VA Awards $626K for Novel Antibacterial Small Molecule Research to University of Wisconsin

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $62,599 ($62.6K)

Contractor: University of Wisconsin System

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2018-09-30

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 2,800 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH STRIKER?S VA MERIT AWARD IS TESTING NOVEL SMALL MOLECULES FOR ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES. THE UW MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY CENTER WILL PROVIDE DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, PURIFICATION, AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF NOVEL SMALL MOLECULE KINASE INHIBITORS, AND DELIVER THESE MOLECULES FOR TESTING IN 2 MG QUANTITIES TO BE PACKAGED IN SMALL VIALS FOR DELIVERY TO DR. STRIKER?S LAB.

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53706

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $62,598.73 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: RESEARCH STRIKER?S VA MERIT AWARD IS TESTING NOVEL SMALL MOLECULES FOR ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES. THE UW MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY CENTER WILL PROVIDE DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, PURIFICATION, AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF NOVEL SMALL MOLECULE KINASE INHIBITORS, AND DELIVER THESE MOLECULES FOR TEST… Key points: 1. Focuses on developing new antibacterial treatments through small molecule kinase inhibitors. 2. Involves design, synthesis, purification, and structural analysis of compounds. 3. Contract awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for research and development. 4. Potential for significant impact on combating antibiotic resistance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $625,987.30 appears reasonable for a multi-year research and development project involving specialized chemical synthesis and analysis. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for novel molecule development would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if competitive bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research into antibiotic resistance, which has broad public health implications. The value for money depends on the success of the research.

Public Impact

Addresses the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major public health concern. Supports scientific innovation in drug discovery and development. Potential to lead to new treatments for infections affecting veterans and the general population. Funds academic research, contributing to scientific advancement and knowledge creation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potentially increases cost.
Research outcomes are uncertain and may not yield a viable product.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical public health need (antibiotic resistance).
Supports innovative R&D in biotechnology.
Long-term contract duration allows for thorough research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on novel small molecules for antibacterial properties. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing medical treatments and addressing public health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to the University of Wisconsin System and does not appear to involve small business participation. The nature of the research, requiring specialized expertise in medicinal chemistry, may not be conducive to subcontracting with small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard R&D oversight mechanisms, including progress reports and milestone reviews, would be in place to ensure accountability and track research progress.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Research and Development uncertainty
Potential for cost overruns
Long project duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $62,598.73 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. RESEARCH STRIKER?S VA MERIT AWARD IS TESTING NOVEL SMALL MOLECULES FOR ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES. THE UW MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY CENTER WILL PROVIDE DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, PURIFICATION, AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF NOVEL SMALL MOLECULE KINASE INHIBITORS, AND DELIVER THESE MOLECULES FOR TESTING IN 2 MG QUANTITIES TO BE PACKAGED IN SMALL VIALS FOR DELIVERY TO DR. STRIKER?S LAB.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $62,598.73.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-30. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the estimated market value for similar novel small molecule research contracts?

Benchmarking the $625,987.30 contract value against similar sole-source or competed contracts for novel small molecule research in biotechnology is challenging without access to proprietary databases. However, R&D contracts of this nature can range widely based on complexity, duration, and the specific scientific expertise required. Factors like the number of compounds synthesized and the depth of structural analysis influence cost.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of research?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to overpayment. It also limits the opportunity to leverage the expertise of multiple research institutions, potentially missing out on innovative approaches. However, in specialized R&D, a sole-source award might be justified if a specific institution possesses unique capabilities essential for the project's success.

How will the effectiveness of this research be measured by the VA?

The VA will likely measure effectiveness through defined research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. This includes the successful design, synthesis, purification, and structural analysis of the specified small molecules. Ultimately, effectiveness will be judged by the quality and utility of the delivered compounds for further testing against bacterial targets, contributing to the VA's broader goal of combating antibiotic resistance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 432 N LAKE ST, MADISON, WI, 53706

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $124,597

Exercised Options: $100,597

Current Obligation: $62,599

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline