NIH Allots $65.4M to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for Research Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $65,417,241 ($65.4M)
Contractor: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-06-08
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,036 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: TO ALLOT INCREMENTAL FUNDS.
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98109
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $65.4 million to FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: TO ALLOT INCREMENTAL FUNDS. Key points: 1. Significant funding allocated to a single research institution. 2. Long contract duration suggests sustained research needs. 3. Focus on cancer research aligns with major public health priorities. 4. Potential for high-impact scientific discoveries.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost-No-Fee type, indicating that the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs but does not pay an additional fee. This is common for research and development contracts where the final outcome is uncertain. Benchmarking per-unit cost is not applicable due to the nature of research funding.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the data does not provide details on the number of bids received or the price discovery achieved during the negotiation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical cancer research, potentially leading to advancements in treatment and public health outcomes. The cost-no-fee structure aims to manage financial risk for both parties in an uncertain research environment.
Public Impact
Funding supports critical cancer research, potentially leading to life-saving treatments. Investment in a leading research institution like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Long-term funding commitment allows for sustained scientific inquiry and development. Potential for breakthroughs in understanding and combating cancer.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Cost-No-Fee structure can sometimes lead to less stringent cost control if not managed carefully.
- Long duration may not adapt well to rapidly changing research landscapes.
Positive Signals
- Supports a vital area of medical research.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term commitment fosters stability for research projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Healthcare and Research & Development sectors, specifically focusing on cancer research. Spending in this area is substantial government-wide, driven by the need for medical advancements and public health initiatives. Benchmarks for similar research grants and contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Large research institutions are typically awarded grants and contracts of this magnitude, with small business involvement being less common unless through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials and contracting officers. The Cost-No-Fee structure requires diligent monitoring of allowable costs to ensure funds are used appropriately for research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed research scope.
- Cost-No-Fee structure requires robust cost monitoring.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current research needs.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated.
Tags
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 $65.4 million to FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER. TO ALLOT INCREMENTAL FUNDS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER.
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 $65.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-06-08. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research projects or areas will this funding support?
The provided data does not specify the exact research projects or areas that the $65.4 million allotment will support. This level of detail is usually found in the contract's statement of work or associated research proposals, which are not included here. Understanding the specific research focus is crucial for assessing the potential impact and value.
How was the 'Cost No Fee' structure determined to be the most appropriate pricing arrangement for this research?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) structure is often chosen for research and development contracts where the final outcome is uncertain and innovation is paramount. It allows the government to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred in performing the research, without paying an additional profit margin. This encourages risk-taking and exploration necessary for scientific advancement.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and scientific rigor of the research funded?
Effectiveness and scientific rigor are typically ensured through a multi-faceted oversight process by the awarding agency (NIH). This includes regular progress reports from the research institution, peer review of research plans and findings, site visits by program officers, and adherence to ethical guidelines. The long-term nature of the contract implies ongoing evaluation of milestones and outcomes.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1100 FAIRVIEW AVENUE NORTH, SEATTLE, WA, 07
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $609,127,666
Exercised Options: $603,473,457
Current Obligation: $65,417,241
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-06-08
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-12-22
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