Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. awarded $121.5M for R&D by HHS/NIH
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $121,524,563 ($121.5M)
Contractor: Leidos Biomedical Research Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-08-31
End Date: 2024-08-30
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $83.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NIAID VRC
Place of Performance
Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $121.5 million to LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: NIAID VRC Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single large business, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. 2. Significant R&D spending in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 3. Contract duration of 1460 days suggests a long-term project. 4. No small business participation indicated.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work.
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, the specific awardee is Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., a large entity, and the impact on price discovery for this specific award is not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for research and development, with the ultimate benefit depending on the success and applicability of the research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development efforts within the National Institutes of Health. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Funding allocated to a single large contractor may limit broader economic impact for smaller entities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables and their impact.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports significant government research objectives.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research continuity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be highly variable and difficult to benchmark due to the specialized nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This suggests that the scope of work may have been better suited for larger organizations, or that outreach to small businesses was insufficient.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through contract officers and technical monitors. Accountability for deliverables and cost management rests with Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. and the contracting agency.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Lack of small business involvement.
- Limited insight into specific R&D deliverables and their impact.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to rapidly changing research landscapes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $121.5 million to LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC. NIAID VRC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC.
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 $121.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-31. End: 2024-08-30.
What specific research objectives does this $121.5M contract aim to achieve, and how will their success be measured?
The contract supports R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Success metrics would likely involve achieving specific research milestones, publishing findings, or developing prototypes, as defined in the contract's statement of work. The NIH would monitor progress against these defined objectives to ensure value for taxpayer investment.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight. The NIH would likely employ detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and performance reviews to ensure Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. adheres to the budget. Fixed fee components incentivize completion, but careful monitoring of allowable costs is paramount.
How does this contract contribute to the broader scientific community and potential future innovations beyond the immediate research goals?
The R&D funded by this contract has the potential to yield significant scientific advancements. Dissemination of findings through publications and conferences, as well as potential spin-off technologies, can benefit the wider scientific community and spur further innovation, though the extent of this impact is not immediately quantifiable.
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
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1050 BOYLES ST, FREDERICK, MD, 21702
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $125,780,282
Exercised Options: $125,780,282
Current Obligation: $121,524,563
Actual Outlays: $94,619,096
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 42
Total Subaward Amount: $5,702,994
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N91019D00024
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-31
Current End Date: 2024-08-30
Potential End Date: 2024-08-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-08-16
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