HHS Awards $8.6M to UPenn for Lung-on-Chip Research on Chlorine Toxicity

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,685,596 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-09-21

End Date: 2028-02-29

Contract Duration: 2,717 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF UPENN'S LUNG-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGIES, TO EXAMINE CHLORINE-INDUCED RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS AND TO PREDICT THE TOXICITY OF INHALED CHLORINE GAS IN HUMAN LUNGS.

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $8.7 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE for work described as: TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF UPENN'S LUNG-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGIES, TO EXAMINE CHLORINE-INDUCED RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS AND TO PREDICT THE TOXICITY OF INHALED CHLORINE GAS IN HUMAN LUNGS. Key points: 1. Research focuses on critical health issues: lung damage from chlorine and predicting toxicity. 2. The contract supports advanced 'lung-on-chip' technology development at a leading university. 3. Long-term contract duration (2020-2028) suggests sustained research effort. 4. Funding is allocated to a specific research area within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', which is common for research and development where final costs are uncertain. The award amount of $8.6M over approximately 7.5 years averages to about $1.15M annually, which appears reasonable for specialized R&D.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple entities had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical public health research, aiming to improve understanding and mitigation of chemical inhalation risks.

Public Impact

Advances understanding of respiratory illnesses caused by chemical exposure. Develops novel technologies for medical research and testing. Enhances preparedness for public health emergencies involving toxic gases. Supports academic research and innovation in biotechnology. Potential for long-term public health benefits through improved medical insights.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield immediate practical applications.
Long contract duration could be subject to scope creep or changing research priorities.
Reliance on a single institution for this specific technology development.

Positive Signals

Addresses a significant public health concern (chlorine toxicity).
Utilizes advanced 'lung-on-chip' technology for more accurate modeling.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Supports a reputable research institution (UPenn).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific research and development sector, specifically focusing on biomedical engineering and toxicology. Spending benchmarks for similar R&D contracts can vary widely based on scope and duration, but this award appears aligned with significant, multi-year research initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to an educational institution (The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania) and does not suggest any specific set-aside for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely minimal unless they are subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). ASPR is responsible for leading the nation's efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health emergencies, suggesting robust oversight for this type of research.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for research failure or inconclusive results.
Long duration increases exposure to changing scientific landscapes.
Cost-plus contract type can incentivize spending.
Limited direct small business participation.
Dependence on a single academic institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $8.7 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE. TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF UPENN'S LUNG-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGIES, TO EXAMINE CHLORINE-INDUCED RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS AND TO PREDICT THE TOXICITY OF INHALED CHLORINE GAS IN HUMAN LUNGS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE.

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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-21. End: 2028-02-29.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?

Key performance indicators would likely focus on milestones related to the development and validation of the lung-on-chip models, the accuracy of toxicity predictions, and the publication of research findings. Measurement would involve regular progress reports, peer review of data, and potentially independent validation of the technology. Ensuring value requires clear, measurable objectives tied to the contract's scientific goals and public health impact.

What are the primary risks associated with the long-term nature of this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Risks include potential shifts in research priorities, scientific challenges leading to delays or failure to achieve objectives, and budget overruns. Mitigation strategies may involve phased funding, regular reviews of research progress and relevance, flexibility to adjust research scope based on findings, and strong project management by ASPR to ensure accountability and adherence to goals.

How will the findings from this lung-on-chip research be translated into practical applications for public health preparedness and response?

Translation involves disseminating research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and direct engagement with public health agencies. The developed lung-on-chip models could be used by agencies like the CDC or EPA for more rapid and accurate assessment of chemical threats. ASPR's role in preparedness suggests a pathway for integrating these findings into emergency response protocols and risk assessment frameworks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: BAA-18-100-SOL-00003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19104

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,685,596

Exercised Options: $8,685,596

Current Obligation: $8,685,596

Actual Outlays: $5,883,225

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $1,090,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline