NIH awards $37M for biomedical research to Case Western Reserve University over 13 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,069,383 ($37.1M)

Contractor: Case Western Reserve University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2000-09-27

End Date: 2013-11-30

Contract Duration: 4,812 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/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: CLEVELAND, CUYAHOGA County, OHIO, 44106

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $37.1 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. Long duration of over 13 years indicates a sustained research effort. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The contract was awarded to a single entity, Case Western Reserve University. 5. The contract's value of $37 million over its lifespan suggests significant investment in basic biomedical research. 6. Performance period spans from 2000 to 2013, providing historical context for the research outcomes.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total award of $37 million over more than 13 years averages approximately $2.8 million per year. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale, long-term biomedical research grants from NIH is challenging without more specific details on the research scope. However, the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type, while less common for research, implies that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for value if the research is well-defined. The absence of a fee suggests the primary motivation is research advancement rather than profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 21 bids suggests a robust level of interest and competition for this research opportunity. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, benefiting the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award. It ensures that taxpayer funds are being used to secure the best possible research services at a competitive rate.

Public Impact

Benefits academic researchers and institutions, fostering scientific advancement. Delivers foundational knowledge in biomedical sciences, potentially leading to future medical breakthroughs. Geographic impact is primarily within Ohio, where Case Western Reserve University is located, but research findings have global implications. Workforce implications include support for researchers, technicians, and administrative staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 13 years) can increase the risk of scope creep or changing research priorities over time.
Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type, while shifting risk to the contractor, may limit incentives for efficiency if not carefully monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the contractor's progress and the overall effectiveness of the research.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition with 21 bids, indicating strong market interest and potential for value.
The contract supports fundamental biomedical research, which is critical for long-term public health advancements.
Case Western Reserve University is a reputable research institution, suggesting a capable contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Basic Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on biomedical sciences. The market for biomedical research is vast and highly competitive, with significant government investment aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and developing new treatments. NIH is a primary funder of such research, awarding billions annually. This contract represents a portion of that investment, supporting foundational work that could lead to future innovations in healthcare.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. Given the nature of large-scale, long-term university research grants, the primary focus is typically on the research institution's capabilities rather than subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. However, the university may engage small businesses for ancillary services or supplies as needed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIH program officers and contracting officers are responsible for monitoring research progress, ensuring compliance with grant terms, and managing the financial aspects. The Inspector General of HHS would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
Biomedical Research Funding
University Research Contracts
Basic Science Research

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Cost No Fee contract type
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $37.1 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CASE WESTERN RESERVE 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 $37.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-09-27. End: 2013-11-30.

What specific areas of biomedical research were funded by this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under 'BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)' research. However, it does not specify the precise sub-disciplines or research questions addressed. Basic biomedical research is a broad category that can encompass genetics, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and many other fields. Without further documentation, such as the Statement of Work or research proposals, the exact focus remains undefined. NIH typically funds research that aims to understand fundamental biological processes and disease mechanisms, which may not have immediate clinical applications but form the basis for future medical advancements.

How does the $37 million award compare to other NIH basic biomedical research contracts of similar duration?

Comparing this $37 million award over 13+ years (averaging ~$2.8M/year) to other NIH basic biomedical research contracts requires access to a comprehensive database of NIH awards with detailed scope and duration. NIH funds a wide spectrum of research, from small individual investigator grants to large center grants and multi-year institutional awards. Contracts of this magnitude and duration are substantial and typically support significant research infrastructure or multi-disciplinary projects. While $2.8M/year is a considerable sum, it is within the range for major research initiatives funded by NIH, especially those involving multiple investigators or complex experimental setups. A precise benchmark would necessitate analyzing contracts with identical research areas and institutional types.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of this research contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. For basic research contracts, success is often measured by scientific output such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, the development of new methodologies or technologies, and the training of future scientists. Progress reports submitted by the contractor (Case Western Reserve University) to NIH would detail these achievements. The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) nature of the contract implies that the primary driver is scientific advancement rather than profit, so KPIs would likely focus on research milestones, data generation, and contribution to the scientific community's knowledge base.

What is the track record of Case Western Reserve University in managing large federal research grants?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a well-established research institution with a significant history of receiving and managing federal grants, particularly from agencies like NIH. As a major research university, CWRU has extensive experience in administering complex research projects, managing budgets, and complying with federal regulations. While specific details on their past performance on contracts of this exact nature are not provided here, their status as a leading research entity suggests a strong capability in handling large-scale federal funding. NIH typically awards grants to institutions with proven administrative and research infrastructure, implying CWRU meets these standards.

Were there any significant cost overruns or changes in scope during the contract's performance period?

The provided data does not contain information regarding cost overruns or scope changes for this contract. The contract's duration extended from September 27, 2000, to November 30, 2013. As a 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract, the contractor (Case Western Reserve University) assumes the risk of cost overruns. However, significant deviations from the original scope or budget would typically be documented through contract modifications or amendments, which are not detailed in the summary data. Monitoring such changes would be the responsibility of the contracting agency (NIH) throughout the contract's lifecycle.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type impact the value proposition for the government compared to other contract types?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no additional payment for profit. This shifts the financial risk of cost overruns entirely to the contractor. For the government, this can be advantageous in situations where the research objectives are paramount and the primary goal is scientific advancement rather than commercialization or profit generation, as is often the case with basic research. It potentially offers better value by eliminating the profit margin. However, it may also reduce contractor incentive to control costs rigorously if not paired with strong oversight and clear performance expectations, as the contractor is guaranteed cost recovery.

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

Address: 10900 EUCLID AVE, CLEVELAND, OH, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,977,520

Exercised Options: $36,234,215

Current Obligation: $37,069,383

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Timeline