HHS awards $48.9M contract to Mayo Clinic for COVID-19 convalescent plasma research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,927,887 ($48.9M)
Contractor: Mayo Clinic
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-05-01
End Date: 2022-04-30
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $67.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUPPORT EAP TO FACILITATE THE USE OF HUMAN CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO TREAT HOSPITALIZED CORONAVIRUS-2 (SARS-COV-2) COVID-19 PATIENTS
Place of Performance
Location: ROCHESTER, OLMSTED County, MINNESOTA, 55905
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $48.9 million to MAYO CLINIC for work described as: SUPPORT EAP TO FACILITATE THE USE OF HUMAN CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO TREAT HOSPITALIZED CORONAVIRUS-2 (SARS-COV-2) COVID-19 PATIENTS Key points: 1. The contract supports critical research into using human convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients. 2. Mayo Clinic, a leading medical institution, is the contractor. 3. The award was made under full and open competition. 4. This falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', which is common for research and development. The total award amount of $48.9M for a 729-day duration appears reasonable for a significant research project of this nature.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to identify the best offer. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports a critical public health initiative, aiming to find effective treatments for COVID-19, which has broad societal and economic implications.
Public Impact
Accelerates research into a potential COVID-19 treatment. Leverages expertise of a renowned medical research institution. Contributes to the national effort to combat the pandemic. Potential for life-saving advancements in patient care.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research timelines can be unpredictable.
- Effectiveness of convalescent plasma may vary.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Utilizes a leading research institution.
- Awarded through competitive process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology R&D sector, focusing on developing treatments for infectious diseases. Spending in this area is crucial for public health preparedness and response, with significant government investment during the pandemic.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Mayo Clinic, a large research institution, and there is no indication of specific set-asides or participation for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, is responsible for this award. Oversight would focus on research progress, adherence to protocols, and responsible use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for research delays.
- Uncertainty of treatment efficacy.
- Dependence on donor availability and antibody levels.
- Evolving landscape of COVID-19 treatments.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, mn, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $48.9 million to MAYO CLINIC. SUPPORT EAP TO FACILITATE THE USE OF HUMAN CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO TREAT HOSPITALIZED CORONAVIRUS-2 (SARS-COV-2) COVID-19 PATIENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MAYO CLINIC.
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 $48.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-05-01. End: 2022-04-30.
What is the projected timeline for key research milestones and expected outcomes?
The contract duration is 729 days (approximately 2 years). Key milestones would typically include patient recruitment, data collection, interim analysis, and final reporting. Expected outcomes are to determine the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients, potentially leading to clinical guidelines or further research.
What are the primary risks associated with the effectiveness of convalescent plasma as a treatment?
Risks include variability in antibody levels among donors, potential for treatment to be less effective in later stages of illness, and the emergence of more effective alternative treatments. The research aims to quantify these risks and determine the optimal conditions for its use.
How will the success of this research be measured to ensure taxpayer value?
Success will be measured by the generation of robust scientific data on the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma, peer-reviewed publications, and potential impact on clinical treatment protocols. Value is derived from advancing medical knowledge and potentially saving lives, justifying the investment.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: BAA-18-100-SOL-00003
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mayo Foundation
Address: 200 FIRST ST SW, ROCHESTER, MN, 55905
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,927,887
Exercised Options: $48,927,887
Current Obligation: $48,927,887
Actual Outlays: $35,171,298
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-05-01
Current End Date: 2022-04-30
Potential End Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-06-25
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