NIH awards Columbia University $23.6M for Biomedical Research over 13 years under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,643,932 ($23.6M)
Contractor: THE Trustees of Columbia University in the City of NEW York
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 1999-09-29
End Date: 2013-11-18
Contract Duration: 5,164 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/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: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10025
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $23.6 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in fundamental biomedical research. 2. Columbia University is a major research institution, indicating strong capability. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries with broad public health implications. 4. Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing research program.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $23.6M over 13 years averages approximately $1.8M annually. This is a reasonable figure for large-scale biomedical research grants, especially considering the potential for significant scientific output.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to identify the best value. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing and ensures a wide range of qualified entities could bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advancing scientific knowledge in a critical health area, with the expectation of long-term societal benefits.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of diseases and potential treatments. Supports scientific innovation and the training of future researchers. Contributes to the US's leadership in biomedical science.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may limit flexibility for shifting research priorities.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex research projects.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield immediate practical applications.
Positive Signals
- Investment in a leading research institution.
- Long-term commitment fosters sustained scientific progress.
- Full and open competition ensures fair allocation of funds.
Sector Analysis
Biomedical research is a critical sector for public health and economic growth. Annual federal spending in this area is substantial, with NIH being a primary funder. This contract aligns with national priorities for scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a large university, not a small business. There is no indication of specific provisions or subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (NIH), a major federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants. The long duration implies ongoing monitoring of progress and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Research uncertainty
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation
Tags
department-of-health-and-human-services, ny, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $23.6 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
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 $23.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-09-29. End: 2013-11-18.
What is the expected return on investment for this biomedical research funding?
The return on investment for basic biomedical research is often long-term and indirect, measured in scientific breakthroughs, improved public health outcomes, and economic benefits from new technologies. Quantifying a precise ROI is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of discovery, but historical investments have led to significant advancements in disease treatment and prevention.
What are the primary risks associated with this long-term research contract?
Key risks include the potential for research to not yield expected results, the possibility of scientific misconduct or data integrity issues, and the challenge of adapting to rapidly evolving scientific landscapes over a 13-year period. Furthermore, budget fluctuations or changes in research priorities could impact the project's continuity or scope.
How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for this type of research grant?
Full and open competition is generally effective in identifying highly qualified research institutions and ensuring fair pricing for services. For research grants, it helps ensure that the most innovative and capable researchers receive funding, maximizing the potential for scientific advancement. However, the 'value' in research is often measured by scientific impact rather than purely cost-efficiency.
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: 630 W 168TH ST FL 4, NEW YORK, NY, 10032
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: $26,780,400
Exercised Options: $23,643,932
Current Obligation: $23,643,932
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-09-29
Current End Date: 2013-11-18
Potential End Date: 2013-11-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-05-14
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