NIH Awards $34.6M for SEER Infrastructure Support to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $34,620,120 ($34.6M)
Contractor: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2018-05-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,921 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: COST SHARING
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER)
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98109
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $34.6 million to FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical cancer research infrastructure. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially competitive award process. 3. Long-term contract (8 years) suggests sustained need. 4. Focus on R&D aligns with agency mission.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $34.6M over 8 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for core infrastructure supporting a major research program like SEER. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research support contracts would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
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 indicator for price discovery and achieving a fair market price. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, fostering a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential research infrastructure, supporting advancements in cancer surveillance and epidemiology.
Public Impact
Supports critical cancer research infrastructure, potentially leading to advancements in public health. Long-term funding provides stability for research continuity. Investment in data infrastructure for surveillance and epidemiological studies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D contracts.
- Dependence on a single awardee for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a vital public health research program.
- Long contract duration indicates sustained need and potential for efficiency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with significant government investment aimed at addressing national priorities like public health.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further review would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Lack of explicit small business participation.
- Dependence on a single entity for critical infrastructure.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, wa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $34.6 million to FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER. IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $34.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how is performance being measured?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on the reliability, availability, and security of the SEER infrastructure, as well as the timeliness and accuracy of data support. Performance is typically measured through regular reporting, system uptime metrics, and adherence to service level agreements. The specific KPIs should be detailed within the contract's statement of work.
What is the risk of vendor lock-in or dependency given the long-term nature of this contract?
A long-term contract inherently carries a risk of vendor lock-in. To mitigate this, the contract should include provisions for regular performance reviews, clear exit strategies, and potentially periodic re-competition or market research. The government should ensure that the vendor remains competitive and that switching costs are manageable if necessary.
How does the cost-sharing aspect (PT: COST SHARING) impact the overall value and effectiveness of the award?
Cost-sharing implies that the awardee (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center) is contributing a portion of the project costs. This can enhance the value by demonstrating commitment and potentially leveraging external resources. It can also improve effectiveness by aligning incentives and ensuring the awardee has a vested interest in the project's success and efficient resource utilization.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N01PC6500374
Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1100 FAIRVIEW AVE N, SEATTLE, WA, 98109
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,843,609
Exercised Options: $34,620,120
Current Obligation: $34,620,120
Actual Outlays: $18,239,350
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $61,236
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N91018D00004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2028-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-27
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