NIH Awards $14.6M to University of Oklahoma for Strong Heart Study Coordinating Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,630,880 ($14.6M)
Contractor: University of Oklahoma
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-02-15
End Date: 2027-02-14
Contract Duration: 2,921 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STRONG HEART STUDY (SHS)- COORDINATING CENTER (CC)- TASK ORDER 001
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73104
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA for work described as: STRONG HEART STUDY (SHS)- COORDINATING CENTER (CC)- TASK ORDER 001 Key points: 1. The contract supports the critical Strong Heart Study, a long-term research initiative. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award is for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. The duration of the contract extends over 8 years, indicating a significant, ongoing need.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, making direct pricing comparisons difficult. However, the cost-no-fee structure suggests the primary focus is on research execution rather than profit.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality through a robust bidding process.
Public Impact
Supports vital cardiovascular research for public health. Long-term funding ensures continuity for a significant scientific study. Potential for new discoveries in heart disease prevention and treatment. Research conducted in Oklahoma contributes to national health data.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Reliance on a single coordinating center could pose a risk if unforeseen issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Supports a well-established and important public health research study.
- Full and open competition suggests a fair and competitive award process.
- The award is for a critical research area with significant public health implications.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research field and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health, a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The long duration will require ongoing monitoring to ensure progress and fiscal responsibility.
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
- Reliance on a single coordinating center
- Potential for scope creep over an extended period
- Need for continuous scientific relevance monitoring
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ok, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. STRONG HEART STUDY (SHS)- COORDINATING CENTER (CC)- TASK ORDER 001
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 $14.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-02-15. End: 2027-02-14.
What is the overall value proposition of the Strong Heart Study and how does this contract contribute to its objectives?
The Strong Heart Study is a landmark epidemiological study investigating cardiovascular disease risk factors in American Indian populations. This contract, as the coordinating center, is essential for managing the study's data collection, analysis, and overall operations. Its value lies in enabling the continuation of critical research that informs public health strategies and interventions for a high-risk demographic, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this contract and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks of a long-duration contract include potential cost escalation due to inflation or scope creep, and the possibility of the research becoming outdated or misaligned with current scientific priorities. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by NIH, including regular performance reviews, clear milestones, and mechanisms for adapting the research plan as needed. The cost-no-fee structure also incentivizes efficient execution.
How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring the best value for this specific research coordination contract?
Full and open competition is generally effective in ensuring best value by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages high-quality proposals. For a complex research coordination center, this process allows multiple institutions to demonstrate their capabilities, infrastructure, and scientific merit. The agency can then select the offeror best positioned to meet the study's demanding requirements at a fair and reasonable price, maximizing the return on taxpayer investment.
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
Solicitation ID: HHSN26818HV00001R
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
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: $14,630,880
Exercised Options: $14,630,880
Current Obligation: $14,630,880
Actual Outlays: $5,908,401
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 33
Total Subaward Amount: $8,107,609
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N92019D00027
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-02-15
Current End Date: 2027-02-14
Potential End Date: 2027-02-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-30
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