Pre-Conference Workshop A
9:30am – 11:30am
“BIG FOUR” Building Blocks: An Introduction to Key Agencies, Applicable Programs and Pricing Methodologies
microphone-alt Catherine Starks, Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
Susan Dunne, Managing Director, Riparian
This pre-conference workshop will introduce attendees to the laws, regulations, and pricing methodologies utilized by the “Big Four” agencies as the basis for contract and formulary determinations. This is an essential course of study for new pharmaceutical pricing practitioners and is a comprehensive refresher on core concepts for the industry veteran.
• Identifying the “Big Four” agencies: VA, DoD, PHS, and Coast Guard
• Examining the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its relation to government procurement and “Big Four” contracting
• Exploring the Department of Veterans Affairs’ delegated authority in relation to FSS pharmaceutical contracts
• Comprehending the mechanics of FSS contracts and the associated timelines
• Understanding reporting requirements when contracting with the “Big Four” and compliance best practices
» Completing CSP and related disclosure requirements
• Identifying FSS eligible entities
• Complying with FSS clauses regarding socioeconomic programs
• Entering into the Master Agreement (MA) and a Pharmaceutical Pricing Agreement (PPA)
• Examining non-FAMP and FCP calculations
• Exploring the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992
» Introduction to Section 602 – pricing for Public Health Services Act (PHS) covered entities
11:30am – 12:00pm Lunch Break
» Section 603 – authorization for the VA to negotiate drug prices
• Examining terms which fall under each discount program
• Analyzing the Federal Supply Schedule related to government
• contracting in the pharmaceutical space
• Identifying key pricing terms related pricing within government pharmaceutical programs
» Federal Ceiling Price (FCP)
» Pharmacy benefits management programs (PBMs)
» National formularies
» VA National Formulary
» DoD Uniform Formulary
• Assessing the functions of the PHS 340B program and identifying qualified entities
» Examining the discounts available under the 340B program
» Determining methods to monitor HRSA data
» Exploring the restrictions that exist for participating covered entities
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4 | LINKEDIN Healthcare: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Experts
Main Conference Day One
12:00pm Co-Chair’s Welcome Remarks
Big Four Year in Review: An In-Depth Analysis of Recent Critical Developments Impacting Rx Pharmaceutical Contracting with the Big Four Agencies
microphone-alt Merle Delancey, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Felecia Manning, Senior Director, Managed Markets Pricing & Government Programs, United Therapeutics Corporation
Joy Sturm, Partner, Hogan Lovells LLP
In this opening session, our esteemed co-chairs will set the stage for the conference with highlights of the latest developments impacting the Big Four. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest regulatory developments, agency advances, and litigation updates impacting drug pricing within the “Big Four” agencies.
12:30pm
The Evolving FSS Contract Lifecycle: A Practical Guide to Successful Procurement and Retention of Big Four
Contracts in 2024
microphone-alt
Arron Clayton, Senior Contract Specialist, Pharm A, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Constance A Wilkinson, Board of Directors/Member of the Firm, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
With the use of hypotheticals, this session will examine how to successfully enter contract(s) to make sales to the Big Four, what happens once the contract has been awarded, and how to have your contract successfully renewed.
• Implementing contracting fundamentals and meeting legal requirements when offering a contract proposal
» Hypothetical using mock products
• Developing guidelines for securing and maintaining contracting information
• Identifying the agencies entitled to make purchases off the FSS, and the pricing methodologies associated with each
» Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy System (CMOPS)
» Indian Health Services (IHS)
» Department of Defense (DoD)
• Sales through Prime Vendor Programs
• Assessing the reasons why government facilities may purchase a product from a PBM at a higher price than it is listed at on the FSS
• Putting strategies into place which encourage purchases directly from the manufacturer
• Examining how the FSS price is connected to discount benchmarks
• Analyzing the requirements when working with MCF pricing and the criteria associated with it
• Implementing clauses in pricing reductions to expand the opportunities of a product when working with FSS customers
» What initiates price reduction clauses
» What disclosures are required when working with the Basis of Award
» Methods to track changes to customer pricing requirements
• Determining the outcomes of refusal to comply with price reduction clauses
• Properly monitoring active buyers from government agencies
• Seeking Economic Price Adjustments
1:30pm
An In-Depth Comparison of Government Drug Payor Programs for Big Four Contractors
microphone-alt Dennis Kim, Senior Engagement Manager, Syneos Health Consulting
It is crucial to maintain a well-versed understanding of how government drug contracts are made and how drug price negotiations occur. This session will provide an overview of government drug payor programs. Points of discussion include:
• Overview of each government program and their requirements:
» VA » PHS 340B » Medicare » Medicaid
• Understanding what beneficiary type falls under each program
» What are the statutory discounts within each program
• Dissecting the difference between purchase-based programs and utilization based programs
• Highlighting the significance of Class of Trade (COT) in driving accurate calculation and reporting within each program
• Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) Overview
» Explanation of AMP
Additional AMP considerations
• Medicare Overview
» Part B Overview
Explanation of ASP
• 340B Overview
» Explanation of BP
Additional BP considerations
» Explanation of URA
» Which entity types are considered covered entities
• Department of Veterans Affairs Overview
» Big4 and OGA Entities explained
» Federal Supply Schedule overview
» 340B revenue erosion inflection points
Explanation of duplicate discounts
Explanation of diversion
» Significance of non-FAMP
» Industrial Funding Fee explained
REGISTER NOW AmericanConference.com/BigFourPharma • 888 224 2480 a C5 Group Company Business Information in a Global Context
SPOTLIGHT ON VHCA SECTION 603
microphone-alt James Kim, Shareholder, Polsinelli, PC
Ted Karnezis, Principal Owner, Karnezis LLC
2:15pm
PART I – VHCA Section 603: Understanding how to Conquer Non-FAMP and FCP Calculation Challenges
• Examining the framework for calculations and reporting requirements under VHCA Section 603
» What is VA Office responsible for this Program?
» When must these calculations be reported to the VA?
» Implementing the correct formula for calculating the FCP
» “Nuts and Bolts” of the Non-FAMP and FCP Calculations
Analyzing the interplay between FCP and Non-FAMP
• Determining the role of the Non-Federal Average Manufacturers Price (Non-FAMP) within the contracting process and ensuring the proper calculations
» What are the ways in which changes to Medicaid calculations can affect non-FAMP calculations?
» Identifying the sources of data necessary to calculate the non-FAMP
Best practices for data collection to ensure accurate calculations
» Exploring the abnormalities seen when calculating the non-FAMP, and their causes
• Examining how FCP affects discounts related to pharmaceutical pricing discounts within the “Big Four” agencies
• Assessing the role of the price reduction clause
3:15pm Afternoon Break
3:30pm
PART II – Mock VHCA Section 603 Calculations
Our speakers will go through multiple in-depth mock calculations and illuminate how manufacturers can overcome calculation challenges and irregularities. Points of discussion include:
• Preparing for irregularities when calculating prices
» Penny pricing
» “Smoothing” prices
» Notifying the VA of these irregularities
• Correctly calculating pricing while incorporating lagged price reductions
• Assessing additional discount adjustments based on calculations
• Developing pricing calculations for new and transferred pharmaceuticals
• Maintaining compliance when communicating price reductions with wholesalers
• Securing sub-ceiling and non-ceiling sales related to the 340B program
• Assessing best practices to maintain for price calculations
4:15pm
In-Depth Look into FSS Post Award Compliance and Audits
microphone-alt Jeff K. Clayton, Principal, Baker Tilly
Ursula Douglas, Senior Contract Specialist, Team Lead Pharm A, U.S. Department of Affairs
• Examining the audit process in relation to FSS contracting
» What does the VA OIG look for during the audit process?
» Scope of the audit – FCP applicable to VA and DoD
Confidential Customer Contracts Claims
» Pre-award vs. Post-award Audits
• Determining a company’s obligations regarding record retention
• Avoiding actions that can result in costly penalties
» Efficiently conducting self-audits to ensure compliance
• Post award most important FAR/GSAR/VAAR clauses from a compliance standpoint
» Price Adjustments (Defective Pricing)
» Price Reductions
Tracking Customer Price and Ratio
• Other potential FSS compliance traps
» Industrial Funding Fee
» Economic Price Adjustments
» Trade Agreements Act
» Modifications -- Product Addition and Removal
• Potential penalties for non-compliance
• Key provisions of a compliance plan
• Enacting the proper steps for appealing decisions
5:15pm Day 1 Wrap-Up & Adjourns
Excellent focus on covered topics –know what to cover and do it well.
6 | LINKEDIN Healthcare: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Experts
DAY TWO – Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Main Conference Day Two
8:20am Co-Chairs’ Welcome Remarks
microphone-alt Merle Delancey, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Felecia Manning, Senior Director, Managed Markets Pricing & Government Programs, United Therapeutics Corporation
Joy Sturm, Partner, Hogan Lovells LLP
8:30am
Single or Dual Pricing? Selecting the Proper Methodology for Optimal Results
microphone-alt Stephen E. Ruscus, Partner, Baker & Hostetler LLP
Jennifer L. Plitsch, Partner, Covington & Burling LLP
• Understanding the reasons for implementing a single or dual pricing model for Big Four contract(s)
• Exploring the requirements for transitioning between the two models and the calculations associated with this transition
• Determining which of the agencies are eligible for each pricing model
• Analyzing the changes to agencies on an annual basis that may affect each of these pricing models
» What are the considerations given during the first year of the contract?
• Utilizing the proper pricing methodology to ensure the correct model is being implemented
• Determining the Federal Ceiling Price (FCP) effect on the expansion of the dual pricing model
• Assessing the benefits associated with each of the pricing strategies
» Best Price implications
» What are the effects of these models on overall pricing?
» What are the effects of single pricing and dual pricing on manufacturers?
