR 121.201, effective January 1, 2026. The SBA revises the table roughly once a year.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 424210, ranked by dollars won.

Ranked by total awards
CompanyTotal AwardsContracts
AMERISOURCEBERGEN DRUG CORP$1.8B264,149
DMS PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP INC$176.9M16,921
MCKESSON CORPORATION$7.2M44
FFF ENTERPRISES, INC.$1.2M1
PANTHERX SPECIALTY, LLC$490K10
DAKOTA DRUG, INC.$345K286
EVERSANA LIFE SCIENCE SERVICES LLC$258K10
PRIORITY HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION INC$104K5
WORLD BIOPRODUCTS LLC$100K1
FOUNDATION CARE LLC$72K5

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 424210.

Department Of Defense281,466 awards$2.0B
Department Of Health And Human Services32 awards$7.2M
Department Of Homeland Security1 award$1.2M
Department Of Justice48 awards$1.1M
Department Of Agriculture1 award$100K
Department Of State3 awards$57K

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 424210, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Moderate Competition

Median 3-5 bidders per reported award. · 1,745,183 reported awards

Median Bidders

5

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

5%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

0%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

1,745,183

39% of 4,445,402 total awards

Bidder Count Distribution by Fiscal Year

Share of reported awards in each bidder-count bracket per federal fiscal year.

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
424210This Code
Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers
Moderate Competition55%
1,745,18339% of 4,445,402
42421NAICS Industry
Moderate Competition55%
1,745,18339% of 4,445,402
4242Industry Group
Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers
Moderate Competition55%
1,745,18339% of 4,445,402
424Subsector
Moderate Competition49%
3,024,03646% of 6,577,512
42Sector
Wholesale Trade
Moderate Competition318%
7,852,24141% of 19,092,105

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Printing and Writing Paper Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of b...
424110Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of s...
424120Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of k...
424130Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of p...
424310Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Footwear Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of f...
424340Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of c...
424350Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of a...
424410Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers

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Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

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NAICS 424210 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 424210 covers Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of biological and medical products; botanical drugs and herbs; and pharmaceutical products intended for internal and/or external consumption in such forms as ampoules, tablets, capsules, vials, ointments, powders, solutions, and suspensions. Illustrative Examples: Antibiotics merchant wholesalers Endocrine substances merchant wholesalers Blood derivatives merchant wholesalers In-vitro and in-vivo diagnostics merchant wholesalers Drugs merchant wholesalers Botanicals merchant wholesalers Vaccines merchant wholesalers Cosmetics merchant wholesalers Vitamins merchant wholesalers Veterinarians' medicines merchant wholesalers Cross-References.

Recently Posted in Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers

NAICS: 424210
New
DIBBS
Supplier of Benzocaine and Menthol Lozenges (NSN 6505-01-708-1449)This subcontract involves the supply of branded Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Honey Lemon Lozenges, identified by NSN 6505-01-708-1449, for prime contractors supporting Department of Defense DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain projects. The agreement requires the delivery of 13 packages, with each package containing 16 lozenges. To ensure product efficacy, the supplier must maintain a shelf life of 36 months and adhere to strict environmental controls, specifically temperature ranges between 20-25 degrees Celsius and adequate humidity protection. The contract mandates full compliance with several regulatory and quality standards, including Medical Marking Standard No. 1, the Buy American Act, and MIL-STD-2073-1E. Logistics are handled as FOB Destination. This procurement falls under NAICS code 424210 and is managed through the Medical Supply Chain Pharm FSA.
MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN PHARM FSA

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 5 days
View Details
NAICS: 424210
New
DIBBS
SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECT
Solicitation # SPE2DP-27-T-0070
Solicitation SPE2DP-27-T-0070 is a fixed-price request for quotations issued by the DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain Pharm FSA for the procurement of Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. The requirement is for 0.9% 1000ML IV plastic bags that are latex-free, with a unit of issue defined as one package containing 12 units. The product is regulated by the FDA and must be stored at a controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C, protecting it from excessive heat and freezing. The item is classified as a Type I (Code P) item with a non-extendable shelf life of 30 months. Delivery is required within 20 days after the order, with FOB Destination terms. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination, including locations such as Oklahoma City, OK, and Lansing, MI. Packaging must be commercial and comply with MIL-STD-2073-1E and Special Packaging Instructions MPWM00001, while marking must strictly adhere to Medical Marking Standard No. 1, which supersedes MIL-STD-129. Contractors are required to use the Wide Area WorkFlow system for invoicing and payment requests. The solicitation incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including requirements for combating trafficking in persons, safeguarding covered defense information, and compliance with the Buy American Act.
MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN PHARM FSA

