HHS CDC Awards $11.7M Contract for FXS Research to Chickasaw Aerospace

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,705,302 ($11.7M)

Contractor: Chickasaw Aerospace, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-09-24

End Date: 2026-09-23

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: STUDY TO EXPLORE EARLY DEVELOPMENT (SEED) FOLLOW-UP AND FXS RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30345

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.7 million to CHICKASAW AEROSPACE, LLC for work described as: STUDY TO EXPLORE EARLY DEVELOPMENT (SEED) FOLLOW-UP AND FXS RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract awarded for crucial FXS research, potentially impacting public health. 2. Chickasaw Aerospace, LLC, a single awardee, faces no direct competition for this specific task. 3. Risk assessment needed for long-term research continuity and potential cost overruns. 4. Engineering services sector, with a focus on health research support.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.7 million over five years for specialized research services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar research and development contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition approach. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for critical research, with the potential for significant public health benefits justifying the investment.

Public Impact

Advancement of scientific understanding of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Potential for new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies. Support for ongoing public health initiatives by the CDC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
Long-term research funding dependency.
Potential for scope creep in research projects.

Positive Signals

Addresses a significant public health research need.
Award to a single, specialized contractor ensures focused expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting health research. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized R&D contracts can vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses is not provided in the data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to ensure the research objectives are met. Accountability for research outcomes and financial management rests with the awarded contractor and the agency.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Long-term contract duration
Lack of small business participation
Potential for research scope expansion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.7 million to CHICKASAW AEROSPACE, LLC. STUDY TO EXPLORE EARLY DEVELOPMENT (SEED) FOLLOW-UP AND FXS RESEARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHICKASAW AEROSPACE, LLC.

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 $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2026-09-23.

What is the specific scientific methodology and expected deliverables for this research, and how do they justify the $11.7 million investment?

The provided data lacks specifics on the scientific methodology and expected deliverables. A detailed research proposal and clear milestones would be necessary to fully assess the value and justify the $11.7 million investment. Understanding the potential impact of the research findings on FXS treatment or understanding is key to evaluating its worth.

What are the primary risks associated with a limited competition award for long-term research, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks of limited competition include potentially higher costs due to lack of price pressure and reduced innovation. Mitigation strategies could involve robust contract oversight, clearly defined performance metrics, and regular reviews to ensure the contractor remains efficient and effective throughout the research period.

How will the effectiveness of this research be measured, and what is the anticipated timeline for tangible public health outcomes?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the successful completion of research milestones, peer-reviewed publications, and the generation of data that advances the understanding of FXS. Tangible public health outcomes are typically long-term and depend on the research findings leading to new treatments or interventions, which could take many years.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75D301-21-R-71988

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 JOHN SAXON BLVD STE 2222, NORMAN, OK, 73071

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Government, HUBZone Firm, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,705,302

Exercised Options: $11,705,302

Current Obligation: $11,705,302

Actual Outlays: $9,062,911

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8108

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline