NIH awards $12.6M to University of Washington for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,657,125 ($12.7M)
Contractor: University of Washington
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2001-03-15
End Date: 2006-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,842 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98105
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in research and development. 2. University of Washington is a major research institution. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests a substantial project scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable research projects.
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 generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research, with the potential for significant long-term benefits if the research yields valuable outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in scientific understanding and technological innovation. Potential for new treatments, materials, or processes. Contributes to the scientific community and educational institutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables makes assessing value difficult.
- Long contract duration without clear milestones could lead to scope creep or inefficiency.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a reputable research institution.
- Focus on R&D aligns with national innovation goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and economic growth, with significant government investment aimed at scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement of small businesses in this contract. The awardee is a large university, suggesting the primary focus was on institutional research capabilities rather than small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve monitoring research progress, adherence to grant terms, and responsible use of funds by the University of Washington. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies close monitoring of expenditures.
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.
- Long contract duration without clear phase gates.
- Difficulty in benchmarking R&D costs.
- Potential for research to not yield desired outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, wa, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.
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 $12.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-03-15. End: 2006-03-31.
What specific research outcomes or milestones were expected from this $12.6 million award to justify the investment?
Without detailed project descriptions or performance reports, it's challenging to ascertain the specific expected outcomes. Research and Development contracts, especially those with a 'COST NO FEE' structure, often focus on exploration and discovery. The value is realized through potential breakthroughs, publications, patents, or advancements that may not have immediate, quantifiable financial returns but contribute to long-term scientific and societal progress.
What were the primary risks associated with this long-term R&D contract, and how were they mitigated?
Key risks include research failure (unforeseen scientific challenges), cost overruns (despite 'COST NO FEE', inefficient spending is possible), and misalignment with evolving scientific priorities. Mitigation likely involved rigorous initial proposal review, periodic progress reporting, and the flexibility inherent in R&D to adapt research directions based on findings. The full and open competition process also helps mitigate risks by selecting the most capable and cost-conscious proposer.
How effective has the University of Washington been in utilizing federal R&D funds in similar past contracts?
Assessing effectiveness requires analyzing past performance data, publications, patents, and the impact of their research. While the University of Washington is a highly-regarded research institution, specific effectiveness metrics for this contract are not provided. A review of their historical success rates in securing grants, their publication output in relevant fields, and the translation of their research into practical applications would offer insights into their 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: MISCELLANEOUS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 3900 15TH AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 07
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,944,369
Exercised Options: $15,837,095
Current Obligation: $12,657,125
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-03-15
Current End Date: 2006-03-31
Potential End Date: 2006-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-02-15
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