HHS awards $16.16M for Biomedical Research to UC San Francisco over 20 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,162,659 ($16.2M)

Contractor: Regents of the University of California, SAN Francisco, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 1996-03-28

End Date: 2012-08-14

Contract Duration: 5,983 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94103

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.2 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY) Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in biomedical research. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration of nearly 20 years raises questions about adaptability and ongoing value. 4. Biomedical research sector is critical for public health advancements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-plus-no-fee structure for a 20-year duration makes direct pricing comparisons difficult. The total award of $16.16M over nearly two decades suggests a modest annual spend, but the lack of fee complicates value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the extremely long duration may have limited the number of bidders willing to commit to such a long-term engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical biomedical research, with the potential for significant public health returns. The long duration, however, necessitates ongoing scrutiny to ensure continued relevance and cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Supports critical advancements in medical understanding and treatment. Long-term funding stability allows for sustained research efforts. Potential for breakthroughs in disease prevention and cures. Investment in a high-impact scientific field.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is exceptionally long (20 years).
Lack of fee makes profit assessment difficult.
Potential for scope creep over two decades.

Positive Signals

Supports vital biomedical research.
Awarded via full and open competition.
Long-term funding provides stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Biomedical (Applied/Exploratory) sector, a critical area for health innovation. Spending in this sector is often characterized by long research cycles and significant upfront investment, with outcomes that can have profound societal benefits.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine their participation and impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The extensive 20-year duration of this contract warrants robust oversight to ensure the research remains aligned with evolving scientific priorities and that funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Related Government Programs

Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is exceptionally long.
Potential for research to become outdated.
Lack of fee complicates value assessment.
Limited information on specific deliverables and milestones.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring over two decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.2 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE. BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 1996-03-28. End: 2012-08-14.

How has the scope and objectives of the research evolved over the 20-year contract period, and has the funding remained appropriate for the work performed?

The long duration of this contract, spanning from 1996 to 2012, suggests a need for adaptive management. It's crucial to understand if the research objectives were revisited and adjusted to maintain relevance in a rapidly advancing field. Evaluating whether the $16.16M award was consistently aligned with the actual research activities and milestones achieved is key to assessing its value over time.

What mechanisms were in place to manage risks associated with long-term biomedical research, such as scientific obsolescence or changes in research direction?

Given the 20-year timeframe, risk management would have been paramount. This likely involved periodic reviews of research progress, contingency planning for unexpected scientific outcomes, and flexibility in adapting research methodologies. The absence of a fee structure might imply a focus on cost recovery rather than profit, potentially influencing risk-sharing dynamics between the government and the contractor.

How effective has the research funded by this contract been in achieving its stated goals and contributing to broader public health advancements?

Assessing the effectiveness requires examining the research outputs, such as publications, patents, and clinical trial results, stemming from this contract. The ultimate measure of success would be the translation of these findings into tangible improvements in disease prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. The long-term nature of the award suggests an expectation of significant, potentially transformative, research outcomes.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: State of California Controllers Office

Address: 1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94103

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Foundation, Government, Higher Education, Hospital, U.S. National Government, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,607,390

Exercised Options: $3,973,303

Current Obligation: $16,162,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline