HHS awards $27.4M to Case Western Reserve University for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,422,375 ($27.4M)
Contractor: Case Western Reserve University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 1999-12-15
End Date: 2011-09-22
Contract Duration: 4,299 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: CLEVELAND, CUYAHOGA County, OHIO, 44106
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $27.4 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D, focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Long contract duration (4299 days) indicates a substantial, multi-year project. 4. No fee structure (COST NO FEE) implies focus on direct cost reimbursement for research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type 'COST NO FEE' is common for research and development where costs are difficult to predict. However, without specific performance metrics or fee structures, assessing value for money is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would be necessary for a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards research and development, which can lead to future innovations and economic benefits. The competitive award process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Supports scientific advancement in critical fields like physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for breakthroughs that could impact public health, technology, or other societal areas. Investment in academic research infrastructure at a prominent university. Long-term commitment suggests a project with significant scope and potential impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of fee structure makes direct profit assessment difficult.
- Long duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Specific research outcomes and their direct public benefit are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Focus on R&D aligns with national priorities for innovation.
- Significant funding suggests a project of high importance and potential impact.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research focus and agency.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (SB=false) and was awarded to a university. Therefore, there is no direct analysis of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure milestones are met, costs are controlled, and the research remains aligned with its objectives. Regular reporting and performance reviews are critical.
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
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns due to long duration.
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes.
- No fee structure makes direct profit/value assessment difficult.
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 $27.4 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CASE WESTERN RESERVE 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 $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-12-15. End: 2011-09-22.
What specific research objectives does this $27.4M award aim to achieve, and how will their success be measured?
The contract details do not specify the precise research objectives or the metrics for success. Typically, R&D contracts outline specific aims, deliverables, and key performance indicators. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the project's intended value and the effectiveness of the awarded funds in achieving tangible scientific or technological advancements.
Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure and long duration, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns or inefficient resource allocation?
The 'COST NO FEE' structure, common in R&D, means the government reimburses actual costs incurred. To mitigate overruns, robust oversight, regular financial reporting, and adherence to pre-approved budgets are essential. The long duration (4299 days) requires continuous monitoring of progress against objectives and budget, with clear protocols for addressing deviations or scope changes.
How does the outcome of this research potentially translate into broader public benefits or economic impact beyond the academic institution?
The potential public benefit lies in the advancements made within the physical, engineering, and life sciences. These could lead to new technologies, medical treatments, or scientific understanding. The university's role often involves disseminating findings through publications and patents, which can then be commercialized by industry, creating economic impact and societal value.
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: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 10900 EUCLID AVE, CLEVELAND, OH, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,933,149
Exercised Options: $27,078,634
Current Obligation: $27,422,375
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-12-15
Current End Date: 2011-09-22
Potential End Date: 2011-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-02-11
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