NIH awards $1.1M for lung cancer research, focusing on STAT3 targeting in COPD patients

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,097,981 ($1.1M)

Contractor: THE Univeristy of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2026-06-14

Contract Duration: 1,368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $803/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TARGETING STAT3 TO PREVENT NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC) IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Place of Performance

Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77030

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $1.1 million to THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER for work described as: TARGETING STAT3 TO PREVENT NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC) IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) Key points: 1. Research focuses on a critical pathway (STAT3) for a prevalent cancer type (NSCLC) in a high-risk patient group (COPD). 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery contract, suggesting potential for follow-on work. 3. The award is a firm-fixed-price type, which shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The research is geographically concentrated in Texas, potentially limiting broader regional economic impact. 5. The contract duration of over three years indicates a substantial research effort. 6. The awardee, a major cancer center, suggests strong technical capability for this specialized research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $1,097,981 for a research and development project in biotechnology appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for lung cancer research indicates that this funding level is within the typical range for multi-year, complex studies. The firm-fixed-price contract structure suggests that the pricing was assessed to be fair and reasonable at the time of award, with the contractor bearing the risk of cost overruns.

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 is designed to ensure that the government receives the best value by fostering a range of technical approaches and pricing structures. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more competitive pricing for taxpayers, as it encourages a wider pool of contractors to vie for the award, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of research outcomes.

Public Impact

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at risk of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are the primary beneficiaries of this research. The research aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies by targeting the STAT3 pathway, potentially leading to new treatments or preventative measures. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, where the research will be conducted by the awardee. The project supports specialized scientific and medical workforce within the research institution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if research findings necessitate significant adjustments to the original plan.
Reliance on a single awardee for this specific research may limit alternative approaches if the current one proves unsuccessful.
Long-term funding dependency for continued research beyond the current award period.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical unmet medical need in cancer prevention and treatment.
Award to a reputable research institution with demonstrated expertise in the field.
Firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Clear research objectives focused on a specific biological pathway (STAT3).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) sector, a rapidly growing area within the broader healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. The market for cancer research and development is substantial, driven by increasing cancer incidence and advancements in molecular biology. This specific contract addresses a niche but significant area: the intersection of COPD and lung cancer, aiming to leverage targeted therapies. Comparable spending benchmarks in R&D for complex diseases often involve multi-million dollar awards over several years, making this award size consistent with industry norms for such research.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The awardee is a large research institution. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, focusing primarily on the capabilities of established research entities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. Standard NIH grant and contract oversight mechanisms, including progress reports, financial reviews, and adherence to research protocols, will be applied. Transparency is maintained through public databases like USAspending.gov. The specific Inspector General for HHS would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Cancer Institute (NCI) research grants
NIH Research and Development Contracts
Biotechnology Research and Development
Lung Cancer Research Programs
COPD Treatment and Prevention Studies

Risk Flags

Research and Development Risk
Long-term Project Duration
Scientific Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.1 million to THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER. TARGETING STAT3 TO PREVENT NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC) IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON 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 $1.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2026-06-14.

What is the track record of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in receiving and managing federal research grants, particularly in oncology?

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is a globally recognized leader in cancer research, treatment, and education. It consistently ranks among the top cancer centers in the United States and has a long history of securing substantial federal funding, primarily from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their track record includes numerous successful grants and contracts for a wide array of cancer types and research areas, including lung cancer and translational research. M.D. Anderson has demonstrated capabilities in managing complex, multi-year research projects, adhering to rigorous scientific and financial oversight requirements, and producing high-impact research findings. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capacity to effectively execute the current contract for targeting STAT3 in NSCLC patients with COPD.

How does the awarded amount of approximately $1.1 million compare to other federal research grants for similar lung cancer or COPD-related studies?

The awarded amount of $1,097,981 over a period of approximately 3.75 years (September 2022 to June 2026) is within the typical range for significant, multi-year research projects funded by the NIH. While grant sizes vary widely based on scope, methodology, and duration, studies focusing on specific molecular pathways (like STAT3) in complex patient populations (COPD patients with NSCLC) often receive substantial funding. For instance, NIH R01 grants, a common mechanism for independent research, can range from several hundred thousand to over a million dollars annually. This award appears to be a comprehensive funding package for a focused research initiative, aligning with funding levels for similar high-priority research areas within the National Cancer Institute and other relevant NIH institutes.

What are the primary risks associated with this research contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this research contract include scientific risk (the STAT3 targeting approach may not yield the desired preventative or therapeutic effects), execution risk (challenges in patient recruitment, data collection, or adherence to protocols), and potential for cost overruns, although mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure. Scientific risk is inherent in R&D and is managed through rigorous peer review of the research proposal and ongoing monitoring of progress. Execution risk is addressed by awarding the contract to a highly reputable institution (M.D. Anderson) with proven research infrastructure and expertise. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract places the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, incentivizing efficient project management.

What is the expected impact of this research on the treatment or prevention of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in patients with COPD?

The expected impact of this research is to advance the understanding of how the STAT3 signaling pathway contributes to the development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) specifically in patients who also suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD patients have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer, and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms unique to this comorbidity is crucial. By investigating STAT3, a known oncogenic pathway, this project aims to identify potential therapeutic targets or preventative strategies that could be tailored to this high-risk population. Successful outcomes could lead to the development of novel drugs or treatment protocols that specifically address the heightened cancer risk in COPD patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How has federal spending in lung cancer research, particularly concerning comorbidities like COPD, evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending in lung cancer research, including areas that address comorbidities like COPD, has seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by advancements in molecular biology, immunotherapy, and a greater focus on personalized medicine. Agencies like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have prioritized research into high-risk populations and the underlying biological mechanisms that drive cancer development in these groups. While specific figures for COPD-lung cancer comorbidity research are not always isolated, overall lung cancer research funding has grown, reflecting its status as a leading cause of cancer death. There's an increasing emphasis on translational research – moving discoveries from the lab to the clinic – and on understanding the tumor microenvironment and host factors, which directly relates to studying the impact of conditions like COPD on cancer progression. This contract aligns with that trend of focused, mechanism-based research in high-risk patient groups.

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

Solicitation ID: TORFP 2022 E-09

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD UNIT 207, HOUSTON, TX, 77030

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Hospital, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,097,981

Exercised Options: $1,097,981

Current Obligation: $1,097,981

Actual Outlays: $1,048,795

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N91019D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline