NIH Awards Wake Forest University $4.7M for Atherosclerosis Research Over 5 Years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,736,827 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-11-15

End Date: 2026-11-14

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY - FIELD CENTER - TASK ORDER 01, TASK AREA A

Place of Performance

Location: WINSTON SALEM, FORSYTH County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27157

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.7 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES for work described as: THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY - FIELD CENTER - TASK ORDER 01, TASK AREA A Key points: 1. This contract supports critical research into atherosclerosis, a major public health concern. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing program needs. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically in life sciences, aligning with NIH's mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research grants where the primary goal is knowledge generation rather than profit. The award amount of $4.7M over five years appears reasonable for a large-scale epidemiological study.

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 the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for vital medical research that could lead to significant public health benefits and cost savings in the long term.

Public Impact

Supports research into a leading cause of heart disease, potentially improving public health outcomes. The funding will enable long-term data collection and analysis for the ARIC study. Advances scientific understanding of atherosclerosis, benefiting medical professionals and patients. The award contributes to the scientific infrastructure in North Carolina.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
Reliance on specific research personnel and facilities.

Positive Signals

Supports a well-established and important research study.
Full and open competition ensures fair market pricing.
Long-term funding provides stability for research continuity.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a major funder of such research, with significant annual spending in this area to advance medical knowledge and public health.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this award was made to Wake Forest University, a large research institution. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation in this particular task order, but larger research grants often involve subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under a larger contract, this award is subject to the oversight mechanisms of the parent contract. The NIH is responsible for monitoring the progress and financial stewardship of the research conducted.

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 duration of research projects can lead to scope creep.
Potential for reliance on key personnel who may leave the project.
Changes in scientific understanding or technology could impact study relevance.
Ensuring robust data integrity and security over a five-year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.7 million to WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES. THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY - FIELD CENTER - TASK ORDER 01, TASK AREA A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES.

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 $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-11-15. End: 2026-11-14.

What is the historical performance of Wake Forest University in managing NIH research grants of similar scope and value?

Assessing Wake Forest University's track record with previous NIH grants is crucial. Reviewing their past performance regarding timely reporting, adherence to budget, scientific output, and any audit findings can provide insight into their capability to effectively manage this $4.7M award. This historical data helps gauge the reliability and efficiency of the awardee in executing complex research projects.

Are there any emerging technologies or methodologies that could significantly alter the approach or cost-effectiveness of the ARIC study during its five-year duration?

The field of atherosclerosis research is dynamic. Emerging technologies in imaging, genetics, or data analytics could offer more efficient or insightful research methods. Evaluating if the current contract allows for adaptation to these advancements, or if new funding might be required, is important. Unforeseen technological shifts could impact the study's effectiveness or necessitate budget adjustments.

How will the findings from this ARIC study task order be disseminated and translated into actionable public health recommendations or clinical practice guidelines?

The ultimate value of this research lies in its impact. Understanding the plan for disseminating findings through publications, conferences, and direct engagement with public health bodies and clinicians is key. A clear pathway for translating research outcomes into practical applications ensures that taxpayer investment leads to tangible improvements in preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

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 NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: MEDICAL CENTER BLVD, WINSTON SALEM, NC, 27157

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,714,844

Exercised Options: $4,736,827

Current Obligation: $4,736,827

Actual Outlays: $2,549,984

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92022D00005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline