HHS Awards $138M Contract to START2 GROUP for Biotechnology R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $138,081,741 ($138.1M)
Contractor: Start2 Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2024-04-10
End Date: 2031-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OTHER TRANSACTION: START2 GROUP, INC. (75A50124C00012)
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02142
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $138.1 million to START2 GROUP, INC. for work described as: OTHER TRANSACTION: START2 GROUP, INC. (75A50124C00012) Key points: 1. Significant investment in biotechnology research and development. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Long contract duration (over 7 years) may indicate complex, long-term project needs. 4. Focus on preparedness and response aligns with critical public health goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $138M over approximately 7.5 years is substantial. Without specific deliverables or benchmarks for this R&D, it's difficult to assess value for money against similar biotechnology research efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is a positive sign for price discovery. However, the specific details of the bidding process and the number of proposals received are not provided, making a full assessment of price competitiveness challenging.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is significant due to the large contract value, but the ultimate benefit to public health preparedness will determine the overall value.
Public Impact
Enhances national capabilities in biotechnology for health emergencies. Supports innovation in critical areas of medical research. Potential for new treatments or countermeasures against public health threats.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics for R&D.
- Long-term commitment without clear interim deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep in research projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses critical public health preparedness needs.
- Supports advanced biotechnology research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing medical science and preparing for health crises. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on the specific research area and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the research progresses effectively and taxpayer funds are used efficiently towards the stated goals of preparedness and response.
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 contract duration without clear interim deliverables.
- Potential for R&D project scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No indication of small business participation.
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 $138.1 million to START2 GROUP, INC.. OTHER TRANSACTION: START2 GROUP, INC. (75A50124C00012)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is START2 GROUP, 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 $138.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-10. End: 2031-09-30.
What specific research objectives and expected outcomes are defined within this contract to ensure accountability for the $138M investment?
The contract details should clearly outline the specific research objectives, milestones, and expected deliverables. This includes defining the scope of biotechnology research, the intended applications (e.g., vaccine development, diagnostic tools), and measurable outcomes that demonstrate progress towards enhancing public health preparedness and response capabilities.
How will the effectiveness of the research conducted under this contract be measured and evaluated over its multi-year duration?
Effectiveness measurement should involve predefined metrics tied to research progress, scientific validation, and potential translation to practical applications. Regular technical reviews, peer assessments, and progress reports against established milestones will be crucial. The ultimate measure of effectiveness will be the development of tangible solutions or knowledge that strengthens national health security.
What is the government's strategy to ensure continued competition and prevent vendor lock-in for subsequent phases or related research needs beyond this initial contract?
The government should maintain transparency and potentially break down future needs into smaller, competitively awarded contracts. Encouraging knowledge transfer and ensuring access to data generated will facilitate future competition. Periodic market research and engagement with the broader R&D community can identify alternative solutions and maintain a competitive landscape.
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: 23-BARDA-SOL-BAN_2
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 BROADWAY, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02142
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $138,081,741
Exercised Options: $138,081,741
Current Obligation: $138,081,741
Actual Outlays: $2,716,308
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-10
Current End Date: 2031-09-30
Potential End Date: 2031-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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