HHS Awards $19.8M to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for Ebola Treatment R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,767,335 ($19.8M)
Contractor: Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-03-19
End Date: 2023-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,229 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CMC EFFORTS FOR MAB114 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND TREATMENT OF EBOLA.
Place of Performance
Location: MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33133
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.8 million to RIDGEBACK BIOTHERAPEUTICS LP for work described as: CMC EFFORTS FOR MAB114 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND TREATMENT OF EBOLA. Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical medical countermeasures for Ebola. 2. Sole-source award to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, raising questions about competition. 3. Contract duration of over 3 years suggests a complex development process. 4. Focus on Nanotechnology R&D within the broader Health and Human Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.8M for R&D in nanotechnology for Ebola treatment appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. However, without specific benchmarks for similar advanced biomedical research contracts, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competed procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a specific company without exploring potentially more cost-effective alternatives through competition.
Public Impact
Development of treatments for a serious infectious disease like Ebola. Potential for advancements in nanotechnology applications for medical purposes. Government investment in biopharmaceutical research and development. Ensuring preparedness for public health emergencies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical health need
- Focus on advanced R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Nanotechnology (NAICS 541713), a highly specialized sector. Spending in this area is often characterized by unique requirements and limited vendor pools, making direct comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, a specific company, and there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Oversight would focus on the progress and milestones of the R&D effort.
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
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for cost overruns due to fixed-fee structure on R&D.
- Effectiveness of nanotechnology in Ebola treatment requires validation.
- Long contract duration may indicate development challenges.
Tags
research-and-development-in-nanotechnolo, department-of-health-and-human-services, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.8 million to RIDGEBACK BIOTHERAPEUTICS LP. CMC EFFORTS FOR MAB114 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND TREATMENT OF EBOLA.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RIDGEBACK BIOTHERAPEUTICS LP.
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 $19.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-03-19. End: 2023-07-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were any market research efforts conducted to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. Market research, if conducted, would aim to validate the necessity of a sole-source approach and assess the reasonableness of the proposed cost, though its effectiveness is limited without competitive pressure.
How will the effectiveness of the developed Ebola treatment be measured and validated under this contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of predefined milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. This would include preclinical studies, potentially in vitro and in vivo testing, and adherence to rigorous scientific protocols. The government will monitor progress against these benchmarks to ensure the R&D is on track towards a viable treatment.
What is the potential long-term impact on public health preparedness if this R&D is successful?
Successful R&D under this contract could significantly enhance public health preparedness by providing a new or improved treatment for Ebola. This would bolster the nation's ability to respond to outbreaks, reduce morbidity and mortality, and potentially mitigate the economic and social disruption associated with such a disease.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 75A50120C00009
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3162 COMMODORE PLAZA STE 3E, MIAMI, FL, 33133
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $159,561,236
Exercised Options: $19,767,335
Current Obligation: $19,767,335
Actual Outlays: $5,287,403
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-03-19
Current End Date: 2023-07-31
Potential End Date: 2023-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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