CDC awards $8.2M for Tuberculosis Trials and Consortium Services to Case Western Reserve University

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,235,973 ($8.2M)

Contractor: Case Western Reserve University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TUBERCULOSIS TRIALS AND CONSORTIUM SERVICES

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $8.2 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY for work described as: TUBERCULOSIS TRIALS AND CONSORTIUM SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in TB research and development. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of 2190 days indicates a long-term commitment to the research objectives. 4. Research and Development in Biotechnology is a critical sector for public health advancements. 5. The definitive contract type suggests a well-defined scope of work for the research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.2 million over approximately six years for tuberculosis trials and consortium services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts in biotechnology, particularly those involving clinical trials and consortium management, would provide a more precise assessment. However, the absence of specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns in the provided data makes a definitive value-for-money judgment challenging. The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type implies that the contractor assumes the financial risk, which can be a positive indicator for the government if the research is successful.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 22 bids suggests a competitive environment for this research and development service. A high number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions for the government. This level of competition is a positive sign for ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract suggests that the government received competitive pricing and a range of technical approaches, maximizing the value of taxpayer investment in critical tuberculosis research.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are public health organizations and the scientific community, who will gain valuable insights into tuberculosis prevention, treatment, and eradication. The services delivered will include the management and execution of clinical trials and the coordination of research consortiums focused on tuberculosis. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting research efforts across the United States, with potential international implications for global health. Workforce implications include the employment of researchers, clinicians, project managers, and support staff involved in the trials and consortium activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant duration could pose risks if performance falters.
The complexity of clinical trials necessitates robust quality control and oversight to ensure data integrity.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a strong pool of qualified bidders.
The definitive contract type suggests a clear understanding of the research objectives and deliverables.
The long contract duration allows for sustained focus and development in a critical research area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Biotechnology Research and Development sector, a vital area for advancing medical science and public health. The market for such specialized research services is characterized by a high degree of technical expertise and regulatory compliance. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments in clinical trials, drug discovery, and disease research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) frequently awards contracts in this domain to support its mission of preventing disease and promoting health.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Given the nature of large-scale R&D and consortium services, it is possible that subcontracting opportunities may arise for specialized services. However, without further information on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. The primary contractor, Case Western Reserve University, is an academic institution, which may have its own internal processes for engaging with small businesses for specific research needs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contract's definitive nature and long duration suggest that regular performance reviews and milestone assessments would be in place. Transparency would be facilitated through reporting requirements and potentially public dissemination of research findings, subject to appropriate data privacy and intellectual property considerations. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Grants
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Contracts
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Funding
Department of Defense (DoD) Medical Research Programs

Risk Flags

Long-term R&D contract duration
Potential for scientific obsolescence
Contractor performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $8.2 million to CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY. TUBERCULOSIS TRIALS AND CONSORTIUM SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of Case Western Reserve University in managing large-scale federal research contracts, particularly in infectious diseases?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) has a strong track record in research and development, with significant federal funding across various disciplines, including biomedical sciences. While specific details on their management of large-scale federal contracts for tuberculosis trials and consortium services are not provided in this data snippet, CWRU consistently ranks among top universities for federal research expenditures. Their involvement in numerous NIH-funded projects and other government initiatives suggests a capacity for managing complex research endeavors. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like the CDC and NIH would reveal specific successes and challenges in managing similar projects, including their ability to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and produce high-quality research outcomes. Their established research infrastructure and experienced faculty are key assets in undertaking such critical public health research.

How does the awarded amount of $8.2 million compare to similar tuberculosis research contracts awarded by the CDC or other federal agencies?

The awarded amount of $8.2 million for tuberculosis trials and consortium services over approximately six years is a substantial investment, but its comparability depends heavily on the scope and complexity of the work. Large-scale clinical trials, especially those involving multiple sites, diverse patient populations, and extensive data analysis, can incur significant costs. Benchmarking this contract against other CDC or NIH-funded tuberculosis research initiatives would require examining contracts with similar objectives, such as multi-center clinical trials, development of new diagnostic tools, or vaccine research. Factors like the number of participants, the duration of follow-up, the specific research methodologies employed, and the required consortium management infrastructure all influence the total cost. Without access to a database of comparable contracts, it is difficult to definitively state whether $8.2 million represents a high, low, or average investment for this type of research.

What are the primary risks associated with a definitive contract of this duration (2190 days) for R&D services?

A definitive contract of 2190 days (approximately six years) for Research and Development (R&D) services, particularly in a dynamic field like tuberculosis research, carries several inherent risks. One primary risk is the potential for the research objectives or methodologies to become outdated or less relevant due to scientific advancements or shifts in public health priorities during the contract period. Another significant risk is contractor performance; if Case Western Reserve University encounters unforeseen scientific challenges, management issues, or fails to meet key milestones, the government may not achieve its desired research outcomes. Furthermore, the long duration increases the possibility of cost overruns if the initial cost estimates do not adequately account for inflation, unexpected research complexities, or changes in resource availability. Robust oversight, flexible contract modifications (if permissible), and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What are the implications of the 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type for this tuberculosis research project?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type for this tuberculosis research project means that the contractor, Case Western Reserve University, will be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but will not receive any additional fee or profit. This type of contract is typically used for research and development efforts where the extent or nature of the work cannot be precisely defined at the outset, and there is a significant risk of failure or uncertainty in achieving the desired outcomes. For the government, a CNF contract shifts the financial risk of non-performance or research failure primarily to the contractor, as they will not earn a profit if the project is unsuccessful. However, it also means the government is obligated to cover all legitimate costs, regardless of the ultimate success of the research. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively while focusing on achieving the research objectives.

How does the number of bids (22) inform the assessment of competition and potential value for taxpayers?

The submission of 22 bids for this contract, awarded under full and open competition, is a strong indicator of a healthy and competitive market for tuberculosis trials and consortium services. A large number of bidders suggests that multiple organizations possess the necessary expertise and capacity to undertake this complex research. This level of competition typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award, potentially leading to better value for taxpayer dollars. It also increases the likelihood that the government will select the most technically capable and cost-effective proposal. Furthermore, a competitive process can foster innovation, as bidders are motivated to present unique or superior approaches to meet the government's requirements. The high number of bids provides assurance that the government explored a wide range of options.

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: 75D301-20-R-67869

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10900 EUCLID AVE, CLEVELAND, OH, 44106

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,729,937

Exercised Options: $8,235,973

Current Obligation: $8,235,973

Actual Outlays: $5,728,944

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline