HHS Awards $3.8M for Anthrax Vaccine Research to RHO Federal Systems Division Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,834,161 ($3.8M)
Contractor: RHO Federal Systems Division Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-09-19
End Date: 2027-09-18
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ANTHRAX AV7909 BOOST EVALUATION AND ANTIGEN-SPARING TRIAL (ABEAST)
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27713
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.8 million to RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC for work described as: ANTHRAX AV7909 BOOST EVALUATION AND ANTIGEN-SPARING TRIAL (ABEAST) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced anthrax vaccine evaluation and antigen-sparing trials. 2. RHO Federal Systems Division Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific delivery order. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term research objective. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the relevant NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, this is a delivery order, and the initial award mechanism for the larger contract is not specified.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in critical biodefense research, aiming to improve vaccine efficacy and potentially reduce future healthcare burdens associated with anthrax.
Public Impact
Enhances national biodefense capabilities by advancing anthrax vaccine technology. Supports scientific research and development in a critical public health area. Potential for improved vaccine strategies that could be more cost-effective or efficient in the long run.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration may present risks if research objectives shift.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security and public health threat.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focuses on innovative vaccine research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and developing new technologies, particularly in areas like biodefense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is RHO Federal Systems Division Inc., a large business. There is no specific indication of small business participation in this delivery order.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, suggesting oversight within a relevant agency. Further details on specific oversight mechanisms are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.8 million to RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC. ANTHRAX AV7909 BOOST EVALUATION AND ANTIGEN-SPARING TRIAL (ABEAST)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC.
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 $3.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-19. End: 2027-09-18.
What is the specific scientific objective of the ABEAST trial and how does it aim to improve upon existing anthrax vaccine evaluations?
The ABEAST trial aims to evaluate the Anthrax AV7909 vaccine and explore antigen-sparing techniques. This could lead to more efficient vaccine production or the development of vaccines that require fewer doses or different components, potentially reducing costs and improving logistical challenges associated with large-scale vaccination campaigns.
What are the potential cost risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D, and how can they be mitigated?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs as their fee is fixed regardless of the total cost. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, clear performance metrics, detailed cost tracking, and well-defined scopes of work to prevent scope creep and ensure efficient resource utilization.
How does this research contribute to the broader effectiveness of the nation's biodefense strategy?
This research directly enhances the nation's biodefense by improving critical medical countermeasures against anthrax. More effective and potentially more economical vaccines strengthen our preparedness for bioterrorism events, ensuring a more robust response capability and protecting public health.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2635 E NC HIGHWAY 54, DURHAM, NC, 27713
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,882,538
Exercised Options: $3,834,161
Current Obligation: $3,834,161
Actual Outlays: $2,490,036
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75A50120D00015
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-19
Current End Date: 2027-09-18
Potential End Date: 2027-09-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
More Contracts from RHO Federal Systems Division Inc
- Statistical Data Coordinating Center — $74.9M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- TAS::75 0885::TAS Biomedical (advanced) — $46.3M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Autoimmune Diseases Statistical and Clinical Coordinating Center (adsccc) — $40.1M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- TO Provide Comprehensive Clinical Research Management Oversight and Operations Support for Clinical Researchsupported by the Nidcr Extramural and Intramural Research Divisions. the Contract Will Provide Nidcr Staff Withsystems and Tools to Assist in — $26.4M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Nhlbi-De-08-16clinical Research Operations and Management Support (croms) — $18.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
View all RHO Federal Systems Division Inc federal contracts →
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →