Milestone Scientific Inc. (NYSE:MLSS), a leading developer of computerized drug delivery instruments that provide painless and precise injections, today announced its approval on contract for the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), also known as the GSA Schedule, for the CompuFlo® Epidural System. This significant milestone follows the Company's earlier registration with the U.S. Government's System for Award Management (SAM) in March 2023.
The FSS designation positions Milestone Scientific as a pre-vetted contractor with pre-negotiated pricing for its CompuFlo® Epidural System and related consumable products. FSS contracts are initially awarded to sell products and services to the government for a five-year base period and can be extended through three additional five-year option periods, allowing for a potential total contract duration of up to 20 years. This streamlined procurement process allows federal agencies to save time and money while securing Milestone Scientific's innovative technologies.
The CompuFlo® Epidural System utilizes Milestone Scientific's patented Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology®, offering real-time feedback to ensure accurate needle placement during epidural procedures. This innovation enhances patient safety and comfort, reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional techniques.
The inclusion of Milestone Scientific on the FSS opens significant opportunities within federal healthcare systems, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Indian Health Service (IHS):
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA): The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing care at 1,380 facilities, including 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,193 outpatient sites. About one-third of the 9.1 million veterans enrolled in the VHA experience chronic pain, a higher prevalence than in the general population.
- Department of Defense (DoD): The Military Health System (MHS) serves approximately 9.5 million beneficiaries, including active-duty service members, retirees, and their families, through 45 hospitals, 572 clinics, and 115 dental clinics. According to a RAND study, between 31% and 44% of active-duty U.S. service members experience chronic pain, highlighting a significant burden within the DoD population. Chronic pain is considered a leading cause of disability and reduced readiness among service members, making effective pain management solutions a critical need for the DoD.
- Indian Health Service (IHS): The IHS provides healthcare to 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives across the United States through over 687 facilities, including hospitals, health centers, health stations, and school health centers. Approximately 19.3% of individuals utilizing IHS facilities experience chronic pain, with prevalence rates notably higher among women and older adults.
- Indian Health Service (IHS): The IHS provides healthcare to 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives across the United States through over 687 facilities, including hospitals, health centers, health stations, and school health centers. Approximately 19.3% of individuals utilizing IHS facilities experience chronic pain, with prevalence rates notably higher among women and older adults.
