HHS awards $17.9M to Saint Louis University for R&D, highlighting long-term investment in scientific advancement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,948,380 ($17.9M)
Contractor: Saint Louis University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-06-15
End Date: 2008-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,391 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CITY County, MISSOURI, 63104
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $17.9 million to SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D, indicating a focus on innovation. 2. Long contract duration (6 years) suggests a complex, multi-phase project. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, promoting a fair marketplace. 4. Potential for high-value scientific breakthroughs and economic impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $17.9M over six years averages approximately $3M annually. Without specific deliverables or benchmarks, assessing value is difficult. However, the 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests the government is primarily covering expenses rather than paying for a specific outcome.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely considered. This method generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value proposition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research and development, with the potential for significant long-term benefits if the research yields valuable discoveries or technologies.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies or treatments. Investment in academic research can foster innovation and economic growth in the long run. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a commitment to sustained scientific inquiry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Contract type ('COST NO FEE') may not incentivize cost efficiency.
- Long duration could lead to scope creep or outdated research if not managed well.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a broad search for talent and innovation.
- Significant investment signals commitment to important scientific areas.
- Potential for groundbreaking discoveries with broad societal benefits.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). Federal spending in this sector is crucial for innovation, often involving long-term projects with uncertain but potentially high payoffs. Benchmarks are difficult without specific research areas.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Saint Louis University, an educational institution, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and 'COST NO FEE' structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure research progress aligns with objectives and funds are used appropriately.
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 without clear deliverables.
- Contract type may not incentivize efficiency.
- Long duration requires sustained oversight.
- Limited information on specific research outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, mo, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $17.9 million to SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SAINT 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 $17.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-06-15. End: 2008-12-31.
What specific research objectives and expected outcomes were defined for this $17.9M award to ensure accountability and measure success?
The provided data lacks specific research objectives or expected outcomes. A 'COST NO FEE' contract typically covers allowable costs incurred by the contractor. Effective oversight would require detailed project plans, regular progress reports, and defined milestones to ensure the funds are being used for the intended research and that progress is being made towards scientific advancement.
How does the $17.9M cost compare to similar R&D contracts awarded by NIH for comparable research areas over a similar timeframe?
Benchmarking this $17.9M award against similar NIH R&D contracts is challenging without knowing the specific research focus (e.g., biomedical, engineering, physical sciences) and the scope of work. However, for a six-year project, this amount suggests a substantial investment, potentially indicative of complex, multi-disciplinary research or a large research team.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the long-term effectiveness and impact of the research funded by this contract, given its 2008 end date?
The effectiveness and impact of research are often realized years after funding concludes. Mechanisms for ensuring long-term impact include requirements for data sharing, publication of findings, and potential patent applications. The NIH likely monitors the dissemination of research results and encourages follow-on studies or commercialization efforts stemming from the funded work.
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 › Community and Regional Development R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 221 N GRAND BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63103
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,779,851
Exercised Options: $10,632,486
Current Obligation: $17,948,380
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-06-15
Current End Date: 2008-12-31
Potential End Date: 2008-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
More Contracts from Saint Louis University
- Biomedical (applied/Exploratory) — $22.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →