NIH Awards $32.8M for Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences R&D to University of Minnesota
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,805,214 ($32.8M)
Contractor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2000-06-15
End Date: 2012-03-31
Contract Duration: 4,307 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55455
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32.8 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awardee is a major research institution, suggesting strong technical capability. 3. Long contract duration (over 11 years) may indicate complex, ongoing research. 4. No specific competition details provided, but contract type is 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION'.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $32.8 million over 11 years suggests a substantial investment. Without specific deliverables or benchmarks, a direct pricing assessment is difficult, but the 'COST NO FEE' contract type implies the government reimburses allowable costs up to a ceiling.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports critical research and development, potentially leading to advancements that benefit the public, though direct financial returns are not guaranteed.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Invests in a prominent research university, fostering innovation. Long-term funding allows for sustained research efforts. Potential for breakthroughs in health and scientific understanding.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables.
- 'COST NO FEE' contract can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution.
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Significant investment in a critical R&D area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Federal spending in this sector is crucial for scientific advancement and technological innovation, with significant annual outlays across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is the 'REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA,' a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Department of Health and Human Services' and 'National Institutes of Health' are responsible for overseeing this award. Standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation.
- 'COST NO FEE' requires diligent oversight to manage expenses.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
- Potential for research to not yield expected breakthroughs.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, mn, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32.8 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.
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 $32.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-06-15. End: 2012-03-31.
What specific research outcomes or milestones are expected from this $32.8 million award to justify the investment?
The provided data does not detail specific research outcomes or milestones. Typically, such awards are tied to research proposals with defined objectives, deliverables, and timelines. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be necessary to ascertain the expected results and evaluate the value proposition.
What are the potential risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract spanning over 11 years for R&D?
A 'COST NO FEE' contract means the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, up to a ceiling, without any additional profit. Risks include potential cost overruns if research proves more expensive than anticipated, lack of contractor incentive to control costs, and the possibility of scope creep without adequate oversight. Effective monitoring by the agency is crucial.
How does this investment align with current national priorities in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D?
The award aligns with the broad national priority of advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. The specific alignment depends on the research focus areas funded by the National Institutes of Health, which often target critical health challenges, emerging technologies, and fundamental scientific understanding relevant to national well-being and competitiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation ID: NO SOLICITATION NUMBER
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: University of Minnesota Twin C (UEI: 006220594)
Address: 200 OAK ST SE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $938,230,295
Exercised Options: $914,395,313
Current Obligation: $32,805,214
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-06-15
Current End Date: 2012-03-31
Potential End Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-02-25
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