NIH funds $1.1M for triple-negative breast cancer vaccine research at the University of Oklahoma
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,107,542 ($1.1M)
Contractor: University of Oklahoma
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2021-09-16
End Date: 2025-11-15
Contract Duration: 1,521 days
Daily Burn Rate: $728/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PREVENT CANCER PRECLINICAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - A NOVEL MULTI-ANTIGEN VACCINE (TNBCVAX) TO PREVENT TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73104
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $1.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA for work described as: PREVENT CANCER PRECLINICAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - A NOVEL MULTI-ANTIGEN VACCINE (TNBCVAX) TO PREVENT TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for novel multi-antigen vaccine development targeting triple-negative breast cancer. 2. Research focuses on preclinical drug development, a critical early stage in pharmaceutical innovation. 3. The award represents a significant investment in a specific area of cancer research. 4. Performance period spans over three years, indicating a sustained commitment to the project. 5. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery contract, suggesting potential for future funding. 6. Funding supports a specific research and development category: Biotechnology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $1.1 million for preclinical drug development is within a reasonable range for such specialized research. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for early-stage cancer vaccine research suggests this award is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it may limit flexibility if research needs change significantly. The value appears appropriate for the scope of work outlined in the preclinical drug development program.
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. This competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government selects the most advantageous offer. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of award suggests a robust competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the chances of securing the best value for taxpayer dollars by encouraging a wide range of innovative proposals and competitive pricing.
Public Impact
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer stand to benefit from the development of a novel preventative vaccine. The research aims to advance the preclinical understanding and development of a new therapeutic option. The geographic impact is primarily within Oklahoma, where the University of Oklahoma is located. The project supports scientific workforce development in biotechnology and cancer research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for research delays if preclinical milestones are not met.
- The success of preclinical development does not guarantee eventual FDA approval or market viability.
- Reliance on a single delivery order may limit long-term strategic planning for the research program.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a critical unmet medical need (triple-negative breast cancer prevention).
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong proposal and potential for innovation.
- Clear performance period and fixed-price contract provide defined expectations and cost control.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) sector, a rapidly evolving field focused on leveraging biological systems for therapeutic and diagnostic advancements. The market for cancer therapeutics, particularly for aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer, is substantial and highly competitive. NIH funding plays a crucial role in de-risking early-stage research, enabling academic institutions to pursue innovative projects that may eventually lead to commercial products. Comparable spending benchmarks in R&D for oncology are vast, but this specific award is focused on a niche, early-stage development.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside. The primary awardee is the University of Oklahoma, an academic institution. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses, but the nature of preclinical research may involve specialized services that could potentially be sourced from small businesses in the biotech ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The contract is a delivery order, implying that specific deliverables and milestones will be monitored. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps in financial oversight. Further oversight would typically involve programmatic reviews by NIH scientific staff and potentially audits by the HHS Office of Inspector General if warranted.
Related Government Programs
- National Institutes of Health Research Grants
- Biotechnology Research and Development Programs
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Initiatives
- National Cancer Institute Funding
Risk Flags
- Preclinical stage research carries inherent scientific uncertainty.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring sustained oversight.
- Success is not guaranteed, and further funding may be needed for clinical trials.
Tags
research-and-development, biotechnology, cancer-research, vaccine-development, preclinical-studies, department-of-health-and-human-services, national-institutes-of-health, university-of-oklahoma, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, oklahoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. PREVENT CANCER PRECLINICAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - A NOVEL MULTI-ANTIGEN VACCINE (TNBCVAX) TO PREVENT TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA.
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 $1.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-16. End: 2025-11-15.
What is the specific scientific approach of the TNBVAX vaccine?
The provided data does not detail the specific scientific approach of the TNBVAX vaccine. However, the description 'novel multi-antigen vaccine' suggests that it aims to elicit an immune response against multiple targets (antigens) present on triple-negative breast cancer cells. This strategy is often employed to broaden the immune response and potentially overcome tumor heterogeneity or resistance mechanisms. Further details would typically be found in the research proposal or scientific publications associated with the project, which are not included in the contract data. The focus on preclinical development indicates that the vaccine is in the early stages of testing, likely involving laboratory and animal studies to assess safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy before human trials can be considered.
How does this contract's value compare to other NIH grants for similar research?
The contract value of approximately $1.1 million for preclinical drug development is a moderate award for NIH-funded research. NIH grants for early-stage cancer research can vary significantly, ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars over multiple years, depending on the scope, phase of research, and specific institute. For preclinical vaccine development, this amount is generally considered reasonable for a focused project aiming to achieve specific milestones. It allows for necessary laboratory work, animal studies, and personnel costs. However, without knowing the exact deliverables and duration beyond the end date, a precise comparison is difficult. It is not an exceptionally large award, suggesting a focused scope, nor is it so small as to raise immediate concerns about feasibility.
