NIH awards Wake Forest University Health Sciences $44.7M for Biomedical Research over 16 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,735,094 ($44.7M)
Contractor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 1999-12-20
End Date: 2015-09-21
Contract Duration: 5,754 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Place of Performance
Location: WINSTON SALEM, FORSYTH County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27106, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $44.7 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in fundamental biomedical research. 2. Sole awardee for this specific research area, limiting direct competition. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries, but long timelines pose inherent risks. 4. Biomedical research sector is critical for public health advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's 'COST NO FEE' structure suggests reimbursement of actual costs without profit. Given the long duration and specialized nature, direct pricing comparisons are difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, the long duration and specific research focus may have limited the number of eligible bidders. The 'COST NO FEE' structure prioritizes research execution over price negotiation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds support critical scientific advancement, with the ultimate return on investment being potential health benefits and innovation.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific inquiry with potential for major health breakthroughs. Long-term funding provides stability for complex, multi-year research projects. Investment in North Carolina's research infrastructure and scientific talent.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 77 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or changing research priorities.
- Lack of profit margin in 'COST NO FEE' could disincentivize efficiency.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield expected results.
Positive Signals
- Significant investment in a critical scientific field.
- Long-term commitment fosters sustained research efforts.
- Potential for high-impact discoveries benefiting public health.
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Biomedical (Basic) research sector, characterized by long-term, high-risk, high-reward projects. Benchmarks are difficult due to the unique nature of basic research funding.
Small Business Impact
This award was not made to a small business. The nature of large-scale biomedical research often requires substantial infrastructure and expertise typically found in larger institutions.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration necessitates robust oversight from NIH to ensure research progress aligns with objectives and funds are used appropriately. Periodic reviews are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (16 years).
- Cost-reimbursement contract type ('COST NO FEE').
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Sole awardee limits competitive pressure on pricing and innovation.
Tags
department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $44.7 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES.
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 $44.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-12-20. End: 2015-09-21.
What is the expected return on investment for this long-term biomedical research grant?
The return on investment for basic biomedical research is often indirect and long-term, measured by scientific advancements, potential new treatments, and improved public health outcomes. While specific financial returns are not guaranteed, the societal benefit of understanding diseases and developing countermeasures is considered substantial.
How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract structure mitigate risks associated with long-term research?
The 'COST NO FEE' structure primarily aims to ensure that all necessary research costs are covered, allowing the institution to focus on scientific objectives without profit motive. This can mitigate risks related to funding shortfalls for essential research activities. However, it may not inherently control overall cost efficiency.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness of research conducted over a 16-year period?
Effectiveness is typically ensured through rigorous scientific peer review, regular progress reports, milestone tracking, and periodic site visits by the funding agency (NIH). The long duration requires adaptive management, allowing for adjustments to research direction based on emerging scientific findings and technological advancements.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 21
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wake Forest University (UEI: 041418799)
Address: MEDICAL CENTER BLVD, WINSTON SALEM, NC, 27157
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,233,070
Exercised Options: $44,735,094
Current Obligation: $44,735,094
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-12-20
Current End Date: 2015-09-21
Potential End Date: 2015-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-21
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