HHS awards $53.2M contract to St. Louis University for research, highlighting long-term NIH support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $53,244,461 ($53.2M)

Contractor: ST. Louis University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 1994-09-15

End Date: 2011-08-31

Contract Duration: 6,194 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CITY County, MISSOURI, 63103

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $53.2 million to ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in a single entity for research. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially broad search for qualified bidders. 3. Contract duration suggests a high-value, complex research project. 4. Sector focus on healthcare research aligns with NIH mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $53.2 million over nearly 17 years suggests a substantial investment. Without specific benchmarks for similar long-term research grants or contracts, assessing the pricing's excellence is difficult. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies reimbursement of actual costs, which can vary.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' indicates a broad solicitation process, aiming to attract a wide range of qualified offerors. This method is generally expected to foster price discovery and ensure fair market value, though the 'COST NO FEE' structure focuses more on cost control than upfront price negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive duration and value suggest a significant taxpayer investment in research. The competitive award process aims to ensure this investment is made judiciously, but the long-term nature requires ongoing monitoring for efficiency.

Public Impact

Supports critical health research potentially leading to medical advancements. Long-term funding provides stability for St. Louis University's research initiatives. Taxpayer funds are directed towards scientific inquiry and public health improvement. The contract's longevity may indicate a sustained need for the research services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or changing research needs.
Lack of fee structure could disincentivize cost efficiency.
Potential for scope creep over a nearly 17-year period.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Significant investment in a key research area.
Long-term commitment fosters research stability and progress.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare and research sector, specifically funded by the National Institutes of Health. Spending in this area is characterized by long-term investments in scientific discovery, with contract values varying widely based on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or set-aside for small businesses in this contract. Large research institutions like St. Louis University typically handle such extensive grants and contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration of this contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure research milestones are met and funds are used appropriately. Regular reporting and performance reviews would be critical for accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (nearly 17 years).
Cost-reimbursement contract type ('COST NO FEE').
High total contract value ($53.2M).
Potential for research scope to become outdated over time.
Lack of specific small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $53.2 million to ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY.

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 $53.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 1994-09-15. End: 2011-08-31.

What specific research outcomes were achieved during the contract's nearly 17-year lifespan, and how did they align with NIH's strategic goals?

Assessing the value requires examining the research outputs, publications, patents, and clinical advancements stemming from the $53.2 million investment. The alignment with NIH goals would be evaluated by comparing the project's stated objectives and progress reports against the agency's research priorities and funding announcements during the contract period.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure and long duration, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

The primary risk mitigation would involve stringent financial oversight, regular audits, and detailed progress reporting by HHS. The 'COST NO FEE' structure itself places the financial risk on the government, making robust monitoring crucial to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure the university's costs are reasonable and allocable to the research.

How effective was the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' in securing the best value for this long-term research need, considering the specialized nature of NIH-funded projects?

The effectiveness hinges on whether the competition successfully attracted a diverse pool of highly qualified researchers capable of undertaking the project. While 'full and open' aims for broad participation, the specialized nature of biomedical research might mean only a few institutions possess the requisite expertise, making the evaluation criteria and selection process critical for ensuring true value.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Address: 3635 VISTA AT GRAND, SAINT LOUIS

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,581,461

Exercised Options: $9,581,461

Current Obligation: $53,244,461

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline