Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. Awarded $173M for Next-Gen Vaccine Trials by NIH

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $173,281,267 ($173.3M)

Contractor: Leidos Biomedical Research Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-06-01

End Date: 2028-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $94.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER SUPPORTS NIAIDS GOAL TO CONDUCT A SERIES OF STANDARDIZED PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 TRIALS ON NEXT-GENERATION VACCINES TO GENERATE DATA TO INFORM DECISIONS ON WHICH CANDIDATES TO SUPPORT FOR ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $173.3 million to LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER SUPPORTS NIAIDS GOAL TO CONDUCT A SERIES OF STANDARDIZED PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 TRIALS ON NEXT-GENERATION VACCINES TO GENERATE DATA TO INFORM DECISIONS ON WHICH CANDIDATES TO SUPPORT FOR ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT. Key points: 1. Contract supports NIH's goal to advance vaccine development through standardized trials. 2. Focus on Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials for next-generation vaccines. 3. Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. is the awardee. 4. Spending is allocated for research and development in life sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which is common for R&D projects where costs can be uncertain. The total award amount of $173M over five years suggests a significant investment in vaccine research.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical vaccine research.

Public Impact

Advancement of public health through development of new vaccines. Potential for improved disease prevention and control strategies. Supports scientific innovation in biotechnology and life sciences. Economic impact through research funding and job creation in Maryland.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Supports critical public health initiative (vaccine development).
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically supporting vaccine trials. The award amount is substantial for R&D, reflecting the complexity and importance of the work.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific task order, as it was awarded to Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. The task order structure allows for specific project management and accountability.

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 in complex R&D.
Uncertainty in vaccine trial outcomes.
Dependence on a single large contractor (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.).
Long project timeline introduces potential for shifting research priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $173.3 million to LEIDOS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER SUPPORTS NIAIDS GOAL TO CONDUCT A SERIES OF STANDARDIZED PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 TRIALS ON NEXT-GENERATION VACCINES TO GENERATE DATA TO INFORM DECISIONS ON WHICH CANDIDATES TO SUPPORT FOR ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT.

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 $173.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-01. End: 2028-05-31.

What is the specific breakdown of Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 trial funding within this task order?

The provided data does not specify the exact allocation of funds between Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. This level of detail would typically be found in the detailed statement of work or budget breakdown within the contract documentation. Understanding this split is crucial for assessing the project's progression through the vaccine development pipeline.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the success of these vaccine trials?

Key performance indicators for these trials would likely focus on the scientific and clinical outcomes, such as vaccine efficacy, safety profiles, immunogenicity, and the generation of robust data to inform future development decisions. The contract's success hinges on meeting these scientific benchmarks and advancing promising vaccine candidates.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks for both the government and the contractor in this R&D context?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows the government to reimburse the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This mitigates risk for the contractor by ensuring profit regardless of cost overruns, while the government benefits from a fixed profit ceiling. It's suitable for R&D where scope and costs can be less predictable.

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: $173,281,267

Exercised Options: $173,281,267

Current Obligation: $173,281,267

Actual Outlays: $20,258,689

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