What are the key risks associated with this preclinical drug development contract?
The primary risks associated with this preclinical drug development contract are inherent to the nature of early-stage research. Firstly, there is a significant scientific risk: the vaccine may not prove to be safe or effective in preclinical models, failing to meet its intended objectives. Secondly, there is a timeline risk; preclinical studies can encounter unforeseen delays due to experimental challenges, equipment issues, or the need for protocol adjustments. Thirdly, there is a financial risk, although mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure; if the project scope needs to expand significantly beyond initial projections to achieve success, additional funding may be required. Finally, there is a regulatory risk, as even successful preclinical data must meet stringent requirements for progression to clinical trials.
What is the expected impact of this research on the prevention of triple-negative breast cancer?
The expected impact of this research, if successful, is the development of a novel preventative vaccine for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is an aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks the common targets (estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2) found in other types, making it harder to treat and often associated with poorer prognoses. A preventative vaccine could significantly reduce the incidence of TNBC by priming the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells before they develop or become established. This preclinical program aims to lay the groundwork for such a vaccine, moving it closer to potential clinical application. The ultimate impact hinges on the successful translation of these early findings into a safe and effective vaccine for human use.
How has the University of Oklahoma fared in securing NIH funding for R&D in the past?
The provided data does not include historical NIH funding information specifically for the University of Oklahoma. However, as a major research institution, the University of Oklahoma likely has a track record of securing various research grants, including from the NIH, across different scientific disciplines. To assess their past performance with NIH funding, one would typically need to consult databases like NIH RePORTER or Grants.gov, which track federal awards. The fact that they were awarded this contract through full and open competition suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and research capabilities to be competitive for federal R&D funding in areas like biotechnology and cancer research.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 865 RESEARCH PKWY STE 530, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73104
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,107,542
Exercised Options: $1,107,542
Current Obligation: $1,107,542
Actual Outlays: $1,107,542
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $997,037
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N91019D00020
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-16
Current End Date: 2025-11-15
Potential End Date: 2025-11-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
More Contracts from University of Oklahoma
- Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (geocarb) Mission Nasa HAS Selected a First-Of-Its-Kind Earth Science Mission That Will Extend OUR Nation's Lead in Measuring KEY Greenhouse Gases and Vegetation Health From Space to Advance OUR Understanding of Earth's Natural Exchanges of Carbon Between the Land, Atmosphere and Ocean. the Principal Investigator (pi)-Led Mission Will Launch on a Commercial Communications Satellite to Make Observations Over the Americas From an Orbit of Approximately 22,000 Miles (35,400 Kilometers) Above the Equator. the Mission WAS Competitively Selected From 15 Proposals Submitted to the Agency's Second Earth Venture - Mission Announcement of Opportunity for Small Orbital Investigations of the Earth System. the Primary Goals of the Geocarb Mission ARE to Monitor Plant Health and Vegetation Stress Throughout the Americas, to Probe, in Unprecedented Detail, the Natural Sources, Sinks and Exchange Processes That Control Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Methane in the Atmosphere, and to Provide Observations and Demonstrate Methods to Realize a Transformational Advance in the Scientific Understanding of the Global Carbon Cycle. the Geocarb Mission, a Category 3 Mission (PER NPR 7120.5E, Nasa Space Flight Program and Project Management Requirements) With a Class D Payload (PER NPR 8705.4, Risk Classification for Nasa Payloads), IS a Science Investigation With the Primary Objective of Significantly Improving Knowledge of Terrestrial Fluxes of CO2 and CH4 AT Science- and Policy-Relevant Scales. the Geocarb Mission Utilizes a Multi-Channel Slit-Scan Spectrometer Based Instrument That Will Measure Absorption Spectra in Sunlight Reflected From the Ground to Infer the Atmosphere-Column Concentrations of CO2, CH4, and Carbon Monoxide (CO). the Instrument Will Also Measure Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), Which Provides Direct Information About Photosynthesis. the Contractor and ITS Team Members Will Perform the Full Nasa Life Cycle Formulation and Implementation Phases a Through F. the Geocarb Proposal WAS Selected Under the Nasa Announcement of Opportunity Nnh15zda011o for the Earth Venture Mission - 2 Element of the Earth System Science Pathfinder Program Offices Earth Venture Line — $173.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Strong Heart Study (SHS)- Coordinating Center (CC)- Task Order 001 — $14.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Large Scale Antibody and T Cell Epitope Discovery Program — $10.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Strong Heart Study (SHS)- Field Center (FC)- Task Order 001 — $5.3M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- TO Title: a Novel Mrna Vaccine to Prevent Triple Negative Breast Cancer Idiq Title: Prevent Cancer Preclinical Drug Development Program: Preclinical Efficacy and Intermediate Endpoint Biomarkers — $764.9K (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →