DHHS awards $144.5M to University of Utah for research, spanning over 10 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,451,113 ($14.5M)

Contractor: University of Utah

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2000-09-15

End Date: 2010-08-31

Contract Duration: 3,637 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84112

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in research by DHHS. 2. University of Utah is a major research institution. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in health. 4. Long duration may indicate complex, ongoing project needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $144.5 million over 10 years suggests a substantial project. Without specific deliverables or benchmarks, direct pricing comparison is difficult, but the scale indicates significant resource allocation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and identify the most capable offeror.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a large-scale research initiative, with the expectation of return through scientific advancement and public health benefits.

Public Impact

Supports advanced scientific research with potential public health benefits. Invests in a major academic institution's research capabilities. Long-term funding provides stability for complex research projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Lack of specific details on deliverables makes assessing value challenging.
Potential for scope creep over a decade-long project.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Significant investment in a key research area.
Long-term commitment fosters research stability.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the broader research and development sector, specifically focusing on health sciences. Benchmarks for similar long-term, large-scale research grants can vary widely based on the specific scientific field and institution.

Small Business Impact

This award does not appear to involve small businesses directly, as it is a large contract awarded to a major university. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontractors or partners include small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) division within DHHS. Accountability would focus on research progress, milestone achievement, and adherence to grant terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data
Potential for cost escalation over time
Limited insight into specific research focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF UTAH.

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 $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-09-15. End: 2010-08-31.

What specific research objectives and expected outcomes are associated with this $144.5 million award to the University of Utah?

The provided data lacks specific research objectives or expected outcomes. A comprehensive review would require access to the contract's statement of work, research proposals, and any associated performance metrics to understand the intended scientific advancements and their potential impact on public health.

How does the University of Utah's proposed research align with current public health priorities and NIH strategic goals?

Without details on the research focus, it's impossible to assess alignment. However, NIH typically funds research that addresses critical health challenges and advances scientific knowledge. The university's proposal would have been evaluated against these criteria during the full and open competition process.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effective and efficient use of $144.5 million in taxpayer funds over the 10-year period?

Effective use is typically ensured through regular reporting requirements, milestone tracking, budget reviews, and adherence to federal grant management regulations. The NIH contracting officers and program officials would monitor progress and financial expenditures to ensure accountability and responsible stewardship of funds.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Address: 201 PRESIDENTS CIR RM 408, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $887,330

Exercised Options: $17,055,765

Current Obligation: $14,451,113

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Timeline