Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
Definition
The Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) is a large-scale contracting program managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) that allows federal agencies to purchase products and services, including pharmaceuticals, directly from commercial suppliers at pre-negotiated prices. FSS contracts are available to all government agencies.
In the pharmaceutical context, the FSS is primarily used by VA medical centers, DoD facilities, Bureau of Prisons, Indian Health Service, and other federal health care providers. FSS pharmaceutical prices are among the lowest available to federal purchasers.
For 340B covered entities, the FSS is relevant background knowledge about the federal drug purchasing landscape. 340B covered entities are not eligible to use the FSS for their drug purchases; they access discounted pricing through the 340B program instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Matters
Understanding the FSS helps covered entities understand the broader federal drug pricing landscape and how 340B fits within it. FSS pricing is one of the mechanisms through which federal health care providers—outside of 340B—access discounted drug prices.
How Virtue 340B Uses It
Virtue 340B references the FSS in the context of explaining federal drug pricing programs to covered entity clients.