NIH Awards $28.2M to Boston University for Framingham Heart Study Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,229,500 ($28.2M)

Contractor: Trustees of Boston University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-04-01

End Date: 2025-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY TASK ORDER 1 - BASE PERIOD

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02118

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $28.2 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY TASK ORDER 1 - BASE PERIOD Key points: 1. Significant funding for a long-standing, influential public health research project. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences, is a key area of federal investment. 4. Long contract duration (2019-2025) suggests a sustained need for the study's continuation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $28.2 million over approximately six years represents a substantial investment. Without comparable contracts for similar large-scale, longitudinal health studies, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests costs are reimbursed, making oversight crucial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits opportunities for price discovery through competitive bidding and may result in higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract. The justification for a sole-source award would be critical to understanding this decision.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible price for these research services, potentially leading to less efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

The Framingham Heart Study is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease research, providing invaluable data for public health policy. Continued funding ensures the long-term tracking of health trends and the identification of risk factors. The study's findings have directly influenced medical guidelines and public health campaigns worldwide. Potential for future discoveries in understanding heart health and aging. The sole-source nature of this award could set a precedent for future research funding decisions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-plus contract type (implied by 'COST NO FEE')
Long contract duration without clear performance metrics

Positive Signals

Critical public health research
Established, reputable research institution
Long-term data collection benefits scientific understanding

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Federal spending in this area is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and public health. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, longitudinal health studies are scarce due to their unique nature, but significant investment is typical.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is Trustees of Boston University, a large academic institution, not a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors in this specific task order. Federal R&D funding often flows to larger institutions with established research infrastructure.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type necessitates robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. The long duration of the award requires continuous monitoring of progress and adherence to research protocols to ensure accountability for taxpayer funds.

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

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost inefficiencies due to sole-source award
Need for strong oversight on cost-reimbursement contract
Long contract duration requires sustained monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $28.2 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY TASK ORDER 1 - BASE PERIOD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.

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 $28.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-04-01. End: 2025-01-31.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one responsible source can provide the required services, or in cases of urgent need. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if the government secured the best value and if taxpayer funds were used efficiently. Exploring alternative competitive strategies, even for specialized research, is standard practice.

How are the costs under this 'COST NO FEE' contract being monitored to ensure they are reasonable and necessary for the research objectives?

Under a 'COST NO FEE' contract, the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. Robust oversight mechanisms are essential, including regular audits, review of financial reports, and verification that expenditures directly support the Framingham Heart Study's objectives. The National Institutes of Health must have stringent financial controls and performance monitoring in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables for this long-term research contract, and how is progress being measured?

For a multi-year research endeavor like the Framingham Heart Study, clearly defined KPIs and deliverables are crucial for measuring progress and ensuring the contract's effectiveness. These might include data collection milestones, publication targets, or specific research findings. The NIH's oversight should involve regular reviews against these metrics to confirm the study remains on track and is yielding valuable scientific insights as intended.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 75N92018R0008

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 85 E NEWTON ST M-921, BOSTON, MA, 02118

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,229,500

Exercised Options: $28,229,500

Current Obligation: $28,229,500

Actual Outlays: $17,498,298

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $732,057

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92019D00031

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline