NIH awards $10.7M to Ohio State University for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,723,436 ($10.7M)
Contractor: Ohio State University Research Foundation, the
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-07-15
End Date: 2012-07-14
Contract Duration: 3,652 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43210, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.7 million to OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant award for a single entity, indicating a focused research effort. 2. Competition method is 'FULL AND OPEN', suggesting a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. The award spans 10 years, implying a long-term, substantial project. 4. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests reimbursement of allowable costs without profit. 5. The award is for R&D in a critical scientific sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type 'COST NO FEE' is unusual for R&D and typically covers only direct costs. Without profit, it may not incentivize maximum efficiency. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and profit margins.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which is generally good for price discovery. However, the 'COST NO FEE' structure might limit the competitive pressure on cost efficiency compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards research, with the cost structure potentially impacting overall value for money due to the absence of profit incentive.
Public Impact
Supports scientific advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Funds research conducted by a major university, contributing to academic and economic development. Long-term funding allows for sustained research progress and potential breakthroughs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-reimbursement contract without fee may limit contractor incentive for cost control.
- Long duration could lead to scope creep or evolving research needs not fully anticipated.
- Lack of profit motive might affect contractor's drive for innovation and efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a wide pool of potential awardees.
- Significant investment in R&D aligns with national scientific priorities.
- Award to a reputable university suggests strong research capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant government investment typically seen in areas like NIH grants.
Small Business Impact
This award was made to a university research foundation, not a small business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type requires careful monitoring of allowable costs to ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately. The long duration necessitates ongoing oversight to track progress and manage potential changes.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to 'COST NO FEE' structure.
- Lack of profit incentive may reduce contractor's drive for efficiency.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
- Limited transparency on specific research goals and deliverables.
- No clear indication of small business involvement.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, oh, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.7 million to OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 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 $10.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-07-15. End: 2012-07-14.
What is the specific research objective and expected outcome of this $10.7M award?
The specific research objective and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. However, the NAICS code 541710 indicates research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Further details would require accessing the contract's statement of work or related documentation.
How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract type impact the risk of cost overruns compared to other contract types?
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type shifts most of the financial risk to the government, as it reimburses allowable costs without a profit incentive for the contractor. This can increase the risk of cost overruns if not meticulously monitored, as the contractor has less direct financial incentive to control expenses.
What is the long-term effectiveness measure for this extensive 10-year research grant?
Effectiveness for such a long-term research grant is typically measured by milestones achieved, scientific publications, patents, and the potential for the research to lead to practical applications or further advancements in the field. Regular reviews and progress reports would be essential to assess ongoing effectiveness.
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
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1960 KENNY RD, COLUMBUS, OH, 43210
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,351,829
Exercised Options: $19,979,015
Current Obligation: $10,723,436
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-07-15
Current End Date: 2012-07-14
Potential End Date: 2014-10-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-13
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