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 2 days
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
FAT EMULSION INJECTION
Solicitation # SPE2DP27F0187
Contract SPE2DP27F0187 is a delivery order issued on October 13, 2026, by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medical Supply Chain to DMS Pharmaceutical Group Inc. This award, placed under the overarching delivery order SPE2DX25D9900 and base contract SPE2DX25D9000, is for the procurement of Fat Emulsion Injection, identified by NSN 6505015976656. The total contract price is 304.06 dollars, covering the purchase of two units at a unit price of 152.03 dollars. The order specifies a delivery deadline of October 23, 2026, with the shipping destination designated as Prince Sultan AB, SA. This procurement is governed by FAR clauses for commercial items and follows the administrative structure established in the primary award document dated April 2, 2025.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
New
DIBBS
SUNSCREEN PREPARATION
Solicitation # SPE2DP-27-T-0105
Solicitation SPE2DP-27-T-0105, issued by the DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain Pharm FSA, is for the procurement of sunscreen preparation, specifically the United Spirit of America Inc 5QCX2 P/N 3.0 BAS SUNS SPF50T (NSN 6505016579247). The required product is an over-the-counter topical sunscreen with SPF 50, containing 4.5% titanium dioxide and 4% zinc oxide. It must be hypoallergenic, oil-free, PABA-free, biodegradable, and water-resistant for 80 minutes. The unit of issue is a package of 24 three-ounce tubes. The product is FDA-regulated and has a non-extendable shelf life of 24 months, with a minimum of 21 months remaining upon receipt. Storage requirements are specified between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place. The contract requires delivery of two packages to the USS Porter DDG 78, with an original required delivery date of October 14, 2026, and a delivery timeline of 20 days after order. Shipping is FOB Destination. Packaging must be commercial, utilizing sealed unit containers and exterior shipping containers, with palletization adhering to RP001. Marking must comply with Medical Marking Standard No. 1, which supersedes MIL-STD-129. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination per FAR 52.246-2. Administrative requirements include the use of the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system for invoicing and payment. The solicitation is subject to the Buy American and Balance of Payments Program (DFARS 252.225-7001) and requires compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 for safeguarding covered defense information. Quotations are due by October 19, 2026, and must include the bidder's contact information, manufacturer name, part number, and item description.
MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN PHARM FSA

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 5 days
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
EPINEPHRINE INJECTION
Solicitation # SPE2D227F0021
The Defense Logistics Agency, acting under the Department of Defense, issued award SPE2D227F0021 on October 13, 2026, to DMS Pharmaceutical Group Inc. This specific delivery order was placed under the broader administrative contract SPE2DX25D9822, which is part of the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Global Generation S program. The overarching base contract, SPE2DX25D9000, carries a total award value of 20 million dollars and became effective on March 7, 2025. This particular order is for the procurement of Epinephrine Injection, identified by NSN 6505016682549 and PR 7018722512. The contract specifies a quantity of 1.000 PG at a total price of 34.24 dollars. The designated delivery destination for these medical supplies is the USS IOWA via Submarine Base New London.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
SUGAMMADEX SODIUM INJECTION
Solicitation # SPE2DP27F0189
The Defense Logistics Agency awarded contract SPE2DP27F0189 to DMS Pharmaceutical Group Inc on October 13, 2026, for the procurement of Sugamadex Sodium Injection. This delivery order, valued at 3,792.16, consists of a single line item for four boxes at a unit price of 948.04. The materials are scheduled for delivery to PCU Bougainville (LHA 8) by October 28, 2026. This award was issued under the broader administrative contract SPE2DX25D9900, which supports the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor (PPV-G) program for the Secondary DVD region. This base administrative contract, which replaces SPE2DX25D9383, operates under the overarching base contract SPE2DX-25-D-9000 and establishes a performance period of 27 months and 4 days from the date of award.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS
Solicitation # SPE2DP27F0193
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medical Supply Chain awarded contract SPE2DP27F0193 to DMS Pharmaceutical Group Inc on October 13, 2026. This award is a delivery order issued under the broader Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Global Generation S base administrative contract SPE2DX25D9900, which replaces a previous agreement. The contract is categorized as a federal organization procurement and incorporates standard regulatory requirements, including FAR clause 52.222-50 regarding Combating Trafficking in Persons. The specific scope of this order is for the procurement of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets, identified by NSN 6505015544428. The order consists of a single line item for one bottle at a total contract price of 87.97 dollars. The designated delivery date for the pharmaceutical supplies is October 28, 2026, with the place of performance and delivery specified as Fort Drum, New York.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
POVIDONE-IODINE TOPICAL SOLUTION
Solicitation # SPE2DX-24-R-0001
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medical Supply Chain awarded contract SPE2D927F0091 to Cardinal Health, Inc. on October 13, 2026. This delivery order was issued under the basic contract SPE2DX25D8022 and is associated with solicitation SPE2DX-24-R-0001. The agreement specifies the procurement of 690 bottles of Povidone-Iodine Topical Solution, identified by NSN 6505010672812 and PR 7018722856. The total contract price is 16.40 dollars, with payments processed through DFAS Columbus. The supplies are designated for delivery to the USS PRINCETON CG 59 via vessel shipment. While the award notice is dated October 2026, related documentation indicates an effective date of March 7, 2025, for the broader medical supply chain award framework.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
New
DIBBS
ALBUTEROL INHALATION A
Solicitation # SPE2DP-27-T-0104
Solicitation SPE2DP-27-T-0104 is a fixed-price procurement for 10 units of Albuterol Inhalation Aerosol (NSN 6505-01-649-7928) for the Department of Defense, specifically the Medical Supply Chain Pharm FSA. The item is a prescription-only, pressurized aluminum canister containing 60 actuations, with each actuation delivering 90 mcg of albuterol base (108 mcg of albuterol sulfate). The product must be delivered to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with a required delivery date of October 14, 2026, and a lead time of 20 days. The contract mandates strict quality and safety compliance, including a non-extendable 18-month shelf life with at least 15 months remaining upon receipt. Due to the flammable and combustible nature of the aerosol, the contractor must provide a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and adhere to hazardous materials packaging and labeling standards, including 49 CFR, 29 CFR, and ICAO or IMDG regulations. Marking must follow Medical Marking Standard No. 1. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination. Quotes must be submitted via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), and the award may be processed automatically.
MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN PHARM FSA