• Comprehending how the FCP and the FSS affect one another
• Correctly incorporating FSS pricing into the FCP to achieve positive results
• Analyzing methods for price reduction
9:30am
Focus on System for Award Management Compliance
microphone-alt Elizabeth Lindquist, Partner, Arnold & Porter LLP
Merle Delancey, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
• Examining the evolving compliance requirements for the System for Award Management (SAM)
• Outlining best practices to build a compliance program that fulfills the obligations of SAM
» Ongoing evaluation of risk management
• Forecasting timelines for registrations and renewals and how to prepare
• Assessing what information and documentation is required for SAM certification
» Requirements for domestic and foreign entities
» Practical examples of pitfalls that could be detrimental and how to avoid discrepancies
• FAR representations and certifications process and how it translates to SAM registration
10:15am Morning Break
10:30am
ESG Deep Dive for Contracting with the Big Four: What Every Drug Manufacturer Needs to Know to Meet their ESG Obligations
microphone-alt Greg Madden, Managing Member, Orlaithe Consulting LLC
In recent years, the increasing concern about the environmental impact of single-use plastic has become impossible to ignore. Drug manufacturers are at a crossroads meeting ESG requirements and using single use plastics for their products. This session will explore ESG reporting requirements and related obligations – as they apply to the Big Four -- that manufacturers need to be aware of.
• Overview of annual and quarterly ESG reporting obligations
• Exploring single-use plastics used for prescription drugs
» Identifying other possible materials that manufacturers may substitute for plastic
Pros vs. Cons
• Establishing best practices, policies, and processes to adhere to ESG obligations
» Devising a plan to best approach internal communication and coordination
REGISTER NOW AmericanConference.com/BigFourPharma • 888 224 2480 a C5 Group Company Business Information in a Global Context
11:15am
Cybersecurity Compliance and Risk Mitigation for Big Four Contractors
microphone-alt Eric Crusius, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
In the last couple years, the US Government has been devising new rules to combat cybersecurity threats. As a result, federal contractors are required to provide cyber threat and incident reporting. This session will examine the specific obligations surrounding cybersecurity for each of the Big Four agencies.
• Examining evolving cybersecurity reporting obligations
» Is dual authentication sufficient?
• Analyzing how to comply with new affirmative action reporting obligations for federal contractors and subcontractors
• Devising optimal processes and policies to minimize exposure and risk
» What do manufacturers need to be mindful of?
• Identifying best practices for drug manufacturers to mitigate cyber risks
12:00pm Luncheon Break
12:30pm
TRICARE: How to Successfully Secure a Spot on the Formulary
microphone-alt Colonel Dan Remund (retired), President, Remund Group LLC
Post-Conference Workshop B
3:00pm – 5:00pm
• Assessing the requirements to appear on TRICARE’s formulary
• Determining which drugs will be listed on the formulary for TRICARE
• Exploring the negotiations which companies must partake in when attempting to reach the TRICARE formulary
1:30pm
Evaluating the Latest Developments in PHS 340B Pricing and Litigation
microphone-alt Ross Margulies, Partner, Foley Hoag LLP
William Sarraille, Founder, Sarraille Associates
• What is a PHS 340B entity and why do they receive special pricing on drugs?
• PHS 602: navigating the complexities of determining who qualifies for 340B
• What steps does a 340B entity need to take to qualify for the program’s benefits?
• Key 340B program amendments
» Orphan drug limitation
» ADR process and civil money penalties
• Exploring 340B program growth
» HRSA 340B program enforcement
» Implications of recent cases
• Examining the latest developments in 340B related litigation and the implications for manufacturers
2:30pm Main Conference Adjourns – Break
Federal Government Market Access Working Group: A Guide to Successfully Selling New Drug Products to the “Big Four” Agencies
microphone-alt Cheryl Middleton, Independent Contractor
A look beyond statutory contracting and pricing into the full range of levers manufacturers can use to successfully launch products in Federal Agency Health Systems. This post-conference workshop will explore what drug manufacturers can do to ensure Federal-specific value creation and optimize revenue in VA & DoD. Our speaker will walk you through key market entry best practices and outline what “good” looks from the perspective of Federal stakeholders. Points of discussion include:
• Market Access Levers in the VA and DoD
» Identifying the nuances of contracting as an access lever
» Examining the scope of strategic tips for account optimization
• Clarifying who to contact at the VA and DoD to contract with them
• Measuring Business Opportunity
» Analyzing calculations for revenue potential
What should you be mindful of for product success?
» Understanding the implications of indirect and spillovers
» Evaluating and measuring Return of Investment Assessments
• Creating Market Events in the VA and DoD
» Assessing best practices for account management
» Dissecting the rules of engagement
Official vs. Unofficial
• Reviewing Points of Success in the Commercial Markets
» What spillover and leveraging points work?
• Roadmap to Market Entry in Federal Health Systems
» Build a working guideline to prepare your product for market
» Outlining strategies for a successful launch
8 | LINKEDIN Healthcare: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Experts
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