DHHS awards $378M to UC San Diego for R&D, highlighting significant investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $378,278,130 ($378.3M)
Contractor: University of California, SAN
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2001-09-15
End Date: 2015-12-15
Contract Duration: 5,204 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $378.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $378M indicates a major research initiative. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these R&D services. 3. Long contract duration (2001-2015) implies a sustained need and successful partnership. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences aligns with national priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. The award amount of $378M over a long period suggests a substantial investment, likely reflecting the complexity and scope of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment for research and development contracts.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge and technological innovation in critical fields. Potential for breakthroughs in health, engineering, and physical sciences impacting public well-being. Economic benefits through research funding and potential commercialization of discoveries. Support for academic research institutions and their contribution to national competitiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could mask potential inefficiencies if not actively managed.
- Cost-reimbursement contracts require diligent oversight to control spending.
Positive Signals
- Significant investment in a critical R&D area.
- Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for innovation.
- Long-term commitment indicates a strategic focus on research outcomes.
Sector Analysis
This contract 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 directed towards academic institutions and specialized research firms.
Small Business Impact
While the primary awardee is a large university system, the nature of R&D often involves subcontracting opportunities for specialized small businesses in areas like equipment, testing, or specific research services.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and cost-reimbursement nature of this contract necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure funds are used effectively and research objectives are met.
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 in long-term R&D projects.
- Risk of research not yielding expected or impactful results.
- Dependency on a single large institution for critical research.
- Challenges in tracking and verifying the impact of 'COST NO FEE' contracts.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $378.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN.
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 $378.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-09-15. End: 2015-12-15.
What specific research outcomes were achieved during the contract period?
Detailed research outcomes would typically be documented in periodic progress reports and final reports submitted by the University of California, San Diego to the National Institutes of Health. These reports would outline scientific findings, publications, patents, and contributions to the physical, engineering, and life sciences.
How was the 'COST NO FEE' structure managed to ensure value for taxpayer money?
The 'COST NO FEE' structure means the government reimburses allowable costs but does not pay profit. Value is ensured through rigorous auditing of expenses, adherence to pre-approved budgets, and performance metrics tied to research milestones. Oversight focuses on preventing wasteful spending and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
What was the process for ensuring the research remained aligned with evolving scientific priorities over its 14-year span?
Alignment was likely managed through regular reviews and potential modifications to the research plan based on scientific advancements and agency priorities. The National Institutes of Health would have provided guidance and oversight, potentially adjusting funding or scope based on progress and emerging needs in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.
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: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: State of California Controllers Office (UEI: 071549000)
Address: 3333 CALIFORNIA ST # 315, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94118
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $370,337,403
Exercised Options: $370,304,150
Current Obligation: $378,278,130
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-09-15
Current End Date: 2015-12-15
Potential End Date: 2015-12-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-12-15
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