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 5 days
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID
Solicitation # SPE2DP-26-T-4110
The contract is for the procurement of TRICHLOROACETIC ACID, ACS, 80%, in 15 mL units, identified by NSN 6505013637674 and part number 749887 from AMERISOURCEBERGEN DRUG CORP. The item is classified as a hazardous material under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, requiring compliance with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200, including submission of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and properly labeled containers aligned with the Globally Harmonized System, prior to contract award. The product has a non-extendable shelf life of 24 months and must be stored at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C–30°C). Packaging must conform to commercial standards, with each unit sealed in a container that prevents damage or breakage, and shipped in commercial exterior containers suitable for safe delivery at the lowest rate to the destination. All items must be marked in accordance with the Medical Marking Standard No. 1 (MMS No. 1), which supersedes MIL-STD-129 for medical acquisitions, and include required human-readable and barcoded information. Preservation and packaging must adhere to MIL-STD-2073-1E. Delivery is required within five days of order receipt, with FOB destination terms placing all transportation risk and cost on the contractor. Inspection and acceptance occur at the delivery destination, performed by the Government under FAR 52.246-2. The contract includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses governing equal opportunity, combating trafficking, employment eligibility verification, sustainable products, safeguarding covered defense information, cybersecurity incident reporting, hazardous material handling, whistleblower rights, and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment. The contracting officer must ensure the supplier has registered in SAM and provided a Unique Entity ID, and offerors must self-certify their size status and any applicable small business or socioeconomic status. Invoicing is exclusively through WAWF using the invoice and receiving report combo. The solicitation issued on July 14, 2026, with responses due by July 20, 2026, and is managed by the Department of Defense's Medical Supply Chain Pharm FSA.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
LIDOCAINE, PATCH
Solicitation # SPE2DP27F0198
Defense Logistics Agency award SPE2DP27F0198 is a delivery order issued on October 13, 2026, to DMS Pharmaceutical Group Inc under the overarching contract SPE2DX25D9900. Managed by the DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain, this federal agreement is for the procurement of 10,000 units of Lidocaine Patches, identified by NSN 6505016572003 and PR 7018725125. The total contract price for this order is 599.30 dollars, with the supplies designated for delivery to Fort Drum, New York, by October 2026. The delivery order operates under the framework of contract SPE2DX-25-D-9900, which was originally issued on April 2, 2025, and replaces base admin contract SPE2DX25D9383 under base contract SPE2DX25D9000. This procurement process referenced solicitation SPE2DX-24-R-0001 and incorporates standard Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses pertaining to commercial items and the combating of trafficking in persons.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 424210
Awarded
DIBBS
OMEPRAZOLE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES
Solicitation # SPE2DP-26-T-5363
Solicitation SPE2DP-26-T-5363 is a Request for Quotations issued by the DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain for the procurement of Omeprazole Extended-Release 20 mg delayed release capsules (NSN 6505016247068). The drug is FDA-regulated and is required in bottles of 90 capsules. Key technical specifications include a non-extendable shelf life of 24 months, with at least 21 months remaining upon delivery to the first government activity. The product must be stored at controlled room temperature. Delivery is established as FOB Destination with required delivery dates scheduled for August 4, 2026, and October 1, 2026, across multiple locations including Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Packaging must be commercial and sealed to protect contents from damage, with palletization following DLA requirement RP001. Marking and labeling must adhere to Medical Marking Standard No. 1, which supersedes MIL-STD-129. The contract incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including requirements for the Buy American Act, safeguarding covered defense information, and the use of Wide Area Workflow for invoicing.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details

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