HHS Awards $140M to Boston University for CARB-X Global Antibacterial Accelerator
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $140,000,000 ($140.0M)
Contractor: Trustees of Boston University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-06-01
End Date: 2029-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CARB-X GLOBAL ANTIBACTERIAL ACCELERATOR OTA
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02215
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $140.0 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: CARB-X GLOBAL ANTIBACTERIAL ACCELERATOR OTA Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for critical health threats. 2. Competition method suggests a robust price discovery process. 3. Potential for high impact on antibiotic resistance, a major public health risk. 4. Focus on biotechnology R&D aligns with national health priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $140 million over approximately 7 years is substantial for R&D. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research grants and public-private partnerships is necessary, but the 'cost no fee' structure suggests a focus on research execution rather than profit margins.
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 is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and ensure the best value is obtained for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: This investment aims to accelerate the development of new antibiotics, potentially saving taxpayer money in the long run by mitigating the economic and health costs of untreatable infections.
Public Impact
Accelerates development of life-saving antibiotics to combat global health threats. Supports innovation in a critical area of public health with significant unmet needs. Potential to reduce future healthcare costs associated with drug-resistant infections.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term funding commitment requires ongoing monitoring of progress and milestones.
- Reliance on research outcomes, which are inherently uncertain.
- Potential for scope creep or changes in research direction over the contract period.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical global health challenge.
- Utilizes a competitive process to select the best approach.
- Significant potential for positive public health impact.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on combating antibiotic resistance. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and public health, with significant government investment aimed at fostering innovation.
Small Business Impact
While the primary awardee is a large institution, the nature of R&D accelerators often involves subcontracts or partnerships with smaller biotech firms, potentially creating opportunities for small businesses within the broader project ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
The Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS is responsible for overseeing this initiative. Oversight will likely focus on milestone achievement, scientific progress, and responsible stewardship of federal 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
- Long-term commitment requires sustained oversight.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Potential for reliance on a single entity for a critical function.
- Need to ensure equitable access to developed treatments.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $140.0 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. CARB-X GLOBAL ANTIBACTERIAL ACCELERATOR OTA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
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 $140.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-06-01. End: 2029-05-31.
What is the projected timeline for key antibiotic candidates to reach clinical trials or market approval under this accelerator?
The contract duration is approximately 7 years, suggesting a phased approach to development. CARB-X typically supports projects from early-stage development through pre-clinical and early clinical phases. Specific timelines for individual candidates would depend on their progress and the specific goals set within the accelerator's framework.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'cost no fee' contract type in this R&D context?
The 'cost no fee' structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no additional profit. Risks include potential contractor motivation issues if costs are tightly controlled, or conversely, less stringent cost management if reimbursement is guaranteed. However, for mission-driven R&D, the focus is often on achieving the research goals.
How will the effectiveness of the funded research be measured beyond traditional R&D metrics?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by the progression of antibiotic candidates through development pipelines, successful completion of preclinical and clinical trials, and ultimately, the impact on reducing the burden of antibiotic-resistant infections. Public health outcomes and the number of new treatments brought to market will be key indicators.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: BAA-18-100-SOL-00003
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 SILBER WAY, BOSTON, MA, 02215
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $315,000,000
Exercised Options: $140,000,000
Current Obligation: $140,000,000
Actual Outlays: $73,742,421
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 105
Total Subaward Amount: $53,894,945
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-06-01
Current End Date: 2029-05-31
Potential End Date: 2032-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-23
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