NIH awards $6.9M to University of Washington for cardiovascular health study operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,893,424 ($6.9M)

Contractor: University of Washington

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-11-01

End Date: 2025-01-15

Contract Duration: 1,536 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY (CHS)- CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98195

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $6.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY (CHS)- CORE STUDY OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price efficiencies. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period and a sole-source award. 4. Performance context is limited to core study operations for cardiovascular health. 5. Sector positioning is within Research and Development, specifically life sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.9 million over approximately five years for core study operations is difficult to benchmark without comparable sole-source awards for similar research. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government will reimburse allowable costs, which can sometimes lead to less price discipline compared to fixed-price contracts. Further analysis of the cost components and comparison to other NIH-funded research operations would be needed to provide a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances preclude full and open competition. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to solicit and evaluate offers from a broad range of potential providers, which could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the competitive pricing that could have been achieved through a broader solicitation process. The absence of competition means there was no direct pressure on pricing from alternative bidders.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers at the University of Washington and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The services delivered are core operational support for a cardiovascular health study. The geographic impact is primarily within Washington state, where the University of Washington is located. Workforce implications include employment for research staff and administrative personnel at the University of Washington.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Long contract duration may not reflect current market efficiencies.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

University of Washington is a reputable research institution.
Focus on cardiovascular health aligns with significant public health priorities.
Contract supports ongoing research efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The market for large-scale health studies is often characterized by a mix of academic institutions and specialized research organizations. NIH is a major funder in this space, with significant annual spending on biomedical and health-related research. Benchmarking this contract's value would require comparing it to other NIH grants and contracts awarded for similar large-scale epidemiological or clinical studies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the award to a large university, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed and would likely depend on the specific operational needs of the study. The primary focus is on the core research operations, which may not lend themselves to extensive small business subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be tied to the research progress and adherence to the terms of the 'COST NO FEE' award. Transparency is generally facilitated through NIH's public reporting of research grants and contracts, though specific operational details may be internal to the study.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Cardiovascular Disease Research Programs
Biomedical Research Operations Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-reimbursement contract type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $6.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY (CHS)- CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.

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 $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-11-01. End: 2025-01-15.

What is the track record of the University of Washington in managing large-scale NIH research contracts?

The University of Washington has a long-standing and strong track record of receiving and managing significant federal research funding, particularly from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a major research university, it consistently ranks among the top institutions for federal research and development expenditures. Its experience likely encompasses managing complex multi-year projects, adhering to strict regulatory and ethical guidelines, and reporting on scientific outcomes. Specific to cardiovascular health, the university has numerous research centers and faculty dedicated to this field, suggesting a deep institutional capacity and expertise in handling such studies. While this specific contract is sole-source, the university's broader history indicates a capability to execute large research operations effectively.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar cardiovascular health studies funded by the NIH?

Direct cost comparison is challenging due to the 'COST NO FEE' contract type and the sole-source nature of this award. Typically, NIH funds large studies through grants, which have different administrative structures and cost reporting than contracts. This contract is for 'CORE STUDY OPERATIONS,' implying it covers administrative, logistical, and potentially data management aspects rather than direct research personnel costs for scientific discovery. Without access to the detailed budget and the specific scope of 'core operations,' it's difficult to benchmark against other NIH-funded cardiovascular studies. However, the total award of $6.9 million over approximately five years suggests a substantial operational budget, consistent with the scale of major epidemiological or clinical research initiatives.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for cardiovascular health study operations?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract stem from the lack of competition and the 'COST NO FEE' award type. Firstly, the absence of competition means there's no market pressure to ensure the most cost-effective pricing for the services rendered. The University of Washington, while reputable, may not be offering the most economical solution available. Secondly, the 'COST NO FEE' structure, while common for research, can incentivize spending as the government reimburses allowable costs. This could lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and overseen. Thirdly, the long duration (over five years) increases the risk of scope creep, changes in research needs, or inefficiencies developing over time without the regular re-evaluation that competition provides. Finally, the sole-source nature limits the government's ability to pivot to a potentially better-suited or more innovative provider if circumstances change.

How effective is the University of Washington likely to be in executing the operational aspects of this cardiovascular health study?

The University of Washington is highly likely to be effective in executing the operational aspects of this cardiovascular health study. It is a leading research institution with extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex research projects, including those funded by the NIH. The university possesses established infrastructure, a deep pool of qualified research personnel, and proven administrative capabilities necessary for study operations. Its long history of successful research grants and contracts indicates a robust framework for project management, data handling, and compliance. Furthermore, the specific focus on cardiovascular health aligns with the institution's research strengths, suggesting that the principal investigators and operational teams will have relevant expertise and institutional support to ensure the study's operational success.

What are the historical spending patterns for cardiovascular health research operations at the NIH?

Historical spending patterns for cardiovascular health research operations at the NIH are substantial and multifaceted, reflecting the agency's commitment to addressing leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The NIH allocates billions of dollars annually towards cardiovascular research, encompassing basic science, clinical trials, epidemiology, and prevention studies. Funding is distributed through various institutes, primarily the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), but also others like the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Spending on 'operations' specifically, as distinct from direct research personnel or equipment, typically supports data management, participant recruitment and retention, site coordination, statistical analysis, and administrative overhead for large cohort studies or clinical trials. These operational components are critical for the integrity and success of major research endeavors and represent a significant portion of the overall research budget.

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

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,893,424

Exercised Options: $6,893,424

Current Obligation: $6,893,424

Actual Outlays: $5,603,235

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92021D00006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline