HHS Awards $31.3M to Wake Forest for Chlorine Gas Toxicity Modeling Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,309,365 ($31.3M)

Contractor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-09-25

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,105 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MODELING PULMONARY CHLORINE GAS TOXICITY

Place of Performance

Location: WINSTON SALEM, FORSYTH County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27157

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $31.3 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES for work described as: MODELING PULMONARY CHLORINE GAS TOXICITY Key points: 1. Research focuses on critical public health threat of chlorine gas. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market research was conducted. 3. Contract awarded to a single entity, Wake Forest University Health Sciences. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically nanotechnology applications in health preparedness.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development. The award amount of $31.3M over approximately 6.5 years needs further context to assess value against similar R&D projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into a public health hazard, potentially leading to improved emergency response and public safety measures.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of a common industrial and terrorist threat. Develops advanced modeling techniques for public health emergencies. Supports scientific innovation in nanotechnology for safety applications. Potential for improved medical countermeasures and treatment protocols.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Addresses a significant public health and safety concern.
Utilizes advanced research methods (nanotechnology).
Awarded through full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on health and safety applications using nanotechnology. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on scope and duration, but this award appears substantial for a focused research effort.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to a university health sciences department, not a small business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The 'COST NO FEE' contract type requires diligent monitoring of expenditures to ensure research stays within budget and objectives.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Nanotechnology
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'COST NO FEE' structure.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the award data.
Limited information on the specific nanotechnology applications.
No clear indication of small business involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $31.3 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES. MODELING PULMONARY CHLORINE GAS TOXICITY

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 (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-25. End: 2025-06-30.

What specific nanotechnology approaches will be employed to model chlorine gas toxicity, and how do these differ from traditional methods?

The provided data does not specify the exact nanotechnology approaches. However, typical applications in toxicity modeling might involve nano-sensors for real-time detection, targeted drug delivery systems for treatment research, or advanced computational modeling using nanoscale simulations. These could offer higher sensitivity, specificity, and predictive power compared to conventional methods, potentially leading to more effective countermeasures.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research, and how will the success of the toxicity modeling be measured?

Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided contract abstract. Success measurement for such research typically involves the development of validated predictive models, successful simulation of various exposure scenarios, identification of key toxicological pathways, and potentially the proposal of novel therapeutic interventions. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies that the primary focus is on achieving research objectives rather than strict cost control, but progress reports and milestone achievements would be crucial.

How will the findings from this research be translated into actionable public health strategies or countermeasures?

The translation of findings into actionable strategies will likely involve collaboration between Wake Forest University and HHS/ASPR post-research completion. This could include informing emergency response protocols, guiding the development of new medical treatments or personal protective equipment, and updating public health advisories related to chlorine gas exposure. The research aims to provide a scientific foundation for these practical applications, ensuring preparedness for potential incidents.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: MEDICAL CENTER BLVD, WINSTON SALEM, NC, 27157

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,309,365

Exercised Options: $31,309,365

Current Obligation: $31,309,365

Actual Outlays: $25,612,460

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline